Pacific Tsunami Museum
Through education and awareness, we believe that no one should die due to a tsunami. The goals of the Museum are to promote public tsunami education and to preserve history. The Museum serves as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in past tsunami events. - PTS
Welcome to the Pacific Tsunami Museum, the museum in Hilo that explores the impact of 2 historic tsunamis on the region while also working to educate the public on tsunami safety tips.
This museum was first established in 1993, dedicated to the history of the April 1, 1946 Pacific Tsunami and May 23rd, 1960 Chilean Tsunami, which devasted much of the east coast of the Big Island, especially Hilo. Inside you will see exhibits representing scientific information on tsunamis in general, safety tips for surviving tsunamis, and a history of the aforementioned events that includes local survivor stories. The goal of the Pacific Tsunami Museum, or PTM for short, is to 'empower you to be tsunami-smart', something we think it does very well!
Some specific topics covered inside the museum include the following, plus many more. It should also be noted that field trips and group tours can include a presentation covering the science of tsunamis, the history of Hilo, and personal accounts.
- What is a Tsunami
- What Causes a Tsunami
- Tsunami Forecasting
- Tsunami Characteristics
- Tsunami Signs
- The Warning System
- Preparation ahead of Time
- Know Natures Warning Signs