United States
Hawaii (HI)
Island of Hawaii
Hilo
Things to do in Hilo
Pacific Tsunami Museum

Pacific Tsunami Museum, Hilo: Hours, Address, Pacific Tsunami Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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Pacific Tsunami Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
Pacific Tsunami Museum
4.5
570
#10 of 74 things to do in Hilo
Speciality Museums
Tuesday
10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 16:00
Thursday
10:00 - 16:00
Friday
10:00 - 16:00
Saturday
10:00 - 16:00
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Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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Popular mentions
4.5
570 reviews
Excellent
235
Very good
258
Average
66
Poor
8
Terrible
3
JaneSwiss92
1 contribution
Very interesting place
Apr 2020 • Solo
I was 2017 in this museum and it was super interesting! Also i learned a lot what i have to do if a tsunami would happen. I recommend this museum to everyone!
Also the staff was super friendly to me. I was travelling alone and it was sometimes hard to feel comfortable but the staff at the museum made me feel very welcome. I would visit it again. I mean.. i was there in 2017 and i still think about that place.. so do i need to say more? :)
Written 11 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Turnkey56
Tacoma, WA849 contributions
Very Informative Museum about the Impact of a Tsunami
Feb 2020
This was an interesting museum about tsunami's and the stories about some of the most devistating ones that have impacted the islands and other areas around the world.
Written 28 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ira G
Rehovot282 contributions
Educational and Interesting lessons on Tsunamis
Feb 2020
The museum documents the 1946 Pacific tsunami and the 1960 Chilean tsunami, both of which devastated the Big Island East coast, especially Hilo.The museum provides educational material related to awareness of tsunamis, and gives first-hand recordings of tsunami survivors. There is a video that is worth watching. One hour or so is sufficient. Street parking is plentiful
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike H
Phoenix, AZ1,842 contributions
Worth The Stop
Jan 2020
We were getting hot and thought it would be nice to be inside for a while. This museum was in front of us so we went in. Now we know more about Tsunamis than we would have imagined.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IrvingBrown
Dartmouth, MA124 contributions
Pay Attention
Jan 2020
We dropped in 45 minutes before closing and thought that that would be enough. Wrong! There is so much to see and think about in the museum that we should have given ourselves twice as long. Tsunamis are complicated, and you need to consider them from many points of view: scientific, historical, even aesthetic. The museum features many stories of individuals who survived tsunamis, or didn't. Each one deserves attention. Keep your eyes on the water.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tdrsprod
Long Beach, Ca22 contributions
Very Informative!
Jan 2020
After viewing Tsunamis on You Tube we decided to visit the museum it's worth you time. It only takes about an hour. Make sure you watch the video.
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane D
Madison, WI144 contributions
good information on tsunamis
Feb 2019
This was a good museum to visit if you are interested in tsunamis. It can get crowded so go at opening time.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael B
Bellflower, CA18,370 contributions
If you would like more information about Tsunami's this is the place for you.
Feb 2019
The Pacific Tsunami Museum is located in the old Kamehameha Branch building, which was donated by the First Hawaiian Bank in downtown Hilo. It was opened in 1998 and dedicated to two major Tsunami that devastated The Big Island and especially Hilo, in 1946 and 1960. Unfortunately, we tried to visited it on a Monday, but it was closed, so were not able to go inside. Its normally opening times are Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm.

TIP: This is an interesting place to avoid the afternoon sun.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson758 contributions
Unique, located where it happened
Oct 2019
The museum is located on the facing the ocean in an area that was destroyed. The museum makes it personal with stories about people, homes and businesses in town that faced the tragedy. It goes beyond that to explain the science behind tsunamis, and the history of tsunamis around the world. Organized well so you can follow without feeling that you missed something or skipped a time period. One block from the Mokupapapa Discovery Center so you can do both in one day. Plenty of parking on the street.
Written 19 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bucketlisttravellers
Sydney, Australia3,514 contributions
Important reminder of Hilos ongoing dangers
Nov 2019 • Couples
We found this museum really fascinating. It illustrated Hilos past experiences with tsunamis, complete with stories of tragedies and survivors. It was scary to think that tsunamis are expected to hit Hilo every 35 years. It serves as an important reminder to be vigilant and heed warnings if they arise. Tickets were $8 for adults and cheaper for children and seniors.
Written 5 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pacific Tsunami Museum
Pacific Tsunami Museum is open:
  • Tue - Sat 10:00 - 16:00