Many Hawaiians have heeded official advice to leave coastal areas, after a powerful earthquake thousands of miles away near Russia prompted a tsunami warning in the US state and other parts of the Pacific.
By Tuesday evening, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that waves several feet high were being recorded on the islands of Maui, Oahu and Hawaii, where the capital Honolulu is.
"Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property," the centre urged, adding that the danger may persist for hours.
Governor Josh Green told people in low-lying areas to stay calm and move to higher ground, but later struck a hopeful tone, saying he had yet to see a "wave of consequence" in the state.
He noted that roads were getting busy as people evacuated their homes.
