December 1, 1860 Tsunami: Hawaii, United States

A sudden "swell" of the sea occurred early in the day in clear weather. An earthquake or underwater eruption was not observed. The source is not known. Soloviev and Go (1975) list it as originating in Hawaii, but Cox and Morgan (1977) believe a North Pacific source is more probable. (Reference #236)

A sudden tide wave occurred on Saturday week, along the coast of East Maui, lying between Kalului and Maliko, and extending farther on toward the Hana district, a distance along the shore of some twenty-five miles. This wave, of which there was but one on this occasion, resembled the same phenomenon which occurred in that district some twelve or fifteen years ago, and which consisted of several waves, following each other at short intervals. It took place during the night, and created some consternation among the natives. No serious damage was done, though two or three native huts at Maliko are reported as having been removed from their foundations, and a wharf or staging erected by the new sugar company at the same harbor was carried inland and left high and dry, when the water receded. These phenomena are no doubt caused by the volcano of Mauna Lao, which by a submarine eruption creates a disturbance in the sea, and a rush water in all directions. But it must be of an immense power, to cause a tidal wave ten or fifteen feet high on a shore at least fifty to eighty miles distant from the source of the commotion. Perhaps Madame Pele has been making a submarine rupture in her side, which, by creating more steam and pressure in her bowels than she can well bear, will cause another eruption like that of 1859, so high above water level that her admirers will have an opportunity to view ; the sight and wonder thereat. (reference #14352)