April 3, 1868 Tsunami: Hawaii, United States

1868, April 3, 02:24 UTC. A destructive earthquake in Hawaii generated a tsunami that washed away 108 houses and drowned 47 people in Hawaii. The tsunami had its greatest intensity on the southeastern coast of Hawaii Island, approximately from Ka Lae Cape to Kealakomo. According to reports, the first wave on the coast of Kau and Puna districts had a height of 3-3.5 m above the usual tide line. Then the sea level fell at least 5.5 m below low tide. At least eight wave advances were observed.

Iida et al. (reference #79) and several subsequent catalogs give 81 fatalities, but this total includes victims of the earthquake and landslides. (reference #73)

(above from reference #236)

The earthquake gave rise to a tsunami, which had its greatest intensity on the southeastern coast of Hawaii Island, approximately from Ka Lae Cape to Kealakomo. According to reports, the first tidal wave on the coast of Kau and Puna districts had a height of 3-3 1/2 m (10-12 feet) above the usual high tide line. Then the sea level fell, at least 5 1/2 m (18 feet) below the low tide mark. Returning in an enormous tidal wave, the sea washed away a multitude (108) of homes on the coast, and 46 (according to other sources, 81) residents drowned. Flood and ebb tides were observed at least eight times. The flooding was markedly greater at some places than at others, and the impression was created that this was due to the propagation of waves in a southwestern direction, at an angle of 45 degrees to the coast. The level rose highest at the capes and the prominent parts of the coast, while the water penetrated furthest inland along lowlands where it encountered no obstacles (Reference #415).

Of the total deaths resulting from the catastrophic event (variously estimated at 77 (Brigham, 1869), 92 (Coan, 1869), or 81 (Bennett, 1869; Schmitt, 1969)) 46 resulted from the tsunami, all in Kau (Brigham, 1869; Coan, 1869; Schmitt, 1969). (reference #80)

A person just in from Kau, near Kahuku, brings the following authentic report of the killed and drowned : at Paliuka, 33 ; Makaka, 13 ; Punaluu, 4 ; at Honoapo, 27 ; Kamilo, 3 total 80. More probably will be found missing. The greatest consternation exists through the entire Kau district, and even here in the Kona district. But as the shocks have sensibly decreased, and the flows have begun, it is probable that the worst is over. The tidal wave referred to is stated by the natives to have been some ten or twelve feet above the usual height. Then it receded at least eighteen feet (three fathoms) below low water mark. The great return wave swept most of the houses from the beach and drowned many. The sea rose and fell eight different times. (reference #14357)