Evacuation Guide

Hilo, Hawaii Evacuation Routes

Plan your escape with optimized routes and safe zones

Threat Assessment

Volcanic Eruption

Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes. 2018 eruption destroyed Leilani Estates. Mauna Loa's northeast rift threatens Hilo directly.

Tsunami

Hilo Bay amplifies tsunami waves. Devastated in 1946 and 1960. Hilo is the most tsunami-damaged city in the US.

Hurricane

Big Island vulnerable to Central Pacific hurricanes. Hurricane Iselle (2014) made direct landfall near Pahoa as a tropical storm.

Lava Flow

Multiple lava flow hazard zones surround Hilo. Mauna Loa flows reached within 4 miles of downtown in 1984. Kilauea flows destroyed Kalapana (1990) and Leilani Estates (2018).

Volcanic Gas

Sulfur dioxide and particulate matter (vog) from Kilauea. Can cause respiratory distress, especially during Kona wind conditions.

Evacuation Routes

HI-11 South to Volcano

primary

Southern route via HI-11 (Hawaii Belt Road) climbing from sea level to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at 4,000 ft. Moves to higher ground but toward active volcanic zone.

30 miles to Volcano Village45 min (normal), 1.5-2 hours (evacuation)

Route passes near Kilauea active volcanic zone

Check volcano activity before using - lava flows can cross HI-11

Tsunami

Hurricane

Flood

HI-19 North to Waimea

primary

Northern coastal route via HI-19 (Hawaii Belt Road) along the Hamakua Coast to Waimea (Kamuela). Scenic but winding.

55 miles to Waimea1.25 hours (normal), 2-4 hours (evacuation)

Hamakua Coast road is winding with steep gulches and bridges

Bridges may be damaged in earthquake - inspect before crossing

Tsunami

Volcanic Eruption

Lava Flow

Saddle Road (HI-200) to Kona Side

secondary

Cross-island route via Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway) between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Climbs to 6,600 ft before descending to Kona coast.

87 miles to Kailua-Kona1.75 hours (normal), 3-5 hours (evacuation)

High altitude (6,600 ft) - temperature drops significantly, fog common

Military training area (Pohakuloa) along the route - may be restricted

Tsunami

Hurricane

East Side Volcanic Activity

Bayfront to High Ground (Wailuku River)

foot

On-foot evacuation from Hilo Bayfront up the Wailuku River corridor to high ground. Critical tsunami escape route.

2 miles to high ground (200+ ft)30-45 minutes on foot

TSUNAMI: Hilo has been devastated by tsunamis in 1946 and 1960 - this is REAL danger

Move UPHILL immediately when siren sounds - do not wait

Tsunami Warning

Storm Surge

Flood

UH Hilo Campus to Komohana Heights

foot

Foot route from UH Hilo campus uphill through residential neighborhoods to Komohana Heights for high ground.

2.5 miles to 400+ ft elevation45 min-1 hour on foot

Steady uphill climb through residential streets

400+ ft elevation puts you well above tsunami zone

Tsunami Warning

Flood

Storm Surge

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Safe Zones & Rally Points

Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium (Emergency Shelter)

shelter • Capacity: 1,000

Hilo Medical Center

hospital • Capacity: 276

Hilo Fire Station

fire station

UH Hilo Campus

rally point

Hilo International Airport

resource

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo Area

rally point

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center

rally point

Waiakea High School (Shelter)

shelter • Capacity: 800

Rainbow Falls / Wailuku River State Park

rally point

Komohana Heights (High Ground)

rally point

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