Disney Guests Rushed To Higher Ground, Emergency Notice Issued Amid Tsunami Threat
On Tuesday evening, the sound of sirens echoed across the Hawaiian islands, sending residents and visitors alike scrambling for higher ground. At one of the state’s most iconic resorts – Disney’s Aulani – some guests were instructed to leave their rooms and head for upper floors, with warnings of a potentially destructive tsunami set to make landfall within the hour.
What unfolded next was a tense night of uncertainty at one of Disney’s most serene getaways, known more for scenic views and immersive storytelling than a site of natural disaster.
Earthquake Off Russia Sparks Tsunami Alert Across the Pacific
Disney resorts are no strangers to extreme weather. From typhoons in Hong Kong to hurricanes in Orlando, closures and evacuations have become a practiced routine.
Tokyo Disney Resort, for instance, temporarily shuttered after Japan’s 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. A video captured at Tokyo Disneyland previously went viral after showing Eeyore encouraging visitors to stay low during another tremor.
Meanwhile, Disneyland has also experienced its fair share of earthquakes, with guests being ushered off rides last summer due to seismic activity.
Now, Hawaii joins the list of Disney destinations disrupted by earthquakes.
Trouble began when an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. With waves up to 13 feet reported, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts stretching from Alaska and California to Japan and the Philippines. Hawaii, sitting squarely in the warning zone, prepared for impact—particularly its western shores.
Aulani, perched along the Kohola Lagoon in Oahu, responded swiftly. Guests were ordered out of first and second-floor rooms, instructed instead to shelter on the third floor and above. The resort issued a formal alert:
“The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a Tsunami Warning for our area… The safest place for your family is floors 3 and above. Guests who are in floors 1 – 2 should move to floor 3 and above.”
Some visitors documented their experience in real time, describing a calm but tense atmosphere as crowds gathered indoors. “1st wave at any time. It feels a bit eerie,” one wrote on social media.
Another guest noted that food supplies were dwindling, posting:
“We are at Disney’s Aulani Resort riding out the #tsunami. All of the restaurants and nearby markets are closed and the gift shop has sold out of most food… It’s calm as people wait for the storm to arrive.”
We are at Disney’s Aulani Resort riding out the #tsunami.
All of the restaurants and nearby markets are closed and the gift shop has sold out of most food.
The roads were backed up about an hour ago with people evacuating. It’s calm as people wait for the storm to arrive. pic.twitter.com/s5w3hsKoDO
— Andy French (@AndyFrench1) July 30, 2025
Hawaii Updates Tsunami Notice as Threat Subsides
Fortunately, the night’s fears didn’t materialize in full.
Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency downgraded the tsunami warning to an advisory hours later, noting the state had been hit only by small, non-destructive waves. The Kuril Islands saw the largest swells at 16 feet, while California and Japan reported similar minimal impacts.
Aulani quickly updated guests, stating:
“Mahalo for staying safe during this event… The State has downgraded to a tsunami advisory, so it is now safe to leave your sheltered areas and move about the resort. Please continue to use extreme caution when near the water.”
However, guests are still encouraged to keep a close on the eye on the Aulani app for any potential updates.
Were you impacted by yesterday’s earthquake?
