A tsunami watch was issued for Maui yesterday shortly after a 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Samoa islands, but was downgraded to advisory about a couple hours later. 

Since it wasn't a real threat at the time, most people went about their day as usual, but lifeguards did warn beach-goers of possible surges in waves and kept the waters clear of swimmers.

For many, it was a wake up call to how real the danger of tsunamis are to the Hawaiian islands. 

The last tsunami to strike Maui was April 1, 1946, and was the worst natural disaster in Hawaii's history.  A total of 159 people died, 14 of those on Maui.  The tsunami was caused by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in the Aleutian islands.

Tsunami warning sirens are tested every first work day of the month around 12pm.  You may have heard the sirens while visiting since they can be heard all over the island. 

If you hear them during any other time, then the warning is real and you must head for higher ground.  If an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 or higher strikes the Big Island, warnings are immediately issued since tsunami waves can reach the Big Island and Maui in 5 to 10 minutes.

Tsunami evacuation maps and preparedness can be found online or in the phone book.

Every state is prone to some type of natural hazard.  Just be safe and be prepared.