On 2 April 1868 , an earthquake with a magnitude estimated between 7.25 and 7.9 rocked the southeast coast of Hawaii . This was the most destructive earthquake in the recorded history of Hawaii . It triggered a landslide on Mauna Loa , north of Pahala , killing 31 people . A tsunami claimed 46 more lives . The villages of Punaluʻu , Nīnole , Kawaa , Honuapo , and Keauhou Landing were severely damaged . The tsunami reportedly rolled over the tops of the coconut trees up to high , and it reached inland a distance of a quarter of a mile ( 400 meters ) in some places
an earthquake
1868 Hawaii earthquake
Hawaii (island)