Big Island Civil defense officials say Hilo Harbor will be the center of the tsunami expected to hit at 11:04 a .m.

Hunter Bishop, county spokesman, said Keokaha Hawaiian Homestead lands near Hilo airport were evacuated this morning.

The airport was shut because the evacuation routes cross the airport runways.

In 1960 a tsunami destroyed most of downtown Hilo.

Bishop said 15 Red Cross evacuation centers are open and standing by to accept evacuees.

Hotels are moving guests to the third floor and above.

Bishop said school buses and tour buses are standing by if mass evacuations are need.

On the other side of the island the Kona airport is open.