Tsunami waves hit Hilo Bay and Kahului and activity is on its way to Haleiwa, Kauai, according to the NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center scientists.

Two waves, 20 minutes apart and 5-feet from peak to trough, hit Hilo Bay five to 10 minutes later than the 11:05 a.m. previously forecast, said NOAA Oceanographer Nathan Becker. 

No damage has been reported in Hawaii; but NOAA scientists said that Ventura, Calif. is reporting damages.

While the wave action has not reached the previously anticipated 2.5 meter heights, Hilo Bay continues to oscillate and larger waves could still occur, Becker said.

“;Back in 1960, the third wave was the largest,”; Becker said. “;Sometimes, we see six or seven waves before a tsunami ends.”;

Scientists measure wave heights to determine when a tsunami is on the wane, he said. Since wave conditions at Hilo Bay have not lessened, scientists are still in “;wait and see mode,”; Becker said. It could take up to three hours for the tsunami to run its course in Hawaii, he said before 1 p.m..

Becker said conditions are “;not as bad as they could be;”; however, he reminded Hawaii residents and visitors that “;a significant tsunami is taking place now.”;

“;We still advise people to stay away from the sea shore,”; Becker said.

A wave, 6 feet from peak to trough, has also come through Kahului, said NOAA Geophysicist Victor Sardina. Like Hilo Bay, the shape of Kahului Harbor makes it more vulnerable to a tsunami, Sardina said.

“;Similarly, NOAA scientists still believe that Haleiwa will see tsunami waves, Becker said.

“;We've seen activity on a gauge out at Barber's Point,”; he said, adding that it could result in tsunami conditions at Haleiwa within the next thirty minutes.