Hilo Clock

Hilo Clock

The Hilo Clock stands as a solemn memorial to the victims of the devastating 1960 tsunami that struck Hilo, Hawaii. Frozen at 1:04 a.m. - the time the wave hit - the clock symbolizes the exact moment tragedy struck. Though refurbished, it was never restarted, serving instead as a poignant historical landmark along Kamehameha Avenue.

Hilo Clock, Big Island

Hilo was hit by tsunamis twice in the past century. The first time was on April 1, 1946, when a tsunami that was generated by a large earthquake off of Alaska hit the cities of Hilo and Laupahoehoe, killing 159 people and causing a lot of damage to Hilo’s bayfront and other east-facing shorelines on the Big Island. On May 23, 1960, another tsunami (this time generated by an earthquake off of Chile), again hit Hilo, this time killing 61 people.

The clock (which stood in the city at that time) was hit by the 1960 tsunami and since then stands with its hands frozen in time – 1:04 a.m. Townspeople refurbished it, but decided against restoring it to working order in honor of those who perished in the tidal waves. The clock is located on Kamehameha Avenue in front of the Naniloa Golf Course.


Key Features of the Hilo Clock

  • Tsunami memorial: Honors the lives lost in the 1960 tsunami that devastated Hilo
  • Frozen in time: Clock stopped at 1:04 a.m., the moment the tidal wave struck
  • Restored but not restarted: Preserved as a symbol of remembrance by the community
  • Accessible location: Situated on Kamehameha Avenue near Naniloa Golf Course in Hilo
  • Historic context: Linked to both 1946 and 1960 tsunami disasters that shaped Hilo's modern shoreline


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Frequently Asked Questions

🕰️Why is the Hilo Clock frozen at 1:04 a.m.?

The clock stopped working when the 1960 tsunami struck Hilo at exactly 1:04 a.m., symbolizing the moment of the disaster.

🌊What caused the 1960 tsunami in Hilo?

It was triggered by a massive earthquake off the coast of Chile. The tsunami traveled across the Pacific and struck Hilo, killing 61 people.

📍Where is the Hilo Clock located?

The clock is located on Kamehameha Avenue in front of the Naniloa Golf Course in Hilo, Hawaii.

⚙️Has the clock ever been repaired?

Yes, it has been refurbished, but the community chose not to restart it, preserving its symbolic time as a memorial.

📷Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially for those interested in Hawaiian history or tsunami science. It's a quick and meaningful stop along Hilo's bayfront.