The defining event in Hawaii in 2010 was a widespread state evacuation on February 27, 2010, prompted by a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Chile.

The 2010 Tsunami Alert

• The Threat: The massive earthquake in Chile generated a Pacific-wide tsunami, triggering tsunami warnings and clearing beaches across Hawaii.

• The Response: Sirens blared starting at 6 a.m. in the state's first widespread evacuation since 1994. Up to 100,000 residents and tourists were relocated to higher ground.

• The Impact: The feared catastrophic waves thankfully did not materialize. The waves that hit the islands ended up being relatively small fluctuations in the tide, and the state largely escaped unharmed.

Other Notable Occurrences in 2010:

• TV's Return: The hit reboot series Hawaii Five-0 premiered its first episode on September 20, 2010.

• Extreme Weather: In December 2010, a strong Kona storm brought severe weather to parts of the island chain and eventually transitioned into Tropical Storm Omeka, a rare late-season storm that passed near the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.