The danger from Wednesday's 8.8 magnitude earthquake appeared to be subsiding in most places, but Chile kept alerts at the highest level for most of its lengthy Pacific coast while New Zealand renewed a warning to avoid the water.

Tsunami currents have reached parts of the country and people should stay away from beaches until at least 3pm.

Hawaii officials say the timing of the tsunami warning and evacuation orders following this week's massive earthquake off Russia helped make for severe traffic congestion in some areas.

A significant earthquake struck early Wednesday, prompting officials in both Hawaii and Japan to issue evacuation orders as a precautionary measure. The seismic event, which occurred in the Pacific region,

As the tsunami threat subsides across the Pacific, this is where warnings and evacuation orders have been officially lifted.