A Hawaii tsunami warning that spurred coastal evacuations statewide has been downgraded to a tsunami advisory, ending the threat of serious damage less than three hours after the first waves hit the islands.

Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie said overnight that the Aloha State was lucky to avoid more severe surges after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Canada.

Abercrombie said beaches and harbours are still closed statewide.

“We’re very, very grateful that we can go home tonight counting our blessings,” Abercrombie said.