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.

The worst predictions did not come to pass after a major earthquake off the coast of Russia sent a surge of water across the Pacific.

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 warnings were lifted across the Pacific rim Wednesday, allowing millions of temporary evacuees to return home.