The U.S. state of Hawaii braced Saturday for a potentially damaging tsunami after a major earthquake off Chile sent waves across the Pacific Ocean.

The warning issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is the agency's highest alert. Incoming waves could cause damage along the coastlines across the Pacific island chain.

The first waves were expected to arrive at 11:19 a.m. Saturday (4:19 p.m. EST).

A warning was also in effect for Guam, American Samoa and dozens of other Pacific islands.

"A tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii," said the Hawaii-based center. "Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property."

The coast of California and an Alaskan coastal area from Kodiak to Attu islands were also under lower-grade tsunami warnings.

The magnitude-8.8 earthquake struck the coast of Chilean coastal city of Concepcion at dawn Saturday, and the death toll has risen to 78.