Tsunami waves began hitting the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia early on Wednesday but the waves were forecast to be smaller than initially feared, local authorities said.
The highest waves are yet to come, but they are now expected to reach 1.1m-2.5m, down from a previous forecast of up to 4m, the high commission of the republic in French Polynesia said.
Some initial wave surges were reported on the island of Nuku Hiva, and between five and 10 additional ocean waves are expected in the coming hours, the high commission said.
The waves follow the powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula.
Hours before the first tsunami waves began to hit, residents were urged to go to safe zones, either at higher elevations or far offshore, and stay there until the official alert is lifted.