The email read: "In light of concerns about North Korea missile tests, state and federal agencies are providing information about nuclear threats and what to do in the unlikely event of a nuclear attack and radiation emergency."
The message was sent to 51,674 students and 10,606 faculty and staff in the university's system. Despite being in line with Hawaii state policy, the university was forced to apologise after sending the alarming email.
With less than 8,000 miles between them, the islands would theoretically be among the easiest US territories for North Korea to attack.
Experts believe a missile could reach Hawaiian shores in little more than 20 minutes and could easily kill as many as 15,000 people.
The University's director of communications Dan Meisenzahl, speaking to Hawaii News Now, said the email "could have been worded better".
He continued "I take full responsibility. The last thing I wanted to do was cause any unnecessary concern among our community."
The email went on to instruct students on how to shelter in place after a siren warning, typically used on the island to signal an incoming tsunami or hurricane.
More
