Hawke's Bay Civil Defence authorities are urging people in coastal communities to join in Sunday's "tsunami hikoi".

The community event is a chance for people in Te Awanga, Haumoana and Clifton to practise their tsunami evacuation routes.

Volunteers will take people along the different routes to the safe zone at Haumoana School.

Spokeswoman Kate Boersen said they'd prefer residents to walk to safety during a tsunami, rather than clog the streets with their cars.

"Everyone everywhere should know how to be prepared for tsunamis and what to do to be safe."

"To know your tsunami evacuation walk is one of those elements."

Boersen said some people may have no idea about where the evacuation zones are.

"There's different routes, and some might not be signposted, but for Te Awanga, Haumoana and Clifton there are signs for the routes that are allocated."

The hikoi will start from the Te Awanga Hall, the Haumoana Hall and the Cape View Four Square at 9.45am on Sunday.