The US is "in a good position" to protect its territory from a potential North Korean missile strike, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said.
His comments came in response to a report that North Korea was considering launching a missile towards Hawaii.
"We do have some concerns if they were to launch a missile to the West, in the direction of Hawaii," Mr Gates said.
The US has approved the deployment of missiles and radar to "provide support" in the event of an attack, he added.
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North Korea's nuclear ambitions have long been the focus of international concern.
After a period in which the country appeared to be willing to suspend its programme, North Korea has recently begun to increase its sabre-rattling, says the BBC's Jonathan Beale in Washington.
On 25 May, North Korea conducted an underground nuclear test and has subsequently test-fired a number of short-range missiles.
