Smallish Tsunami
When the sirens sounded and security arrived, we headed for higher ground/the golf course across the main highway where we/friends who had just arrived from the Bay Area, N Carolina and Chicago/and our dogs/watched the news and slept on the locker room floor. What follows is what we discovered when returning to the beach the following day.
Benches, boulders and boats lifted off their bases. Pristine/sacred ponds now filled with debris. Fish fighting to survive. Furniture fished from ponds. Beach House @ Hualalai/Four Seasons/destroyed. The entire patio carried across the 18th fairway. Walkways washed away.
If this was a Small Wave, I never want to experience a Big One.
I will try to get closer to Hualalai's other beachside buildings today.
So sad but incomparable to the experience in Japan. I simply cannot imagine.
We are all thankful that you and your friends are safe. News in CA does not mention HI. In fact, as I recall, the TV news indicated there was no Tsunami in HA but I was only an occasional listener/viewer. So your pictures are quite shocking. Take care, my friend.
Wow....had no idea it affected Hawaii like that...thought it went straight over to Crescent City. Let's all pray that we don't see "The Big One."
I have been glued to the TV. Breaks my heart to see the loss of life and the devistation. As I always say, live in the moment. It's all we have.
Thanks so much for all the pictures...wow, this was a true tragedy...yes, and especially in Japan!...glad you are all fine and traveled to high ground! We have all been glued to our televisions...
Oh Lois, thank you for sharing your pictures. You are so right. This is nothing compared to what happened in Japan. It is all relative. Makes one realize the forces of nature and that it could happen here to all of us. Happy to hear that you are safe. Looking forward to FP’s and hearing your stories.
Amazing! Saw on the morning news today, guest from the Fourseason's Hotel sleeping on the golf course with pillows and blankets awaiting the tsunami.
Wow! It's unbelievable the amazing force of Mother Nature!
I'm so glad you, your family and friends are ok. Such devastation to the property and beautiful ponds.
I was thinking of you while we were watching the TV. There wasn't much on the news about the effect of the tsunami on Hawaii - just that it was a "small one." Apparently, even a "small one" is pretty devastating! Those poor people over in Japan!
I'm so glad to hear that you are all fine. When I started hearing of damage and seeing images from clients at Hualalai, I immediately thought of you. I arrive on the Big Island on Monday for a week long visit. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
As we view the slideshow we are sad to see that the tsunami has disturbed the beaches, flora and ponds of beautiful Kukio and the surrounding area. We hope that the clean up can help to restore things to normal and that the fish in the ponds will survive!
I can’t decide if I’m glad you were there to see and experience all this or not. I so remember the air raid sirens going off as a child in Kailua...I could pack up my doll house in under three minutes and be in the car for the ride with the family and our dog “Mele” up to the Pali and higher ground. We never knew if it was just a drill or the real deal until it was over. Seemed like a bit of an adventure as a child, especially since they were almost always in the middle of the night.
So glad to hear that you and your guests are safe. All will have unusual stories and memories to share. The damage to buildings and grounds will be repaired. The fish make great fertilizer. Those nasty toads...who cares? Japan is a whole other story. Life is precious. Hug your kids. Celebrate the now. You do this in spades dear lady and I am so grateful to have you for a role model in my life.
Reader Comments (3)
I am so grateful that you are all safe, and am glad that you wisely headed for cover. Did the wave come up over your wall and into the pool? No time to try to save belongings this time. What does the little Kona Village look like?
Thank you for your excellent photographic coverage. So sad for this beautiful part of the world, but agree with you that there is no comparison to the devastation in Japan.
Hi Lois,
I had no idea that Hawaii was so forcefully hit!
Thank goodness that you all are safe, and thank you for your photos.
It certainly reminds one to be thankful, and what a force nature is.
Big hug,
Gretchen
We are so glad that all of our Hawaiian pals are OK but feel sick for the poor souls in Japan!