Tsunami

Waking up at 6am to tsunami sirens is quite the unique experience. We jumped out of bed and prepared for the worst after watching the video from the terrible 8.8 quake in Chile. Since we had prepped so quickly and still had hours before the waves were set to hit, we ran up to Le Jardin (a tsunami evacuation shelter) around 7:30 to see if they needed any help. Luckily, they had everything set up and ready for the dozens of families who were already up there unpacking their cars. Quite the sobering sight.

We returned home and waited anxiously for 11:05am when the first waves were set to hit the Big Island. With the sirens going off every hour, we were pretty well glued to the TV. The entire island was empty and traffic cams showed not a single car on the roads (not even H1, if you can believe that) and not a soul at any of the beaches...not even Waikiki. Pretty eerie. The waves came right on time and was crazy to watch the ocean surge and recede upwards of five feet. Thank goodness, though, that they weren't as big and destructive as officials had first estimated.

In true aloha spirit, the entire island came together to help one another prepare and feel safe while facing this possible disaster. No looting, panic, anger or chaos. Only in Hawaii.
Now, the sun is setting and we're sitting down with a bottle of champagne to celebrate how lucky we are...in so many infinite ways.
Love and aloha always,
Will & Greta (and Nakoa & Haupia)