We arose to the sound of warning sirens at 6am, followed by our hotel announcing over the loud speaker that the state of Hawaii had issued an official Tsunami warning as a result of the earthquake in Chile. Parts of the island were under mandatory evacuation, with all coastal areas considered dangerous (in the zone) with evacuation recommended. Our resort was about 50 yards from the beach and in one of the high risk areas but not under mandatory evacuation.
We turned on the news to find the island on high alert with all occupants being recommended they get food and water for 5-7 days. It was at this moment that Ally and I realized we were in a bit of a situation. Since this was our last day any supplies we bought would have to be left behind in the event flights were able to leave Maui. However, if we didn't get any supplies and giant waves flooded the island, we would be stuck without any food or water. I decided to get up and at least acquire a supply of water and some high protein, easily packable foods, as well as fill the car with gas and hit the ATM in case we lost power on the island.
By the time I arrived at the store at 6:30am, it was already crawling with people and most of the water was gone. I was able to purchased enough water for about 3 days for Ally and myself (I figured there were worse things than leaving $5 or $6 worth of water behind in the event our flight did leave that day) as well as some protein bars and apples. Next, I headed for the gas station, prepared to wait in the long lines like those the news was showing in Honolulu, only to be pleasantly surprised that I only needed to wait for a car or two. (I am glad we were on Maui as it is fairly lightly populated compared to Oahu)
By the time I arrived back at the resort, Ally had the room packed and ready to go. We decided that while our hotel was not being evacuated we should still get on the road and make our way to Kahului (town with the airport), which proved to be a good idea as they planned to close the only road in and out at 10am that morning. We arrived at the airport around 9am and decided we would check our large bag, but keep a smaller carry-on with a change of clothes and some toiletries in case we were forced to stay. Then we headed for higher ground. We drove inland and upward a few miles to find the roads lined with the cars of others who where either evacuated or taking precautions, so we pulled off and joined them. There was a lovely view of both the northern and southern coastlines, so we decided to make camp and enjoy the potential show.
As you know by now, it all turned out to be much ado about nothing. We sat for about 2 hours on the side of the road -about an hour previous to the time the waves were supposed to arrive, and about an hour afterward. The waves were scheduled to hit around 11:25am in Maui. We watched and listened to the radio as the time approached, arrived, and passed without event (some locals called in and joked that the waves were on Hawaii time). About an hour after the alleged arrival time we decided the real danger had passed and headed back to town only to find that the road to the airport was closed and entry blocked by police. The airport however, was NOT closed, only access to the airport, meaning that flights were still leaving as planned. The road remained blocked until about 2pm, and since our flight was at 1:45, we missed our plane (along with everyone else). We ended up waiting in a nearby store parking lot with a whole bunch of other tourists until the road reopened and we all made a mad dash to get in line to rebook flights. It was like trying to leave a Dodgers game.
No more boring details. We finally got a flight and made it back to LA around 12:30am this morning. We survived the tsunami of 2010!!
Below are some pictures of the more fun parts of the week.
First night on Maui
Molokini- partially submerged crater about 2.5mi off the coast. We took a boat out to snorkel inside the crater. Very cool.
Black sand beach- on the road to Hana
Luau
Our last sunset on Maui
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