Most of Hawaii is breathing a sigh of relief that the Aloha State was spared from major destruction. In case you are headed to the Big Island in the near future, I wanted to let you know about some pockets of tsunami damage on the Kona Coast.
* King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel had some flooding and sand wash in from the tsunami surge. None of the rooms were damaged and the resort remains open, but their luau will “take a hiatus through March. From their website, they’ve issued this statement regarding the tsunami:
Life has returned to King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, but we are still a little sandy and wet. The good news is that we re-opened the pool and Billfish Bar this morning. Our award-winning luau will take a hiatus until the end of the month. We continue the clean-up in the lobby, restaurant, retail areas, and meeting space. We will be providing updates on the anticipated completion as we know more. The rooms were untouched by the water. Some of our guests are choosing to stay at the hotel, since only the public areas have been affected, however, we are happy to work with our guests to relocate elsewhere, if desired.
* Four Seasons Resort Hualalai sustained debris-related damage in some public areas. The resort is temporarily closed for clean up. Per their website, they originally planned to re-open on March 21. That date has now moved out until April 30. Update: the resort did indeed reopen on April 30, 2011.
* Kona Village Resort is also closed per their website. At the moment, there’s no date provided on when the resort might re-open. The resort is closed indefinitely. (Source)
* Pu’uhonau o Honaunau and Kaloko Honokohau National Parks are cleaning up and assessing damage. Pu’uhonau o Honaunau will partially re-open today. At the moment, the road to Kaloko Honokohau National Park is closed. See this press release for more details.
* Kailua-Kona’s famous Ali’i Drive was damaged, but is cleared and open. (Source)
To close this post, I’d like to share a statement from George Applegate, Executive Director of the Big Island Visitors Bureau, “Overall, Hawai’i Island escaped with minimal damage. The best way to help us is to come visit and enjoy all be have to offer, which is an inspiring experience and vacation.”
Sheila Beal
