As I'm sure you know, the Big Island of Hawaii did sustain some damage as a result of the tsunami of March 11, 2011 which did such terrible damage and cost so many lives in Japan.
Fortunately for visitors, the damage on the Big Island was relatively minimal. Several resorts will be closed in part or in full for a limited period of time, but most remain fully operational. (A full Big Island tsunami update can be found at the end of this post.)
The vast majority of what the Big Island has to offer visitors was not impacted by the tsunami. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those in Japan and those in Hawaii who did suffer losses as a result of the events of March 11.
Spring is a great time to visit the Big Island of Hawaii and the island's hotels, resorts, bed & breakfasts and condominium resorts have some great deals to offer. The Big Island's activity providers have plenty of fun new activities to keep you occupied.
March 2011 Lodging News for Hawaii's Big Island
March 2011 Activity and Events News for Hawaii's Big Island
Our thanks to Jessica Ferracane of Irondog Communications and the Big Island Visitors Bureau for providing the following updated post-tsunami information:
Two resorts that remain closed are Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, which plans to reopen on April 30, and Kona Village Resort. Phone lines at Kona Village are now working.
Kailua Pier was deemed structurally sound, and all charters that normally operate from the Pier, including Body Glove, Atlantis Submarines and Jack's Diving Locker, are operating as usual. The Norwegian Cruise Lines' Pride of America cruise ship will stop in Kona on Wed., Mar. 23 as planned.
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is also open, and guest rooms were not damaged. However, the lu'au area, ground floor public areas including the lobby and Kona Beach Restaurant, were flooded by seawater, sand and debris. Cleanup efforts are well underway, and several retail stores have reopened. The swimming pool and Billfish Bar are open, and the cleanup team has removed all of the carpet from the lobby and replaced all of the furniture. The award-winning Island Breeze Lu'au will resume this Sun., Mar. 20.
While the sands at Kamakahonu Beach were mostly swept away, Kona Boys have pitched in to tidy up the coastal area fronting King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. Kona Boys are continuing to offer outrigger canoe rides, stand-up paddlesurfing (SUP), kayaking and snorkeling on the calm waters of Kailua Bay from their beach hut at Kamakahonu.
Hulihe'e Palace in historic Kailua Village is temporarily closed, but two upcoming outdoor events on palace grounds are still happening as scheduled. This Sunday's band concert is confirmed, as is the annual palace fundraiser, Day at Hulihe'e, on Sat., Mar. 26.
Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides have resumed charters aboard Hula Kai and Fair Wind II from Keauhou Bay, and Keauhou Pier was not damaged, although Fair Wind's check-in facility will be undergoing repair. Check-ins are being handled at a modified location nearby. The company reports that the north part of Kealakekua Bay near the Captain Cook Monument where the Fair Wind II moors for its popular snorkeling trip, has excellent visibility.
The National Park Service reports that two West Hawai'i parks have partial closures due to tsunami damage. Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is open on a very limited basis from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The only areas that are open are the main paved parking lot, the visitors center, amphitheater, and a small portion of the Royal Grounds in front (makai) of the amphitheater. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is now open normally except for a small stretch of coastal trail at the southern portion of the park between 'Ai'opio Fishtrap and 'Aimakapa Fishpond.
At 'Anaeho'omalu Bay in the Waikoloa Beach Resort, the tsunami surge cleaved the beach in half, and waves breached the lava rock walls at Kings' Pond. The public beach access and parking lot at the south end are closed until further notice. The public can access the northern portion of the beach at the Kolea condominium community. Ocean Sports' catamaran Sea Smoke resumed charters at 'Anaeho'omalu today.
No damage has been reported at any of the island's renowned golf courses.
There were no deaths or serious injuries reported in Hawaii from Friday's tsunami. All airports are open and flights are on time, and all roads are open.