High surf slams Hawaii restaurant, drenches diners By Nikki Tran
A beachfront restaurant on Hawaii’s Big Island was slammed with massive waves on July 14, which left dining guests and staff soaking wet.Photo: In this photo taken Feb. 10, 2019, rough surf hits Oahu’s Waimea Bay near Haleiwa, Hawaii. A strong storm hit Hawaii and knocked out power, brought down tree branches, flooded coastal roads and even brought snow. The National Weather Service said gusts hit nearly 70 mph (110 kph) in some areas. A high-surf advisory was in effect for north- and west-facing shores of several islands.
Video:
https://www.facebook.com/sifu.chee/videos/10205828592989875/
With an outdoor patio that overlooks the ocean, Magic’s Beach Grill on Hawaii’s Big Island provides its patrons with an unmatched view of the Pacific. Guests can dine on island cuisine like barbeque ahi, made with ingredients fresh from the sea, as they listen to the gentle ocean waters lapping the patio’s rocky exterior.
On Sunday, however, guests in search of a serene view of the ocean were offered an alternative taste of local flavor when a massive wave crashed into the restaurant, leaving guests and staff soaking wet.
In a video obtained by a local news station, the footage shows a wave slamming into the outdoor patio as guests shriek in astonishment. After a moment of reprieve, a second swell hits the bar and grill and knocks down tables and umbrellas. Inches of water flood the restaurant, spilling into the indoor dining area.
The National Weather Service had issued a high-surf warning over the weekend for all south-facing shores, which included the coastline where the restaurant is located. During this period, waves were expected to reach 10-15 feet high, and beachgoers were advised to exercise caution near bodies of water. By Tuesday, the surf warning was reduced to an advisory.
With over 150,00 views, the video of the high surf has received much attention since its posting on Facebook last Sunday. Many expressed amazement over the size and power of the waves. One commenter noted, “Don’t mess with Mother Nature.”
