Surviving Kauai, Hawaii Hurricane Iwa.

Introduction

Being the pianist for the Sheraton Hotel in Poi Pu Beach, Kuai, was a dream come true. I couldn't ask for a better gig. But after two years, my dream would come to an end.

Mother nature had enough of my music, and she grabbed the six-foot black grand piano and sent it out to sea.

The Day Kauai, Hawaii Became Unrecognizable

On Tuesday, November 23, 1982, at mid-afternoon, a twenty-foot-high surf crashed over the seawall, the swimming pool, and into the ground-floor rooms at the Poipu Village hotel near Koloa landing. Automobiles were lifted and moved about in the resort's parking lot.

The entire hotel looked like it had been bombed. Even changes to the seashore were unrecognizable. The whole island sat in a state of shock amid the screaming winds.

Wind Gusts 120 Miles Per Hour

Hurricane Iwa (pronounced EE - VA) had struck the island of Kauai. Power lines were down, houses shambled and destroyed, and most roads were impassable. Giant trees were splitting apart, and the ocean waves quickly demolished buildings.

Wind gusts exceeded 120 miles per hour across Kauai and Oahu. 5,800 people were evacuated from their homes. My place received minor damage along with my vehicle.

The name Iwa comes from the Hawaiian name for the frigate bird.

Unusual Thanksgiving Dinner

The entire island was left without power. Strong winds destroyed almost all of the papaya and banyan trees.

My thanksgiving dinner was peanut butter and jelly.

Waialua Falls

The television series, Fantasy Island, was a top-rated show starring Ricardo Maltaban and Herve Villechaize. The series ran from 1977 to 1984, produced by Aaron Spelling.

The opening scene features one of Kauai's most beautiful waterfalls, Waialua Falls. Located just off the main (and only) highway, it is something to behold.

Final Thought

Despite Hurricane Iwa, Kauai, The Garden Island, is a spectacular paradise. Would I return? In a heartbeat.

Resource

https://weather.com/news/news/remembering-hurricane-iniki-20120911

Scroll to Continue

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C4%81_Pali_Coast_State_Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wailua_Falls

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Iniki

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2011 Audrey Hunt

Comments

Moral Man on October 28, 2020:

Kauai is my favorite Hawaiian island. The scenery is diverse. The Napali coast with Kalalau valley. Honopu valley, and Nualolo valley are my favorite locations as are Moloaa valley and Anahola valley.

My interests are the whereabouts of fruits on the island. Where can I find Mangosteen, Rambutan, Common Guava, Strawberry Guava, Papaya, Blue Java Banana, Vanilla Sapote and Chocolate Sapote?

Where on Kauai are centipedes, scorpions, and spiders least common or rare? Where is the safest place on Kauai with few or no dangerous animals? A venomous stinging caterpillar has unfortunately made its way to Hawaii.

I have always loved Kauai and all the other Hawaiian islands.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on October 22, 2014:

Vellur

So nice to see you again here in paradise. Aloha!

ChitrangadaSharan

I'm pleased that you liked my account of Kaui, Hawaii and the videos and photos. I hope you will one day visit and drink in all the beauty. Thank you for your vote.

Paula Atwell

The memories of Hawaii, once visited, always remain. How lovely that you were able to visit in high school. Thank you Paula for being here.

Paula Atwell from Cleveland, OH on October 21, 2014:

Gorgeous pics, here. We visited Hawaii when I was in high school and I loved it. Saw some of the sights you list here. I would love to go back.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on October 16, 2014:

What a wonderful account of Hawaii and the beautiful Kuuai-Hawaii!

The pictures and videos are amazing.

Nature looks glorious, even when it is furious!

Enjoyed your experience and would love to visit this place.

Thanks and voted up!

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on October 15, 2014:

Came back to read about this magical place inspire of the hurricanes. Great write.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on October 15, 2014:

Aloha Audrey -

You would love this island. The native Hawaiins have a natural gift for singing. Thank you lovely one.

Audrey Howitt from California on October 15, 2014:

Oh this makes me want to visit! Beautiful Audrey

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 10, 2014:

Dearest Eddy - I'm so pleased that you enjoyed your visit to beautiful Kauai. If I were as talented with photography as you are, oh, what photos I would proudly present. You and your camera would go nuts there:) Thank you dear friend and Happy Mothers Day. - Audrey

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 10, 2014:

dearabbysmom - I know exactly where you and your daughter stayed. I'm so happy for you both. Kauai is very close to the original way Hawaii once was. Though all the Islands can boast about their own beauty (I've been to all of them), Kauai is for sure, the garden Island. Thanks for sharing with me and 'Aloha'. ~ Audrey

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 10, 2014:

Troyangeluk - Hello and thank you for visiting my hub. Yes, the hurricane was a scary experience and one I wouldn't want to go through again. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed this and especially the detail presented. I look forward to paying you a visit soon.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 10, 2014:

Vellur - I'm so glad that you enjoyed this trip to beautiful Kauai. I have such nice memories from my years living on this Island. I'm grateful for the opportunity I've been given. Thank you my friend for being here, for your comments and the vote up!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 10, 2014:

Rock_nj - I lived only a short way from Mt. Wialeale, the wettest place on earth. Not realizing how moist everything would get, I found moss growing in my dresser drawers :) And for my grand piano, I had to have a 'heater' installed.

Then, as you pointed out, as wet as my area was, I would hike just 3 miles down the hill to Waialua Beach where the weather was sunny and bright and the water nice and warm. The hike along the magnificent Na Pali Coast is spectacular and I'm so glad you have taken that hike not just once, but twice. Thank you and Aloha my friend. ~ vocalcoach

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 03, 2014:

Phyllis Doyle - I'm thrilled to find that you enjoyed this hub. Living on this Island was a huge learning experience for me in so many ways.

I will forever remember the years spent on the beautiful Island of Kauai. I hope that one day you can enjoy all that Kauai has to offer. Thank you Phyllis for the kind votes. Hugs ~ Audrey

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 02, 2014:

Audrey Howitt - Thanks for being here and yes, the hurricane was pretty scary.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 01, 2014:

Lady Guinevere - Hello my friend and so glad you came along on this tour of Kauai. A good percentage of Fantasy Island was filmed on Kauai. There have been many films and parts of films made on Kauai.

Eiddwen from Wales on May 01, 2014:

I feel as if I have visited this beautiful place; great hub Audrey and lots of love from Wales.

Eddy.

dearabbysmom from Indiana on May 01, 2014:

Loved reading this! When my daughter was a senior in high school, we saved up and the two of us spent a magical 4 days and 3 nights on Kauai. We stayed at the foot of the Waimea canyons in an old restored sugar plantation. One day we drove out to Polihale Beach, an incredible day we'll never forget. This beautiful island was the perfect place to see Hawaii but not in the 'rat race' of more crowded areas. I envy your time living there, I imagine leaving was very difficult! Voted up and awesome.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 01, 2014:

Good morning Peggy - I'm starting off my day, reading your lovely comments :) Oh, I hope you have the chance to visit Kauai. There is so much more about this Island I wanted to share. The "Grand Canyon" in Waimea is spectacular!

Thank you for being here, reading, and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate the great votes and am so happy that you are sharing this.

Aloha my friend ~ Audrey

Troyangeluk from UK on May 01, 2014:

it's a shame such a beautiful natural place can be so naturally devastating. Fantastic work I love the mixture of good and bad pictures to really show detail of the situation there.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on May 01, 2014:

I absolutely LOVED this view of Kauai from your personal perspective of living there. The hurricane was scary but the rest of it...the beauty, the food and more was a delight to read. My parents once toured the major islands of Hawaii and fell in love with Kauai. The fern grotto was memorable to them.

When my hubby and I went to Hawaii we spent our entire time on the Big Island. Would love to see Kauai someday. Pinning this to my Hawaii board. Many up votes and happy to share. Excellent hub!!!

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on May 01, 2014:

Great hub and an enjoyable trip. Just imagine looking out through the glass to see the waterfalls everyday!!!Awesome!! Thank you for writing about this wonderful place. Voted up.

John Coviello from New Jersey on May 01, 2014:

I have been to Kauai twice. The hike along the Na Pali Coast is as amazing as you describe. Beautiful views of the ocean as you hike. I didn't know that such powerful hurricanes affect Kauai. I did know about all the rain, but the funny thing about it is that most of it falls in the center of the island where the mountains are. I found it interesting to be in the sun on the beach, while torrential rains are occurring a few miles away on tops of the mountains.

Phyllis Doyle Burns from High desert of Nevada. on April 30, 2014:

Audrey, this is such a beautiful hub ! The photos are so lovely and I really like the music videos. That hurricane video is so traumatic, shows us the power of Nature. What a wondrous place to live and enjoy. Taking only water on a hike because you can stop and eat from the trees must be a delightful experience. Voted up and across. I am so glad to have seen this hub.

Audrey Howitt from California on April 30, 2014:

Beautiful, beautiful hub!! Although it must have been terrifying to have gone through that hurricane!

Debra Allen from West Virginia on April 30, 2014:

Thank you for the tour. I do not think that I will ever get there, but I love the tour that you gave me. I always wondered where in the world that shot was from on Fantasy Island. Did they also do the filming of the show there too?

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on January 28, 2014:

Lenzy - It's so nice to see you here. I'm also happy to hear that you were able to visit Kauai. As you have said there is so much beauty there. I'm going to go check out one of your hubs right now. Thanks Lenzy ~ Audrey

Lenzy from Arlington, Texas on January 26, 2014:

I really enjoyed reading your hub. I just returned from Kauai and it was a really special place to visit. I can't imagine living there. There is so much beauty. It must have been pretty scary during the hurricane. I'm glad you stayed safe. Thank you for sharing. Lenzy

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on August 15, 2013:

skin-care-natural ~ It really is a piece of heaven. In fact the photos can't really do the beauty of the Island justice. Thanks for your comments.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on August 15, 2013:

Hi Nell - Yes, it was scary alright. I still wouldn't trade having lived there for anything. Glad you enjoyed the photos. Thanks ~ Audrey

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on August 15, 2013:

You've got to go to this Island my friend. It's an amazing place with beauty everywhere. I'll be your tour guide :)

Dianna Mendez on August 14, 2013:

Well, this was previously not on my bucket list, but after reading your post I am ready to board the next plane. The beauty of this place is breathtaking. The rainbows have my attention!

Nell Rose from Buckinghamshire UK on August 13, 2013:

What an amazing hub, the piano? Wow! I know the islands have such different weather systems but that must have been scary. Beautiful place to visit though, and the photos were amazing too, nell

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on August 16, 2012:

Sueswan - Living in Hawaii was truly an experience that I will always remember. The best for me is the way everyone hugs each other as a way of saying hello (aloha.) And what I wouldn't give to be able to pick my own fruit everyday. Thanks for coming by and your support means everything!

Relationships - I laughed and love your last line "I will be the one driving slowly and possibly holding you up until I can pull over." :) Yes, it is possible to live off the land not only for the fruit which grows freely, but the fish too. Grab one of the "locals" and you will learn how to catch fresh fish for your lunch and dinner. Gosh - now I'm wanting to go back!

Kari on August 07, 2012:

Wow. Great hub. You are right, beauty does come with a price sometimes, but I think I would personally be willing to pay that price to live there.

When we visited Maui, a guy told us that you could literally live off the land. Fruit was not being kept hidden from the public, but rather was on trees everywhere you went. I could really see how that would be possible.

You have me wanting to visit Kauai! I've been running into a lot of Hawaii things lately and I think it's time to go! For anyone there - I will be the one driving slowly and possibly holding you up until I can pull over.

Sueswan on August 07, 2012:

Hi Audrey,

Thank you for the tour of Beautiful Kauai. It left me feeling peaceful and content.

How cool it would be just to be able to pick a mango or banana from a tree.

Take care :)

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on July 21, 2011:

Olaguma - Many thanks for visiting my hub. Very pleased you enjoyed the pictures. Thank you for your vote - Up. :)

Olaguma from Slovenia on July 20, 2011:

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this hub! Amazing pictures... voted up :)

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on June 20, 2011:

drbj - Writing this, was pretty darn close to being there again. It's quite a thing to discover memories that have been tucked away for so long. I must say, I did enjoy re-visiting my Kauai (oh - I am so territorial - I must get it from Clance, my doggie). Thanks, my friend. See you soon.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on June 20, 2011:

Ashantina - You will just love this island. It has a "spiritual feel" to it. It is all about "aloha" and once you allow it to permeate your entire being, it dwells within you forever. Aloha, my dear friend!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on June 20, 2011:

Pamela99 - So great to see you here and to know that you would like to visit this gorgeous island. Kauai would love you too!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on June 20, 2011:

Hyphenbird - well, I hope your son-in-law brought you something from Kauai besides his beautiful tan! Next time - YOU go. I'm delighted that you enjoyed this and I thank you for reading and commenting. Aloha! :)

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on June 20, 2011:

chspublish - How rewarding to me, to hear that you enjoyed the trip to Kauai. Part 2 is in the works now. Thanks for stopping by! :)

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on June 20, 2011:

Fossillady - Thank goodness the piano that was washed out to sea was not my personal piano, but owned by the Sheraton Hotel (brand new grand piano too). It was a joy to write this hub as so many memories popped up, here and there.

I will begin the 2nd part of this hub next month. Ihope you enjoy it as well. And those PB and jelly sandwhiches were absolutely, almost, delicious :) Thanks Kathi.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on June 19, 2011:

mcbirdbks - well, its 2 months since you have left your marvelous comments on my hub. Somehow this entire hub was missing, hence the delay. Loved your comments, as always.You are a darned good person! :)

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on June 19, 2011:

Oh Fay - Hahahaha! You always light up my heart, just when I need it. I just love you! :)

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on June 19, 2011:

MyMastiffPuppies - Thank you so much for the terrific ratings and comments. So thrilled that you enjoyed this. Appreciate it so much!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on June 19, 2011:

hello hello - Oh yes, indeed, Kauai is paradise. I have been to every island, but Kauai is my favorite. Thanks so much!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 04, 2011:

Support Med. ~ Those peanut butter and jelly sandwiches never tasted so good.:) It was a scary experience. Very blessed to be alive and unharmed. Everything has its price. And I would pay anything to continue to read your fantastic hubs! :) vocalcoach

Support Med. from Michigan on May 02, 2011:

Beautiful! Glad you all were safe and grateful for the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. You made it!! v/r

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 29, 2011:

H P - Thank you, my friend. You caught me off guard,,,then I broke into a big laugh. Have a marvelous day. :)vocalcoach

H P Roychoudhury from Guwahati, India on April 29, 2011:

What an awful hub. I enjoyed the beautiful pictures and the melodious videos to the heartiest.

Betty Johansen on April 26, 2011:

It seems to me that, if someone is going to Hawaii, they should try to make time to visit all the islands at length. Reading your hub makes me think so even more. And living on Kauai must be like living in splendor! What a gorgeous hub!!! Thank you for giving us all a tiny taste of Paradise.

Hello, hello, from London, UK on April 19, 2011:

A truly splendid hub and the pictures are awesome. That must be paradise.

MyMastiffPuppies on April 19, 2011:

Excellent hub! I can hear the ocean waves and feel the sun on my face. The pictures and beautiful and the story is too! Voted up, useful, awesome and beautiful...

mauihawaii from Maui, Hawaii on April 19, 2011:

Informative hub with great photos.

Fay Paxton on April 18, 2011:

I was here earlier but didn't comment. I turned on your video and decided it was the perfect music to do my taxes by. Now I need a vacation.:) For real!

voted up/beautiful

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 18, 2011:

glowingrocks - Very nice to see you here. Thank you for reading my hub on Kauai. Appreciate it very much. Have a beautiful day! :)vocalcoach

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 18, 2011:

CJames - Having lived on Mauai, I understand why you prefer Mauai . . . however, I am hopelesly devoted to Kauai. :) Ever been to Niihau or Lanai? Thanks for the follow. I'm "kayaking" over to your place to enjoy one of your hubs. Aloha, friend! vocalcoach

CJamesIII from Minneapolis, MN on April 18, 2011:

Although Maui is my favorite place on Earth so far, Kauai is a mighty close second! :) Great photos!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 18, 2011:

Eoddwen - Oh, thank you my friend. So pleased that this hub was something you enjoyed. I'm a happy gal today. :)vocalcoach

Eiddwen from Wales on April 18, 2011:

Hi vocalcoach,

What a beautiful hub; words/ pictures/ music and singing.

I rate up plus bookmark.

Loved it !!

mckbirdbks from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas on April 17, 2011:

No wonder your heart is full of joyous song. You have spent time in a heaven named Kauai. Very beautiful, and the Hub was excellent also.

Amy Becherer from St. Louis, MO on April 17, 2011:

My sister lives in Honolulu. I was there for just a couple of days once. From what I see here on your beautiful piece, I'd rather be in Kauai. Gorgeous.

I am trying to get into the voice-over biz. I'm going to check out some of your writing related to breathing and anything that might pertain. I'm practicing with the help of my laptop making recordings and hope to be able to accomplish a demo tape soon. I really enjoyed this hub and the gorgeous photos. Thank you, vocalcoach.

Kathi Mirto from Fennville on April 17, 2011:

Wonderful photos and videos to enhance your life in the Hawaiian Island of Kauai! You really gave us a feel for the culture along with your knowledge of the island. Was your piano washed away by the hurricane? Do I have that right? You were lucky to have survived it even though you had to eat PB&J for Thanksgiving! Thank you for sharing

chspublish from Ireland on April 17, 2011:

I loved the journey you took us on. Beautiful, stunning paradise seen through your eyee, while we, the readers, benefit.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 17, 2011:

mdlawyer - My pleasure. Look for the second half which covers the south shore. Thanks! :)vocalcoach

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 17, 2011:

Thoughtforce - well, I would love to be your personal guide when you decide to visit Kauai :) Very pleased to have your comment and find that you enjoy the photos. They really do not do justice to the "real thing". I am beginning part 2 which will take you on a tour of the south side of the island. Aloha, Tina and Mahalo (thank you) ~ vocalcoach

Christina Lornemark from Sweden on April 17, 2011:

This place and the photos are breathtaking! And your information adds to the value of this hub. Kauai is a place I really would want to see for real! Thanks for showing this fantastic place! Tina

mdlawyer on April 17, 2011:

Vocalcoach, it is really wowsome Hawaii! Thanks for the share

glowingrocks from New York on April 17, 2011:

Great hub thanks for sharing.The photos are beautiful.

Brenda Barnes from America-Broken But Still Beautiful on April 17, 2011:

Now I want to go even more. My son in law is returning today from two weeks there. I hope I don't hurt him, lol. The Hub is wonderfully written and the pictures and videos great. Lovely indeed!

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on April 17, 2011:

This hub is outstanding on Kauai. I love the gorgeous pictures and the excellent tourist information. I wish I was packing my suitcase to travel there today! Voted/ rated awesome!

Ashantina on April 17, 2011:

What a comprehensive and well informed hub vocalcoach. I've always wanted to visit Hawaii... a definite must now!!!

drbj and sherry from south Florida on April 16, 2011:

Mahalo, Audrey, for bringing us this spectacular view of Kauai. Your vivid descriptions of the high points of the island and beautiful photos make me want to visit Hawaii again - this time to spend time on Kauai. Excellent travelogue.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 16, 2011:

Hello Dim - Thank you so much for being my first visitor.

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the hub and the photos.

Brought back many good memories and I do miss that place. :)

vocalcoach

Dim Flaxenwick from Great Britain on April 16, 2011:

O Boy that was such a fantastic hub. l want to go there. The pictures were amazing.

Thank you so much. Take care.