Tsunami, what tsunami?

Yesterday on the way to work I heard the first wail of the hourly sirens that were to warn everyone on the island that there would be a tsunami, likely to hit around 11:30.

Because I was cleaning a place up on the mountain work I noticed that the ocean was at low tide, and I saw probably hundreds of boats heading out to sea, where it was supposed to be much safer. Streets were closed, and except for one or two loonies, the beaches were evacuated. I was stoked to watch the huge wave come in, crashing against the 30 story hotels in Waikiki, and I was more than a little excited by the prospect of canceled school next week( I have midterms). I was a little nervous too, mostly because my dad kept sending me text messages reminding me to have a weeks worth of food and water ready.

I later found out that a tsunami is not a single, enormous wave, but a series of surges that raise the level of the water, and are coupled with waves. Interesting. Well, 11 o clock came and went. The tide rose within a matter of minutes, which was unusual, but no huge swells or surges affected our shores. Hilo, on the big island, had a bit of activity, but it caused no damage or anything. Our tsunami watch was lifted by 2:00 pm. Nothing. Is it wrong of me to say the lack of destruction and spectacle were disappointing? Because it was.