Unexpected reminder of WWII on the Big Island

 One of the first things we did upon arrival on the Big Island was to go to our favorite beach - Hapuna. I decided that I would get back to walking after spraining my ankle and hubby decided he would work at...relaxing!

Sometime Monday afternoon we noticed that the south part of the beach was very quickly being cleared. Everyone was being told to leave and move further up the beach. Everything was very official even Hawaii 5-0 was there! Being very bold tourists Hubby went over to get the straight scoop and found out that a military ordnance had been discovered by one of the life guards.

 Tuesday the entire beach was closed.

We were sad but the closure forced us to seek out other beaches on the island. Although they are nice, Hupuna still remains our favorite and we were glad two thirds of the beach opened on Wednesday. Friday the military came in and “... exploded a World War II 16-inch unfused projectile that was found in the waters off Hapuna Beach on the Big Island’s Kohala coast.” The beach was reopened following the 10:30 a.m. operation. Two experts from Pearl Harbor's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 and an Army ordnance specialist flew to the Big Island yesterday to help the state assess the situation. The Navy hasn't been able to determine its age or origin. The project, which was eight inches in diameter, was embedded in the lava rocks, sand and marine growth at the beach. It caused no immediate danger, but because it could not be removed, a small explosive charge was used to explode it in place, the Navy said."

"During World War II a group of U.S. Marines, established Camp Henry C. Drewes at Hapuna. It was here that they recovered from battle and trained for the war from January until May of 1944."

Years ago when we were visiting the Big Island for the first time a good friend of ours, "Uncle Miltie", was happy to take us take us to Hapuna Beach. He had found it while serving in the military during WWII.