HILO, Hawaii – The Lihikai Hawaiian Cultural Learning Center in Keaukaha was inundated by tidal waters on Wednesday, as a High Surf Warning was in effect for Hawaii Island shores.

Keoni Aweau Turalde, a well known local pahu carver, said there wasn’t a lot of damage but the flood displaced a lot of the wood he works with.

Turalde was camped out in a vehicle on the perimeter of the land, which is right next to Onekahakaha Beach Park. The park was closed today, along with all other beach parks in Hilo and Keaukahaka, due to the big waves.

Turalde says he’s only seen this happen a handful of times over the last 14 years. “Always keep your eye out there on the ocean,” Turalde said, as he worked on a new wood carving. “Because high surf; it moves everything on the land.”

The National Weather Service says the High Surf Warning will remain in effect until Thursday morning at 6 a.m.