The warning was ominous, their predictions dire: a bulletin was issued telling Hawaii and other other islands that a killer wave was heading their way with terrifying force. Luckily, no such thing happened the “massive” waves were only half the predicted size. While it could be possible for the next massive earthquake in the western hemisphere to trigger a tsunami worth fearing for now the Honolulu beaches are once more packed.

Scientists defend the fact that, while the threat was over blown this time, it’s better safe than sorry after the Tsunami that struck Indonesia in 2004. There’s no such thing as being over prepared for the damage. A massive wave could cause to the coastal cities washing away hotels, attractions, and homes much akin to the damage Katrina wrought across cities of the Gulf of Mexico but without the wind damage.

Fifty-three nations and Territories were put on high alert after the 8.8 earthquake in Chile and a resulting tsunami devastated a port city on Robinson Crusoe Island off the coast. The warnings triggered possibly the largest evacuation of Hawaii in decades. There was little damage as waves slightly more than 5 ft high battered the beaches of Maui and Hilo, half the predicted size.

Things where quickly back to normal and tourists and beach lovers once again flooded the beaches for sun and surf as soon as the state of emergency was declared over. For now, the gorgeous beaches of the most popular honeymoon and romantic getaway spot in the United States are safe.