Recent history
By Jan Marshall
The Vacationland subdivision has a colorful history framed by natural events including a major
earthquake in 1975, several hurricanes and the 2018 lava flow. The association itself (Vacationland
Hawaii Community Association) was formed in 1984 and was originally the small Easterly lots known as
House Lots. Subsequently, most of the 5 acre lots known as Farm Lots were incorporated into the
association. In 2000 formal rights to assess lot owners for road maintenance were accorded the
association by the Circuit Court.
Like all of the Hawaii Islands the subdivision’s origins are volcanic. The original homes were built on a
lava flow which at that time was estimated to be 700 to 1200 years old. Some of those homes were
lost to hurricanes, a problem which accelerated with the subsidence of the land but that subsidence also
resulted in the creation of the Wai Opae tide pools which became a world famous snorkeling destination
and a major fish nursery for the islands. VHCA residents hosted some 200,000 visitors a year to the
tide pools. More history can be read below.
In June 2018 a volcanic eruption, unprecedented in size in modern history, occurred in the Leilani
subdivision to the west of Vacationland. The flow from that eruption headed downhill toward the
ocean roughly alongside a 1960 flow and then abruptly (and unpredictably) turned south and then
abruptly east and flowed straight over the subdivision resulting in the loss of all but 3 homes. The lava
flow added as much as 80’ of height above the pre-flow elevation and extended the waterfront out
roughly ½ mile – a bit further out than where it was in the 1950s before subsidence brought the
waterfront to the subdivision’s edge but with a much higher new elevation now.
VHCA is currently seeking to restore the subdivision. The lava is a’a’
which breaks up readily under the weight of a bulldozer. The abundant rain and sunshine will serve to
grow vegetation rapidly. Vacationland will not be the same but it is still beautiful and still
relatively close to the ocean; with work the area can be a pleasant, relatively level neighborhood.
VHCA has an SBA approval for a $1,854,200 loan which we believe is sufficient to rebuild the road system. But we
are also seeking grant funding in lieu of debt to minimize debt payments. Restoration of the road
system is dependent on the County restoring County road access (Rt. 137). The County is expecting as much as
$500 million in aid related to the lava flow so it is well positioned to replace the 3 miles of access road. As of
August 2019, Mayor Kim has promised restoration of access to Vacationland.
We are also (in coordination with KKWA, Vacationland’s water company) seeking a FEMA grant to fund
the restoration of the subdivision water distribution system and pressing the County Water Supply
Department for restoration of County water to serve that distribution system. We understand the County Water Supply Department has applied for FEMA funding to reimburse them for the lost waterlines.
A number of former owners have expressed a desire to rebuild. Other owners want the option to sell
their lots. Both objectives would be facilitated with restoration of the roads. Once it is clear what the
County is going to do regarding an access road the VHCA Board will be discussing options with the
membership. Any borrowing will depend upon membership approval.
Meanwhile, the board and active members are engaging the County and requesting definition on
many factors related to the community’s restoration, so that our membership can move forward.
By Jan Marshall
The Vacationland subdivision has a colorful history framed by natural events including a major
earthquake in 1975, several hurricanes and the 2018 lava flow. The association itself (Vacationland
Hawaii Community Association) was formed in 1984 and was originally the small Easterly lots known as
House Lots. Subsequently, most of the 5 acre lots known as Farm Lots were incorporated into the
association. In 2000 formal rights to assess lot owners for road maintenance were accorded the
association by the Circuit Court.
Like all of the Hawaii Islands the subdivision’s origins are volcanic. The original homes were built on a
lava flow which at that time was estimated to be 700 to 1200 years old. Some of those homes were
lost to hurricanes, a problem which accelerated with the subsidence of the land but that subsidence also
resulted in the creation of the Wai Opae tide pools which became a world famous snorkeling destination
and a major fish nursery for the islands. VHCA residents hosted some 200,000 visitors a year to the
tide pools. More history can be read below.
In June 2018 a volcanic eruption, unprecedented in size in modern history, occurred in the Leilani
subdivision to the west of Vacationland. The flow from that eruption headed downhill toward the
ocean roughly alongside a 1960 flow and then abruptly (and unpredictably) turned south and then
abruptly east and flowed straight over the subdivision resulting in the loss of all but 3 homes. The lava
flow added as much as 80’ of height above the pre-flow elevation and extended the waterfront out
roughly ½ mile – a bit further out than where it was in the 1950s before subsidence brought the
waterfront to the subdivision’s edge but with a much higher new elevation now.
VHCA is currently seeking to restore the subdivision. The lava is a’a’
which breaks up readily under the weight of a bulldozer. The abundant rain and sunshine will serve to
grow vegetation rapidly. Vacationland will not be the same but it is still beautiful and still
relatively close to the ocean; with work the area can be a pleasant, relatively level neighborhood.
VHCA has an SBA approval for a $1,854,200 loan which we believe is sufficient to rebuild the road system. But we
are also seeking grant funding in lieu of debt to minimize debt payments. Restoration of the road
system is dependent on the County restoring County road access (Rt. 137). The County is expecting as much as
$500 million in aid related to the lava flow so it is well positioned to replace the 3 miles of access road. As of
August 2019, Mayor Kim has promised restoration of access to Vacationland.
We are also (in coordination with KKWA, Vacationland’s water company) seeking a FEMA grant to fund
the restoration of the subdivision water distribution system and pressing the County Water Supply
Department for restoration of County water to serve that distribution system. We understand the County Water Supply Department has applied for FEMA funding to reimburse them for the lost waterlines.
A number of former owners have expressed a desire to rebuild. Other owners want the option to sell
their lots. Both objectives would be facilitated with restoration of the roads. Once it is clear what the
County is going to do regarding an access road the VHCA Board will be discussing options with the
membership. Any borrowing will depend upon membership approval.
Meanwhile, the board and active members are engaging the County and requesting definition on
many factors related to the community’s restoration, so that our membership can move forward.