Big Island Video News

Serving Hawaii County

  • Hawaiʻi Island News Regions
    • Hamakua
      • Mauna Kea
    • Hilo
    • Kau
    • Kona
    • Kohala
    • Puna
Sinkhole in Paauilo eats car, strands hundred on Hawaii Island
Avatar photo

by Big Island Video News
on Dec 31, 2013 at 10:50 am

Subscribe to Big Island Video News (FREE)

* indicates required

STORY SUMMARY

PAAUILO, Hawaii – The image of a sinkhole that consumed a truck during yesterday’s heavy rains on Hawaii Island has gone viral. The hole, which bore an uncanny resemblance to the shape of the Big Island, opened up suddenly around 8 a.m. near Paauilo and Pohakea Mauka Road, right where the road goes over a […]

The now famous photo of the Paauilo sinkhole, shot by Liana Iaea Honda

The now famous photo of the Paauilo sinkhole, shot by Liana Iaea Honda

PAAUILO, Hawaii – The image of a sinkhole that consumed a truck during yesterday’s heavy rains on Hawaii Island has gone viral.

The hole, which bore an uncanny resemblance to the shape of the Big Island, opened up suddenly around 8 a.m. near Paauilo and Pohakea Mauka Road, right where the road goes over a culvert. Just as a vehicle was driving through.

This view shows the sinkhole in relation to the culvert underneath. Photo by Liana Iaea Honda.

This view shows the sinkhole in relation to the culvert underneath. Photo by Liana Iaea Honda.

According to Liana Iaea Honda, the Paauilo resident who took the photo, the driver made it out OK. Hawaii News Now identified the driver as Velma Deluz. Deluz told the news that the road just “sucked me right in and I just fell in and I tried to climb out through the window because it fell on its side.”

A brave look over the edge of the sinkhole, by Liana Iaea Honda

A brave look over the edge of the sinkhole, by Liana Iaea Honda

Meanwhile, Honda said the sinkhole stranded about 100 people up on hill with no road out. She says she left yesterday, but her husband who works for the county fire department stayed behind to help.

Residents of Paauilo mauka, stranded by the closed road, make their way to the highway makai in order to make their escape. Photo by Liana Iaea Honda

Residents of Paauilo mauka, stranded by the closed road, make their way to the highway makai in order to make their escape. Photo by Liana Iaea Honda

Honda says the sinkhole is much bigger now, and its no longer Big Island-shaped. The truck has been pulled out. Reports say crews will be working to fix the road. Luckily, the storms have eased over the island, and the rain- soaked residents are hoping it stays that way.


Filed Under: Feature Tagged With: sinkhole

LATEST NEWS

Kīlauea Volcano Eruption Update for Tuesday, June 17

Robbery Suspect Arrested After Jumping Into Hilo Bay

Hawai‘i Vehicle Safety Inspection Fee To Increase On July 1st

Hawaiʻi County Announces 4th Of July Celebrations

Warm Water Showers Restored At Kawamoto Pool

No Kings Day Rallies Held On Hawaiʻi Island

About Big Island Video News

  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Dynamik-Gen on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in