Wednesday evening in Waikiki ended in classic Hawaiian style, with a stunning red, orange and gold sunset, children laughing and splashing in waves lapping the shore – and parents sipping cocktails from plastic cups.

Passengers of the Pride of America from Norwegian Cruise Line docked in Hilo were expected to return to the harbor for a departure time of 6 p.m. Once the state of Hawaii declared a state of emergency due to the tsunami at approximately 2:45 p.m., the cruise liner had to abruptly set sail at 4 p.m.

The worst predictions did not come to pass after a major earthquake off the coast of Russia sent a surge of water across the Pacific.