Honolulu Star-Bulletin front page • Dec. 2, 1969
 
The ocean is not always our friend, as most of us know. In early December 1969, monstrous waves unexpectedly attacked Oahu’s North Shore, causing much damage to both homes and businesses, and leaving damaged cars tumbled amidst the wreckage.

Weather forecasting at that time was rudimentary compared to today; satellite images of the Hawaiian Islands had only become available about two years earlier.