At least two people demonstrated that common sense is not always common, venturing out in the water in Waikiki after police and emergency officials had evacuated thousands of people from the beaches and streets.

Before the tsunami surges reached Waikiki, one man was surfing and another swimming off Kapahulu groin as evacuated workers and tourists watched in amazement from lanais on high floors of hotels.

The swimmer left the water after being warned by firefighters in a Honolulu fire helicopter flying overhead.

While there were no reports of injuries and the tsunami threat appears to have abated, emergency officials have repeatedly stated that everyone should be safely away from the water during a warning.