Honoring Halapē: Reflections from John Cross at the Pacific Tsunami Museum

I am pleased to share the story of a recent presentation given by our Senior Land Manager, John Cross, at the Pacific Tsunami Museum. He explored the history and legacy of Halapē through the experiences of Troop 77, and even from what I learned afterward, it’s clear his contribution added something truly special to the program. People who were there shared how meaningful it was and how John’s perspective brought everything together in a thoughtful and heartfelt way.

John’s connection to Halapē goes back to his days in Troop 77 in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The troop was known for its long hikes and annual campouts, spending many nights each year exploring and taking care of trails and campsites across Hawaiʻi Island. Their yearly Thanksgiving trip to Halapē stood out as a favorite—a challenging hike followed by days of fishing, diving, storytelling, and caring for the site. These trips created strong bonds and left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

That sense of connection was deeply shaken on November 29, 1975, when a powerful earthquake and series of tsunami waves struck the area. Many people were injured, and two lives were lost, including Assistant Scoutmaster Dr. James Mitchel. Several individuals who lived through that day were present at the museum event and shared their memories, which made John’s presentation even more meaningful.

John also reflected on returning to Halapē in 1995 as part of a restoration effort. He and other Troop 77 leaders carried more than thirty coconut sprouts down the trail and replanted the grove in partnership with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Many of those trees still stand today—nearly thirty years later—showing how acts of care can leave a lasting impact.

The museum event brought together many voices, including author Graham Salisbury, who spoke about how Halapē inspired his book Night of the Howling Dogs, and a dramatic reading of Jackie Pualani Johnson’s play A Crevice in Time. Former Scouts, survivors, and community members shared stories and reconnected, creating a powerful sense of remembrance and community.

In the days following the event, the reflections shared among organizers and participants highlighted just how much the commemoration resonated. Several survivors and former co-workers who had been at Halapē in 1975 spoke about how difficult it had been to revisit those memories in earlier years, and how meaningful it was to finally gather in a space where their experiences were honored. The actors from A Crevice in Time also shared how deeply they felt the responsibility of bringing those voices to life. The exchange underscored the emotional weight of the moment and the importance of preserving these stories with care.

We’re grateful to have John on our team. His lifelong connection to Halapē and his dedication to stewardship reflect the values that guide our work and remind us why caring for people and place matters.

John Cross