The Hawaiian Islands have undergone monumental changes throughout their history – including the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the development of Hawaii as a tourist destination, and in 1959, the islands’ admittance as the youngest state in America. These 18 photographs give us a glimpse into life before Hawaii became an American state when the monarchy thrived and life was much simpler. The images that follow depict an era of old Hawaii you’ve only imagined in your wildest dreams. Let’s take a step back in time, shall we?
- Larger than Iolani Palace, Keōua Hale was the palace of Princess Ruth Ke’elikōlani.
Unknown Author/Wikimedia Commons
- Native Hawaiians sell leis in 1901.
Unknown Author/Wikimedia Commons
- Honolulu sure has changed a lot since this photograph was taken in the 1930s.
Unknown Author/Wikimedia Commons
- The famous Duke Kahanamoku surfing off the coast of Waikiki in 1910.
A. R. Gurrey, Jr./Wikimedia Commons
- The Hawaiian Railroad was built from 1881 to 1883 and extended from the port of Mahukona to the Niulii plantation in the north Kohala district.
James J. Williams/Wikimedia Commons
- A lush forest in the Puna district of Hawaii Island in 1884 proves that our natural landscapes have always been beautiful.
Hawaiian Historical Society/Wikimedia Commons
- Also known as The Royal Grove, Kamehameha V’s summer residence at Helumoa sure is a beauty in this 1863 photo.
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
- Jack and Charmain London as photographed on Waikiki Beach in 1915.
Charmian London/Wikimedia Commons
- This stunning black and white photograph was taken in the late 1800s of Laupahoehoe Village.
Unknown Author/Wikimedia Commons
- A 1905 photograph of the Queen’s Hospital.
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
- This 1879 photograph depicts Father Damien with the Kalawao Girls Choir in Kalaupapa, Molokai.
Henry L. Chase/Commons Wikimedia
- A photograph of Merchant Street looking towards Waikiki circa 1885, with the Kamehameha V Post Office in the left foreground.
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
- Housing at Schofield Barracks circa 1925.
National Photo Company Collection/Wikimedia Commons
- Asian plantation workers fill bags of sugar during the 1910s.
National Photo Company/Wikipedia
- Boats in Honolulu Harbor circa 1900.
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
- How wonderful would it be to go back in time and stay at the historic Haleiwa Hotel when this photograph was taken in 1902.
Melvin Vaniman/Wikimedia Commons
- This 1907 photograph commemorates a visit of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce to a Hawaii pineapple field.
Unknown Author/Wikimedia Commons
- This aerial photograph of Barbers Point Lighthouse was taken in 1952, just seven years before Hawaii became an official U.S. state.
U.S. Navy/Wikimedia Commons
Did you find these photographs as fascinating as we did? To learn more about Hawaii’s unique history, you’ll want to add these 13 historic sites to your Aloha State bucket list.
Unknown Author/Wikimedia Commons
A. R. Gurrey, Jr./Wikimedia Commons
James J. Williams/Wikimedia Commons
Hawaiian Historical Society/Wikimedia Commons
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
Charmian London/Wikimedia Commons
Henry L. Chase/Commons Wikimedia
National Photo Company Collection/Wikimedia Commons
National Photo Company/Wikipedia
Melvin Vaniman/Wikimedia Commons
U.S. Navy/Wikimedia Commons
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