Nestled on the southern shore of the island of Oahu, the neighborhood of Waikiki is perhaps one of the most famous spots in all of the Aloha State, but it wasn’t always a major resort destination. In the 1800s, the area was a retreat for Hawaiian royalty who enjoyed surfing here on early versions of longboards. A few small hotels opened in the 1880s, and over the years, Waikiki became the world-famous tourist destination it is today. From the mid-1800s to the 1970s, these 11 photographs show us Waikiki as you’ve never seen it before.
- Waikiki as photographed from the summit of Diamond Head Crater, circa 1973.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
- Also known as The Royal Grove, this photo depicts Kamehameha V’s summer residence at Helumoa. It is now the site of the Royal Hawaiian Center.
Unknown Author, Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
- Honolulu Harbor as photographed in 1900. The ships that dock here sure look different today.
Unknown Author, Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
- Duke Kahanamoku surfing the waves of Waikiki circa 1910.
A. R. Gurrey, Jr./Wikimedia Commons
- A unique photograph of a ship docked near Bishop Street.
Tropic~7/Flickr
- Honolulu Harbor with Waikiki in the distance as photographed in 1973.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
- A unique aerial perspective of Waikiki from the 1970s.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
- Tourists outside the International Marketplace in 1958.
Father of JGKlein/Wikimedia Commons
- The SS Lurline, a Matson Lines passenger ship, arrives in Honolulu in the 1930s with the famous Aloha Tower in the background.
Unknown author, U.S. National Park Service/Wikipedia
- Jack and Charmain London pose on Waikiki Beach in 1915, with Diamond Head in the background.
Charmain London/Wikimedia Commons
- Waikiki’s famous pink hotel, the Royal Hawaiian, was just as iconic in the 1960s as it is today.
NOAA Photo Library/Wikimedia Commons
So, tell us, what did you think of these vintage photographs? Raise your hand if you’d love to go back in time to experience Waikiki during the early 1900s! Do you know of any Waikiki businesses that could use a little extra love right now? Be sure to give them a shoutout using our nomination form!
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
Unknown Author, Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
A. R. Gurrey, Jr./Wikimedia Commons
Tropic~7/Flickr
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
Father of JGKlein/Wikimedia Commons
Unknown author, U.S. National Park Service/Wikipedia
Charmain London/Wikimedia Commons
NOAA Photo Library/Wikimedia Commons
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Address: Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
