Before it was a bustling beach with premier shopping, skyscrapers, and sandy beaches, Waikiki was a banana plantation. This shot of unfamiliar Waikiki from the USGS in 1909 shows the lay of the land during plantation times with rows and rows of banana trees and irrigation. read more
Typically seen, and pictured, from the shores of Honolulu, this overhead view reveals Diamond Head to be not a small outcrop of mountain, but the full-circled remains of a volcanic cone. This monument acts as a sentry to the island, both welcoming and well-wishing visitors and maoli. read more
In the shallow depths just off the shores of Waikiki on Oahu, a gargantuan, stealthy, ship-looking vessel appears to cruise the sea bottom dwarfing the scuba divers who traverse its side. read more
Aloha shirts originated right here in Hawaii. If you are dressing up to head out, you grab your finest aloha shirt, your dress slippers, and you are ready to roll. It is thought that the aloha shirt as we know it today was originally created by Ellery Chun at King-Smith Clothiers and Dry Goods in Waikiki in the 1930’s. read more
Honolulu Surf Riders is another great Hawaiiana painting from Mr. Charles Bartlett. Put on canvas around 1918, his painting shows four surfers catching a wave in Honolulu, presumably in Waikiki. read more
Famous for long lines of great waves for surfing, the only line in the water at Waikiki this day was the line up of surfers waiting and watching the horizon in hopes of a little swell. read more
A classic scene of Duke Kahanamoku surfing a longboard somewhere near Honolulu, probably on Waikiki, as painted by Charles Bartlett in 1918. read more
A warm Hawaii sunset reflects off smooth, wet, Waikiki sand near Honolulu and envelopes those around it like a tropical blanket. read more
Pictured from a sea wall at the north end of Waikiki Beach on Oahu, downtown Honolulu buildings rise into the sky while reflecting off calm waters behind the break. read more
The tropical Hawaiian Pink Ginger blossom is frequently seen on the islands. Although ginger did not originate in Hawaii, it has been a welcomed variety… read more
This is the view of downtown Honolulu from the Maile Sky Court. read more
This Oahu night offered silhouetted palm trees with a half-moon rising above the early-evening sky. read more