The 1970s were a time of exponential growth throughout the Hawaiian Islands – especially the capital city of Honolulu. A decade had passed since Hawaii became a state, and tourism was a booming industry. With more than 1.7 million visitors each year, many of those in the state’s capital, infrastructure had to be adjusted for this influx in people: high rises were constructed, highways were expanded, and every square foot of space on the island had to be used wisely. Here are 13 photos to show us the enhancement of Honolulu in the 1970s.

1. Honolulu Harbor, as photographed in 1970.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
2. Cars head west on H-1 freeway.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
3. The Hawaii State Capitol Building has changed very little since the 1970s.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
4. The view of Honolulu from the summit of Diamond Head sure looks different, though.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
5. This enchanting aerial photograph of Honolulu even features a rainbow.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
6. Waikiki Beach and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel have been icons of Honolulu for decades.
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

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7. It is essential to make every square inch of space on an island count, evidenced by this four-story car dealership and high rise apartment buildings.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
8. Honolulu traffic doesn't seem to have changed much.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
9. In The 1970s, Waikiki was expanding into the sky with dozens of high rise apartment buildings and hotels.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
10. An Ala Moana office building glows in the afternoon sun.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
11. Hawaii’s freeways offer beautiful scenic views – without obtrusive billboards.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
12. It’s crazy to think about how much Waikiki has changed since 1973, when this photograph was taken.
Charles O’Rear/Wikimedia Commons
13. Two United States Air Force aircraft fly in formation with a Boeing KC-135A of the Arizona Air National Guard, with the Honolulu Skyline in the background.
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

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