These 13 Rare Photos Show Hawaii’s Tourism History Like Never Before

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with more than eight million visitors in 2015 – more than five times the total population of Hawaii. And while those numbers haven’t always been so high, the Hawaiian Islands have relied on the booming tourism industry for decades. From cruise ships and airplanes to tourists hanging out in Waikiki and luxury hotels, these 13 rare vintage photographs taken in Hawaii depict the Hawaiian tourism industry like never before.

1. Airliners on Maui in 1973: “Jet travel between the islands is a cause of rapid development. Sea travel has not been utilized in the tourist trade.”

2. Waikiki Beach and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in December 1969.

3. Honolulu Harbor as photographed in 1973.

5. Jack and Charmian London enjoy a day at Waikiki Beach, 1915.

6. Tourists hang out in front of the International Marketplace in Honolulu.

7. The SS Lurline, a Matson passenger ship, approaches Pier 10 in Honolulu Harbor.

9. Lobby card for the 1938 film Hawaii Calls.

11. A panoramic view of the Haleiwa Hotel, circa 1902.

12. This close-up of shot of the Bernice P. Bishop Museum was taken in 1957.

13. A shot of Waikiki circa 1973 shows how much this tourist destination has changed throughout the years.

If you loved these vintage photos, be sure to check out what Hawaii looked like in the 1930s, 1950s, and 1970s.

Megan Shute

With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.