What Hawaii’s Capital Looked Like In The 1970s May Shock You. Waikiki Especially.

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.

2. Cars head west on H-1 freeway.

3. The Hawaii State Capitol Building has changed very little since the 1970s.

4. The view of Honolulu from the summit of Diamond Head sure looks different, though.

5. This enchanting aerial photograph of Honolulu even features a rainbow.

6. Waikiki Beach and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel have been icons of Honolulu for decades.

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.

8. Honolulu traffic doesn't seem to have changed much.

9. In The 1970s, Waikiki was expanding into the sky with dozens of high rise apartment buildings and hotels.

10. An Ala Moana office building glows in the afternoon sun.

11. Hawaii’s freeways offer beautiful scenic views – without obtrusive billboards.

12. It’s crazy to think about how much Waikiki has changed since 1973, when this photograph was taken.

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.

Isn’t Honolulu in the 1970s beautiful? Share your memories of Hawaii in the 1970s in the comments on our Only In Hawaii Facebook Page.