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Hawaiʻi State Archives The Hawai‘i State Archives’ mission is to ensure open government by preserving and making accessible the historic records of state government.

theme: Development of WaikīkīRef No.: M495.02-M26-MoanaBack of the Photo: Moana (new site); Friday May 8 1953, Retur...
10/22/2026

theme: Development of Waikīkī

Ref No.: M495.02-M26-Moana
Back of the Photo: Moana (new site); Friday May 8 1953, Return to Library, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Tower Tests View —Matson Navigation Co. has built a tower to try out the view from the fourth floor level of the new hotel it proposes to build on this site, now occupied by the Moana Cottages, just across Kalakaua Ave. from the Moana Hotel. The arrow indicates the tower, which also was used in making test borings to determine firmness of the ground which will support the proposed reinforced concrete building, which, significantly enough, will not be built on on-beach property."
Date: 5-8-1953

October is Archives Month and for 2026, we are sending you greetings with 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī. This week’s theme is 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī and the many changes that created the current landscape found in Waikīkī. To see more, go to https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/archives-month-2026.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another amazing photo!
Digital image has been enhanced from the original.

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani

theme: Development of WaikīkīRef No.: M495.02-L3-Lau Yee Chai RestaurantBack of the Photo: Honolulu Bldgs.: - Lau Ye...
10/21/2026

theme: Development of Waikīkī

Ref No.: M495.02-L3-Lau Yee Chai Restaurant
Back of the Photo: Honolulu Bldgs.: - Lau Yee Chai; Tue Mar 12 1991 SBS, Wednesday Sep 4 1946; Return to Library Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Lau Yee Chai restaurant, Kalakaua and Kuhio Aves. One of the most striking buildings in the Waikiki district, this restaurant has the type of architecture that lends charm and interest to the community. The building was well-kept throughout the war, has a minimum of signs and has become an outstanding landmark in the city. All this, according to the chamber of commerce, makes the restaurant deserving of mention as a No. 1 edifice."
Date: 9-4-1946

October is Archives Month and for 2026, we are sending you greetings with 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī. This week’s theme is 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī and the many changes that created the current landscape found in Waikīkī. To see more, go to https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/archives-month-2026.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another amazing photo!
Digital image has been enhanced from the original.

theme: Development of WaikīkīRef No.: PP-12-2-013Back of the Photo: Bldgs., Govt. - Natatorium, Waikiki; Neg # 18,59...
10/20/2026

theme: Development of Waikīkī

Ref No.: PP-12-2-013
Back of the Photo: Bldgs., Govt. - Natatorium, Waikiki; Neg # 18,592 (4x5); Gift of Tom Coffman, 6/26/72.
Front of the Photo: B-1254-(11 PS/11/25/28) War Memorial Natatorium, Honolulu, T.H.
Date: 11-25-1928
See original: https://digitalarchives.hawaii.gov/browse/parent/ark:70111/0c6N

October is Archives Month and for 2026, we are sending you greetings with 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī. This week’s theme is 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī and the many changes that created the current landscape found in Waikīkī. To see more, go to https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/archives-month-2026.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another amazing photo!
Digital image has been enhanced from the original.

theme: Development of WaikīkīRef No.: PPBAC-3-1-003Back of the Photo: Oahu: Ala Wai Canal; Photo by George Bacon.Dat...
10/19/2026

theme: Development of Waikīkī

Ref No.: PPBAC-3-1-003
Back of the Photo: Oahu: Ala Wai Canal; Photo by George Bacon.
Date: Undated
See original: https://digitalarchives.hawaii.gov/item/ark:70111/1w6P

October is Archives Month and for 2026, we are sending you greetings with 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī. This week’s theme is 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī and the many changes that created the current landscape found in Waikīkī. To see more, go to https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/archives-month-2026.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another amazing photo!
Digital image has been enhanced from the original.

theme: Development of WaikīkīRef No.: PPWD-15-1-006Back of the Photo: Waikiki, Old - 1890; Showing a portion of a Ri...
10/19/2026

theme: Development of Waikīkī

Ref No.: PPWD-15-1-006
Back of the Photo: Waikiki, Old - 1890; Showing a portion of a Rice Field and taro patch.
Date: Undated
See original: https://digitalarchives.hawaii.gov/item/ark:70111/1z8m

October is Archives Month and for 2026, we are sending you greetings with 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī. This week’s theme is 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī and the many changes that created the current landscape found in Waikīkī. To see more, go to https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/archives-month-2026.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another amazing photo!
Digital image has been enhanced from the original.

theme: Waikīkī HotelsRef No.: M495.02-545-Waikiki BiltmoreBack of the Photo: Waikiki Biltmore; Star-Bulletin photo b...
10/17/2026

theme: Waikīkī Hotels

Ref No.: M495.02-545-Waikiki Biltmore
Back of the Photo: Waikiki Biltmore; Star-Bulletin photo by Warren Roll; Dec 13 1966
Date: Dec 13, 1966

Staff Note: Opening in 1955, the Biltmore Hotel was one of the first high-rise hotels, 11-stories, built in Waikiki. On May 28, 1974, it was imploded to make way for the Hyatt Waikiki Hotel.

October is Archives Month and for 2026, we are sending you greetings with 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī. This week’s theme is 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘀. As the area developed into its current travel destination, some of Hawaii's oldest hotels can be found in Waikīkī. To see more, go to https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/archives-month-2026.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another amazing photo!
Digital image has been enhanced from the original.

theme: Waikīkī HotelsRef No.: PP-41-11-007Back of the Photo: Hotels - Halekulani Hotel; Photo abt. 1961; Honolulu St...
10/16/2026

theme: Waikīkī Hotels

Ref No.: PP-41-11-007
Back of the Photo: Hotels - Halekulani Hotel; Photo abt. 1961; Honolulu Star-Bulletin Photo.
Date: Ca. 1961

October is Archives Month and for 2026, we are sending you greetings with 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī. This week’s theme is 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘀. As the area developed into its current travel destination, some of Hawaii's oldest hotels can be found in Waikīkī. To see more, go to https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/archives-month-2026.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another amazing photo!
Digital image has been enhanced from the original.

Halekulani Hotel

theme: Waikīkī HotelsRef No.: PNM-304-18747Description: Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Shows hotel from the water. Date unkno...
10/15/2026

theme: Waikīkī Hotels

Ref No.: PNM-304-18747
Description: Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Shows hotel from the water. Date unknown, but possibly soon after completion. No print. Negative received from the Hawaii State Library, December, 1971 (who received them from Star-Bulletin).
Date: Undated
See Original: https://digitalarchives.hawaii.gov/item/ark:70111/492m

Staff Note: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel opened on February 1, 1927.

October is Archives Month and for 2026, we are sending you greetings with 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī. This week’s theme is 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘀. As the area developed into its current travel destination, some of Hawaii's oldest hotels can be found in Waikīkī. To see more, go to https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/archives-month-2026.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another amazing photo!
Digital image has been enhanced from the original.

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort

theme: Waikīkī HotelsRef No.: PNL-30-2137Description: Seaside Hotel. The old Royal Seaside where the Royal Hawaiian ...
10/14/2026

theme: Waikīkī Hotels

Ref No.: PNL-30-2137
Description: Seaside Hotel. The old Royal Seaside where the Royal Hawaiian is now.
Date: Undated
See Original: https://digitalarchives.hawaii.gov/item/ark:70111/492x

October is Archives Month and for 2026, we are sending you greetings with 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī. This week’s theme is 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘀. As the area developed into its current travel destination, some of Hawaii's oldest hotels can be found in Waikīkī. To see more, go to https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/archives-month-2026.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another amazing photo!
Digital image has been enhanced from the original.

theme: Waikīkī HotelsRef No.: PNM-310-20076Description: Moana Hotel and Diamond Head. No photo. Negative shows a bea...
10/13/2026

theme: Waikīkī Hotels

Ref No.: PNM-310-20076
Description: Moana Hotel and Diamond Head. No photo. Negative shows a beach view of the Moana Hotel with Diamond Head in the background. 1920s.
Date: 1920s
See Original: https://digitalarchives.hawaii.gov/item/ark:70111/4920

Staff Note: Moana Hotel was the first hotel building (not bungalows), opening in 1901 on the beach at Waikiki. It is celebrating its 125th Anniversary this year. It is also known as The First Lady of Waikiki.

October is Archives Month and for 2026, we are sending you greetings with 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗵𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī. This week’s theme is 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸ī𝗸ī 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘀. As the area developed into its current travel destination, some of Hawaii's oldest hotels can be found in Waikīkī. To see more, go to https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/archives-month-2026.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another amazing photo!
Digital image has been enhanced from the original.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa

Address

364 S. King Street
Honolulu, HI
96813

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+18085860329

Website

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