Hawaii's Hollywood Transformation From Paradise To Statehood
By Sarah Norman | January 6, 2024
Locals only
The initial settlers on the Hawaiian Islands date back to the eighth century when Polynesian explorers made their way through the pacific and touched down on the fertile island of aloha. Americans didn’t start poking around Hawaii until the 18th century when traders looked to the islands in search of sandalwood. At the time Hawaii was ruled by its own monarchy, first the Kamehameha dynasty then followed by the Kalākaua Dynasty.
The Hawaiian Monarchy Was Overthrown In The 19th Century
On July 17, 1893, Sanford B. Dole, a descendant of the American missionary community to Hawaii and major proponent of the westernization of Hawaiian culture organized a coup an overthrew the Hawaiian government in an effort that was backed by U.S. businesses. On July 4th, 1894. Sanford Dole became the first president of the Republic of Hawaii and in 1898 the islands were annexed by President William McKinley.
Jack London Was Early Believer In Hawaiian Tourism
In 1907, the renowned American author Jack London embarked on a transformative journey to the enchanting Hawaiian islands. Accompanied by his wife, Charmian, London's visit was a spirited exploration that left an indelible mark on both his life and the destiny of Hawaii's burgeoning tourism industry. Captivated by the allure of the Pacific, London immersed himself in the local culture, enthusiastically delving into the "royal sport" of surfing and venturing on horseback expeditions to Haleakala and Hana. His awe-inspiring adventures were chronicled in his book The Cruise of the Snark. By 1929, the year London tragically passed away, Hawaii welcomed an astonishing 22,000 tourists, a testament to the enduring legacy of Jack London's exuberant exploration and his role in putting Hawaii on the map as a premier travel destination.
Growth In Tourism Following World War 1
Following World War I, tourist travel to Hawaii experienced significant growth. Companies like Matson and Castle & Cooke played key roles in this expansion. Matson established its headquarters in San Francisco in 1924 and operated from Piers 30–32, while Castle & Cooke opened new offices in Honolulu around the same time. Matson's introduction of the SS Malolo in 1927 marked a milestone as it became the largest passenger steamship built in the United States, forming part of its "White Fleet" ocean liners for Hawaii service.
The Great Depression Put A Damper On Tourism Numbers In Hawaii For A Few Years
In May 1926, Matson acquired Oceanic Steamship, expanding its routes to Australia and New Zealand. This expansion was reflected in tourism statistics, with annual tourist traffic to Hawaii surging from 17,500 in 1927 to 22,000 in 1929. However, the onset of the Great Depression in the early 1930s led to a sharp decline, reducing annual tourist numbers to less than 11,000 in 1932 and 1933. Despite this setback, the period following World War I marked a significant turning point in Hawaii's tourism industry, setting the stage for its continued growth in the years to come.
My annexed Hawaii
Once Hawaii was annexed it remained in a state of non-statehood for more than 60 years. During that time Hawaii became a territory with Dole as its first governor. It’s possible that Hawaii could have become a state much earlier than 1959 but sugarcane processing companies found that it was more financially advantageous to exploit the cheap, foreign labor of the island.
Corporations Really Didn't Want Hawaii To Become a State
As a territory companies didn’t have to worry about paying a federal minimum wage or worrying about benefits (whatever version of benefits existed in the early 20th century). Following the attack on Pearl Harbor by Imperial Japan on December 7, 1941 eyes turned to Hawaii with many considering the area where the Arizona sank a defacto American monument.
Hawaii finally became a state in 1959
Hawaii should have been a state long before 1959, but after active campaigns by locals who wanted to receive full congressional support the aloha state was paired up with Alaska and they were both brought into the Union to balance one another out - at the time lawmakers believed that Hawaii would be a Republican strong hold and that Alaska would swing Democratic. When Hawaii was finally admitted to the States the tropical lifestyle washed over contiguous Americans. Film, music, style, and a general way of life took over America for the next decade, influencing the culture in ways that we’re still feeling today.
Tiki culture became a way of life
Hawaii’s initiation into the United States followed on the heels of soldiers returning home from World War II. Many of these vets had been stationed in the South Pacific where they encountered the laid back Polynesian lifestyle. In an attempt to recreate the drinks and vibes of the South Pacific tiki culture experienced a mid-century explosion. When Hawaii became a state many veterans traveled to the island where and found the tropical local to be amenable to their chill lifestyle.
Inspired By The Pacific, Donn Beach Changed Tastes Forever
Donn Beach opened Don the Beachcomber as well as the Dagger Bar while non-Beach affiliated tiki bars popped up across the island and even stateside. Drinks like the Blue Hawaii and the Zombie became staples along with the “exotica” music movement that went hand in hand with tiki bars across the country.
Pan-Am made it easy to get your island on
It only took three days for Pan American to offer jet service to Hawaii following its move to statehood. This ease of travel completely changed Hawaii forever. According to an article in the LA Times about the service, “The islands, which had been the playground of well-heeled visitors, most of whom traveled by ship, began welcoming middle-class travelers.”
Air Travel Changed Hawaii's Economy Big Time
The Pan-Am strengthened travel didn’t just lead to an increase of tourism, but the state’s industry as well. By 1964 construction spending had increased 20 percent from ’63 - a financial boon that was helped by the $27 million high-rise project on Waikiki Beach. In 1960, the Chicago Tribune guessed at this increase in business in an article by the Travel Editor that read, “Hotels are rising on every hand. Apartment buildings are springing up like mushrooms. Stores and offices fill land that not so long ago was garden.”
Hollywood goes Hawaii
Mainland America’s fascination with Hawaii increased with the 1961 movie musical Blue Hawaii, starring the one and only Elvis Presley. The film followed Elvis as he played an Army veteran returning from the war to croon for tourists, get his surf on, and marry his girlfriend while working for her parent’s tourism agency. It introduced land locked audiences to ukulele tinged pop, and helped raise the profile of tiki culture and the lounge music of the 1950s. Blue Hawaii was the first of many Hollywood goes Hawaii movies to play in theaters in the 1960s. Films like Girls! Girls! Girls! Paradise, Hawaiian Style, and Gidget Goes Hawaii all continued the trend with The King appearing three out of four of the movies mentioned.
Surf culture exploded
Thanks to the proliferation of surf culture in the Hollywood goes Hawaiian films everyone wanted to surf. There were plenty of waves in Southern California, but thanks to gorgeous vistas on display in movies like Blue Hawaii surfers flocked to Waikiki Beach to paddle out into the crystal blue waters of Hawaii. The island’s surf ready beaches were most prominently featured in the cult classic documentary from 1966 The Endless Summer, which showcased the beauty of the waves and the way in which surfers communed with the ocean. By the end of the ‘60s Hollywood’s fascination with Hawaii dimmed but it never went away. Tiki culture can still be found in modern rockabilly music and the island continues to make appearances in films and television.
The Economic Impact Of Tourism Has Been Incredible
The transformation of Hawaii's economic landscape has been closely intertwined with the evolution of its dominant industries. Shifting from a Kingdom to a Territory and ultimately to a State, Hawaii's economic profile has witnessed substantial changes. Historically an agricultural powerhouse, particularly renowned for producing around 80 percent of the world's pineapples in the 1960s, the introduction of Pan Am's flight route to Hawaii triggered a rapid surge in tourist arrivals. Following statehood, the number of passengers arriving at Honolulu airport more than doubled in the subsequent years.
Such A Heavy Reliance On Tourism Could Spell Disaster For Hawaii
This undeniable reliance on tourism has transformed Hawaii's economy into one heavily dependent on the industry's revenue streams. While this has facilitated significant economic growth, it has also raised concerns among researchers about the state's vulnerability to external economic forces. Factors such as economic recessions, airline strikes, or fluctuating fuel prices could potentially have a devastating impact on Hawaii's local economy, underscoring the importance of diversification and preparedness for potential economic challenges in the future.
Mass Tourism Has Put Hawaii's Ecosystem On The Tipping Point
The environmental impact of mass tourism on Hawaii has raised significant long-term concerns. As the islands have become increasingly popular tourist destinations, the delicate ecosystems and natural beauty that draw visitors have faced various challenges. However, there has been a concerted effort to address these issues through collaborative initiatives involving international environmental organizations and local island communities. This approach, often referred to as "values-led management," holds great promise.
There's A Major Move To Preserve The Ideals Of Hawaii
Values-Led Management places emphasis on preserving the values and sustainable practices of the local communities residing on these heavily visited islands. By doing so, it not only safeguards their interests but also respects and preserves their unique cultural heritage. Through this collaborative approach, Hawaii seeks to strike a balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the imperative to protect its natural environment for future generations.
Moving Forward With Hawaii
The mass tourism industry in Hawaii has had profound social implications, sparking a complex interplay of perspectives and interests. Among Native Hawaiians, there exists a strong sentiment tied to the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, emphasizing the need for Hawaii's independence. This grassroots movement has fostered a negative perception of tourists, particularly as they are seen as disruptors of the natural land and its cultural heritage. This contention has escalated into a stark divide between developers seeking to transform the land into commercial or residential developments and the native population, who view it as a vital part of their livelihoods.
Many indigenous individuals rely on the land for their sustenance and economic well-being, and the loss of this environment has had significant socio-psychological consequences. Furthermore, the tourism industry's dominance in job opportunities has led to a skewed job-base, limiting the economic prospects of both Native Hawaiians and residents. Thus, the social impact of mass tourism in Hawaii reflects a complex tapestry of cultural, economic, and environmental concerns, highlighting the need for sustainable and inclusive approaches to tourism development.
