19 Vintage Photos of Old-School Hawaii

History April 1, 2025

Old-school Hawaii is able to effortlessly inspire grand images of pristine beaches, palm trees swaying in the warm winds, and a culture that’s deeply rooted in tradition. Before the islands became the tourist hotspots that we know them as today, they were instead a place of simple living, where many locals would embrace the spirit of the islands in their daily lives. This collection of throwback photos captures just a bit of that magical time.

1. A man stands between Jurassic-sized foliage, Hawaii, 1924

A person standing among giant, lush elephant ear plants and ferns in a dense jungle. The large leaves dominate the black and white image, creating a striking contrast with the small figure nestled among the foliage.
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Right out of a movie.

2. 1959 Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii. In background is the Moana Hotel, considered to be the First Lady of Waikiki.

A crowded beach scene with people sunbathing and relaxing on the sand. Several colorful canoes are lined up near the water's edge. Sailboats are visible in the ocean. A large, white building and palm trees are in the background.
mydoggoldi

Looks like a wonderful day to catch a wave.

3. Hawaii, 1970s

Vintage photograph of a street scene featuring a maroon car driving past a Woolworth's store. The building has a distinct patterned facade, with tall palm trees lining the sidewalk. People walk nearby on a cloudy day.
foundslides

The seventies were such a wonderful time, indeed.

4. Hawaiian man at Hawaii island, 1890s

An elderly man with a beard stands on a rocky shore, wearing a traditional feather cape and loincloth. He holds a paddle and is next to a wooden canoe with an outrigger. The ocean and distant hills are in the background.
iamshayeshaye

Wow, now that’s a beautiful boat.

5. Someone’s great-grandfather with their grandma in Hawaii, 1946

A black and white photo of a man lying on a blanket under palm trees next to a smiling baby sitting up. In the background are a few vintage cars and a structure with a roof. The scene suggests a vintage outdoor setting, possibly a picnic.
ancestrydude

What a couple of cuties.

6. My newlywed parents in Hawaii, 1969

A man in a military uniform and a woman wearing sunglasses and a floral dress stand together, smiling. Both have leis around their necks. They are surrounded by large tropical leaves.
pickpocketlens

They’re absolutely young and in love.

7. Niihauans fishing in canoes in Pu’uwai Beach, in the Kamalino District, Niihau, Hawaii, circa 1885

People paddling canoes in shallow water near a rocky shore. Three huts are visible in the background on land. The scene appears to be historical based on the image quality and style.
iamshayeshaye

Nothing like some fresh fish.

8. Female firefighters in Hawaii

A group of women in work clothes pull together on a large fire hose, spraying water. They're standing on a wet dock with an overcast sky and water in the background. The women appear determined and focused.
knightofsummer

Now that’s a tough-looking crew.

9. Stopping On Route – Hawaii – 1961

Two women pose playfully near a vintage blue car on a tropical road. One woman stands to the left, smiling and touching her face, while the other leans against the car, wearing a gray dress. Palm trees and a cloudy sky fill the background.
mydoggoldi

Sometimes you’ve just got to pit stop and take in the moment.

10. This guy had himself a nice walkabout

A person in a yellow T-shirt stands amidst dense tropical foliage. Sunlight filters through the leaves above, creating a dappled light effect on the plants and the person.

Love the whole aesthetic going on here.

11. Tourist taking a sightseeing break in Honolulu Hawaii, 1955

A group of people gathered around a picnic table in a park. Some are sitting, others standing, all holding drinks. The men are dressed in short-sleeve shirts, and the women in colorful dresses and skirts. Trees and cars can be seen in the background.
mydoggoldi

The shirts do speak for themselves.

12. A worker on the Dole plantation carries an armload of pineapples, Hawaii, circa 1945

A person wearing glasses and a straw hat stands in a field holding several pineapples. The person is dressed in work clothes, and the sky is clear above.
wheyman

Would love some fresh pineapple right now.

13. Villagers at Hale, Niihau, Hawaii, 1885

A group of people, including adults and children, stand and sit on rocky ground in front of traditional, dome-shaped mud dwellings. The backdrop includes stone walls and two structures, with some people dressed in patterned clothing.
iamshayeshaye

Now that’s a beautiful village.

14. Honolulu, Hawaii, August 1978

A busy city street with palm trees and high-rise buildings. Two buses and a small red pedicab with a cyclist and two passengers are on the road. Pedestrians are walking on the sidewalk. The scene has a tropical, urban atmosphere.
axlcobainvedder

Those palm trees really give off the paradise has arrived vibes.

15. “Welcome to Hawaii”, 1970

A family of six wearing colorful clothing and leis smiles while posing outdoors. Palm trees and a white van are in the background. The parents stand on either side of four children.
mydoggoldi

The kids are rightfully stoked out of their minds.

16. Surfing Oahu’s North Shore in 1974

Three surfers navigate large, powerful waves. The first surfer rides on the left, while the second surfer is in mid-air after a wipeout. The third surfer is mostly submerged on the right. The waves are towering and break dramatically in the background.
gator43

That guy’s about to eat some saltwater.

17. People sitting in front of a grass thatched house with dogs in Hawaii, 1890s-1920s

Four people and a dog sit in front of a thatched hut built into a hillside. A small field of crops grows nearby. The scene suggests a rural, agricultural setting. A tree and rocky outcrop are visible in the background.
iamshayeshaye

Those dogs look like they’ve seen it all.

18. A little hula dancer in Hawaii, 1955

A young girl stands on a beach, wearing a green grass skirt and a red floral top. She has a yellow flower in her hair. The ocean and sky form the background.

Taking it all the way back to 1955.

19. Foodland Supermarket, Hawaii 1959

deletedd

Foodland was the place to be back then.

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