5 panoramic views of Hawaii.

Description

An extraordinary set of five small panoramic photographic views of the Hawaiian island of Oahu in the late-19th century Oahu:

A view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, long before the modern high-rise development that characterizes today’s Waikiki. At this time, Honolulu was undergoing period of significant transition. Waikiki was evolving from a wetlands area, which was home to several fishponds and taro fields, into a residential area favored by the Hawaiian royalty and wealthy individuals for its beauty and recreational opportunities.

A wide view of Iolani Palace and surrounding landscape, taken around the time of the last days of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. As royal residence, Iolani Palace was the epicenter of Hawaiian governance and the venue for social functions. King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, his successor and sister, both ruled from the Palace, which became a symbol of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s sovereignty. However, the Palace also became a symbol of the Kingdom’s downfall when the monarchy was overthrown in 1893 by a coalition of businessmen and residents of mostly American descent. Queen Liliuokalani was later detained in the Palace and coerced into abdicating the throne following an unsuccessful attempt to reclaim royal authority.

An evocative view to the east overlooking Waimānalo valley, with Mānana island in the distance just off the coast of Waimānalo beach. The photo seems to be taken from Maunawili Falls Trail, with Olomana on the left. It is a fascinating snapshot of the area that is very different from today.

A wide panorama taken from the ocean looking back at the entrance to Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Ala Moana, Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head.

The entrance to the Hawaiian Hotel. In the mid-1800s, the increase in steamship travel to Hawaii led to a rise in prominent visitors and the need for quality hotel accommodations in Honolulu. After discussions beginning in 1865, the Hawaiian government, with the support of King Kamehameha V, decided to build a hotel. They selected a site at the corner of Hotel and Richards streets, funded the project through private subscriptions in exchange for “Hotel Bonds,” and the Hawaiian Hotel was formally opened with a ball on February 29, 1872. The hotel gained praise and became an important social center. King Kalākaua later took an interest in the hotel, renaming it the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, not to be confused with the later Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī, which opened in 1928.