From Our Files

The October archives from our files of Paradise of the Pacific and HONOLULU Magazine.

Our History

In 1888, King Kalakaua issued a royal charter, commissioning a magazine. Then titled Paradise of the Pacific, this publication became HONOLULU Magazine, making it the oldest magazine west of the Mississippi.

1936

“Eleven times since 1901 has the Golden Wave of Maui been crowned the polo king of Hawaii,” reports Paradise of the Pacific, predecessor to HONOLULU Magazine. Paradise recounts that year’s annual all-island polo matches, held at Kapiolani Park. The Maui and Oahu teams beat the Army team, with Maui emerging the ultimate victor. “Eight perfectly trained ponies. Eight disciplined, knowledgeable, sturdy American athletes who ride with the world’s best. Maui won, but Oahu lives with heads unbowed.” Polo in Hawaii is alive and well in 2011, visit hawaiipoloclub.com.

1966

“This month, the cinematic version of the controversial tome, Hawaii, will have its debut in leading American cities, including Honolulu, birthplace of both book and film,” notes HONOLULU Magazine. “It has been described as one of the most trouble-prone movies in history and the cost [of making it] is estimated at $15 million” ($99.7 million in today’s dollars). The movie, which was seven years in the making, featured Julie Andrews and Max Von Sydow as the missionaries who “carried faith to the heathens,” and also included two local actors who played Native Hawaiian royals. It went on to win Academy and Golden Globe awards. In 1970, the sequel, The Hawaiians, was released.

1986

Local-girl-turned-model Marie Helvin got her career start while vacationing in Japan with her mother, shortly after graduating from Kalani High School. While in Japan, a Kanebo cosmetics representative discovered her. HONOLULU Magazine sits down with Helvin, who, after modeling in Japan, moved to London where she modeled a sportswear line, graced the cover of Vogue and Cosmopolitan and published her first book, called Catwalk: The Art of Model Style. “My hapa-haole looks always stood out.” Helvin still appears in fashion spreads today, and in 2005 was a judge in Britain’s Next Top Model.