HONOLULU Magazine and Paradise of the Pacific 125 Years of Covers
We've got a new book coming out with covers spanning 125 years of our magazine's history. Here are some of our favorites.
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January 1888The eight-page debut of Paradise of the Pacific. Its slogan? "Hawaii for Health, Pleasure and Profit." A newsprint broadsheet in format, the publication is light on pictures, heavy on text. Lengthy descriptions of Hawaiian geography and plants, a profile of the Royal Hawaiian Band and a brief note that the Kingdom has renewed the Reciprocity Treaty for another seven years. "We residents are apt to become unappreciative of the natural unsurpassed climatic benefits we are enjoying here continually."The eight-page debut of Paradise of the Pacific. Its slogan? "Hawaii for Health, Pleasure and Profit." A newsprint broadsheet in format, the publication is light on pictures, heavy on text. Lengthy descriptions of Hawaiian geography and plants, a profile of the Royal Hawaiian Band and a brief note that the Kingdom has renewed the Reciprocity Treaty for another seven years. "We residents are apt to become unappreciative of the natural unsurpassed climatic benefits we are enjoying here continually."
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December 1901Paradise would use this engraving on its cover repeatedly through the first decade of the 1900s, changing only its colors. An article notes, "with five daily papers in the field of news [in Honolulu] is pretty thoroughly gleaned, and he who reads them all keeps himself pretty well informed about his neighbors' doings. "Those five are The Advertiser, then up to 14 pages, the Republican, the Bulletin, the Independent and the Hawaiian Star.Paradise would use this engraving on its cover repeatedly through the first decade of the 1900s, changing only its colors. An article notes, "with five daily papers in the field of news [in Honolulu] is pretty thoroughly gleaned, and he who reads them all keeps himself pretty well informed about his neighbors' doings. "Those five are The Advertiser, then up to 14 pages, the Republican, the Bulletin, the Independent and the Hawaiian Star.
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April 1908This Easter-themed cover "was designed by Mr. Henry B. Christian, who has taken charge of the Art Department of the Paradise of the Pacific, which has every modern facility for high-class work. Mr. Gilbert Ellis and Mr. Joseph Bisho, the photo-engravers in this Department, are experts in halftone, line and color processes." An advertisement in the issue promotes Paradise of the Pacific as the place for "commercial printing ... reasonable rates ... the only art staff in the Hawaiian Islands."This Easter-themed cover "was designed by Mr. Henry B. Christian, who has taken charge of the Art Department of the Paradise of the Pacific, which has every modern facility for high-class work. Mr. Gilbert Ellis and Mr. Joseph Bisho, the photo-engravers in this Department, are experts in halftone, line and color processes." An advertisement in the issue promotes Paradise of the Pacific as the place for "commercial printing ... reasonable rates ... the only art staff in the Hawaiian Islands."
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June 1913While the Territory has some good roads, "thanks largely perhaps to the political rivalries which have made our politicians compete with one another in giving voters jobs," the rise of the automobile means that more and better roads will be needed.While the Territory has some good roads, "thanks largely perhaps to the political rivalries which have made our politicians compete with one another in giving voters jobs," the rise of the automobile means that more and better roads will be needed.
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December 1923Inside: "Old 'Royal Hawaiian Hotel' Now Army and Navy 'Y.'" "Hawaiian Night" painting by H.B. Christian.Inside: "Old 'Royal Hawaiian Hotel' Now Army and Navy 'Y.'" "Hawaiian Night" painting by H.B. Christian.
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May 1924Numerous short items about Prohibition, including an opinion that the word—and deed—ought to be applied to war. "Afraid of ourselves, we prohibit booze. Afraid of one another, the nations prepare for war." Art by H.B. Christian.Numerous short items about Prohibition, including an opinion that the word—and deed—ought to be applied to war. "Afraid of ourselves, we prohibit booze. Afraid of one another, the nations prepare for war." Art by H.B. Christian.
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December 1924Inside, the magazine hosts an editorial by Ed Irwin, an 18-year veteran journalist in Hawaii, opining that "we should not try to 'Americanize' Orientals in Hawaii, even if we can." Though more painterly than his other 1923 and 1924 covers, this image is also by H.B. Christian.Inside, the magazine hosts an editorial by Ed Irwin, an 18-year veteran journalist in Hawaii, opining that "we should not try to 'Americanize' Orientals in Hawaii, even if we can." Though more painterly than his other 1923 and 1924 covers, this image is also by H.B. Christian.
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September 1930"The announcement that the Islands will have a Fall Festival this year is welcome news to those ... who are interested in building for Hawaii a reputation as a vacation playground." The Fall Festival joined the recently inaugurated "Aloha Spring Festival" as marketable entertainment. Painting by Peter Rennings."The announcement that the Islands will have a Fall Festival this year is welcome news to those ... who are interested in building for Hawaii a reputation as a vacation playground." The Fall Festival joined the recently inaugurated "Aloha Spring Festival" as marketable entertainment. Painting by Peter Rennings.
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December 1930A particular architectural style emerges in the Islands, the "so-called Hawaiian type," featuring high-pitched hip roofs, spacious lanai and well-planned cross ventilation. The recently completed Honolulu Academy of Arts is a good example. Painting by H.B. Christian.A particular architectural style emerges in the Islands, the "so-called Hawaiian type," featuring high-pitched hip roofs, spacious lanai and well-planned cross ventilation. The recently completed Honolulu Academy of Arts is a good example. Painting by H.B. Christian.
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May 1933Hawaii needs diversified agriculture for greater food independence; a history of streetcars in Honolulu, old and new. Cover engraving, "Where the World Can Find Us," by W.D. Giffard.Hawaii needs diversified agriculture for greater food independence; a history of streetcars in Honolulu, old and new. Cover engraving, "Where the World Can Find Us," by W.D. Giffard.
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July 1938King David Kalakaua graces the cover as Paradise, in its 50th year, sums up its history. "Under royal auspices—and natal blessing of King Kalakaua—the magazine was born to serve as the beautiful and efficient ambassador at large to the world from Hawaii." The issue also pays tribute to current owner and managing editor, Elinor Langton-Boyle, under whom the magazine "has attained a circulation of international scope and which is recognized as a model in composition and color work." Painting by H.B. Christian.King David Kalakaua graces the cover as Paradise, in its 50th year, sums up its history. "Under royal auspices—and natal blessing of King Kalakaua—the magazine was born to serve as the beautiful and efficient ambassador at large to the world from Hawaii." The issue also pays tribute to current owner and managing editor, Elinor Langton-Boyle, under whom the magazine "has attained a circulation of international scope and which is recognized as a model in composition and color work." Painting by H.B. Christian.
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September 1944Drawings by architect Hart Wood show a hypothetical new Civic Center in Honolulu that would fill Kakaako with government buildings for a far more populous Hawaii. Cover art, "Preparing for the Hula," by John M. Kelly.Drawings by architect Hart Wood show a hypothetical new Civic Center in Honolulu that would fill Kakaako with government buildings for a far more populous Hawaii. Cover art, "Preparing for the Hula," by John M. Kelly.
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October 1945While Japan surrendered on Aug. 13, it was no doubt too late in the month for the September issue to have done much with the news. This October "Victory Issue" celebrates properly, with special praise for local civilian forces that had stepped up.While Japan surrendered on Aug. 13, it was no doubt too late in the month for the September issue to have done much with the news. This October "Victory Issue" celebrates properly, with special praise for local civilian forces that had stepped up.
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June 1949"In the Issue: 49th State Fair," says the cover line. What? More than 100,000 people attended the fair, sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, in May. It was the fair's second-annual installment, meant to be a booster for local industry as well as a fun family day, and it reflected aspirations that the Islands would indeed become the 49th state. Photo by Werner Stoy."In the Issue: 49th State Fair," says the cover line. What? More than 100,000 people attended the fair, sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, in May. It was the fair's second-annual installment, meant to be a booster for local industry as well as a fun family day, and it reflected aspirations that the Islands would indeed become the 49th state. Photo by Werner Stoy.
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September 1956"Our fishy September cover is an interesting result of overprinting by the use of separation sheets in process color, designed by artist [George] Logue." Also, freshwater tropical fish; birdwatching in Hawaii, and "Hawaii's Bill Erwin, Velvet Painter—an art of the south seas.""Our fishy September cover is an interesting result of overprinting by the use of separation sheets in process color, designed by artist [George] Logue." Also, freshwater tropical fish; birdwatching in Hawaii, and "Hawaii's Bill Erwin, Velvet Painter—an art of the south seas."
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March 1958Rock Hudson in Hawaii filming Twilight for the Gods; history and current state of adult education in Hawaii. Cover photo courtesy United Air Lines.Rock Hudson in Hawaii filming Twilight for the Gods; history and current state of adult education in Hawaii. Cover photo courtesy United Air Lines.
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1962 Holiday EditionPhoto by KT Tagawa, of Frances Omo, an 18-year-old graduate of Maryknoll High School. Tagawa took the photo at Kapiolani Park just before Omo and her mother took the stage in a Polynesian mother-daughter act. "Philippine, Chinese, Spanish and Siamese ancestry contribute to her special Island beauty."Photo by KT Tagawa, of Frances Omo, an 18-year-old graduate of Maryknoll High School. Tagawa took the photo at Kapiolani Park just before Omo and her mother took the stage in a Polynesian mother-daughter act. "Philippine, Chinese, Spanish and Siamese ancestry contribute to her special Island beauty."
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January/February 1964Profile of Vietnam's former first lady, Madame Ngo Dinh Nhu, as someone who challenges preconceived notions of Asian women; tour of Chinese-influenced Diamond Head home by architect Vladimir Ossipoff; the first "Australian Rules Football game ever held outside of Australia just happened in Honolulu and Islanders were bewildered" by the violent game. Cover photo by Paul Seaman.Profile of Vietnam's former first lady, Madame Ngo Dinh Nhu, as someone who challenges preconceived notions of Asian women; tour of Chinese-influenced Diamond Head home by architect Vladimir Ossipoff; the first "Australian Rules Football game ever held outside of Australia just happened in Honolulu and Islanders were bewildered" by the violent game. Cover photo by Paul Seaman.
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April 1967A portrait of Duke Kahanamoku on the cover of HONOLULU Magazine in 1967.The editors state that there is no Duke Kahanamoku story in the issue—they simply liked the portrait of him by Phillip Stewart Charis so much they had to have it for the cover. Charis' portraiture was being exhibited at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Inside, HONOLULU protests Aloha Friday. "A very effective lobby engineered this bit of provincialism ... truth is, almost no man past 30 really looks good in an Aloha shirt."A portrait of Duke Kahanamoku on the cover of HONOLULU Magazine in 1967.The editors state that there is no Duke Kahanamoku story in the issue—they simply liked the portrait of him by Phillip Stewart Charis so much they had to have it for the cover. Charis' portraiture was being exhibited at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Inside, HONOLULU protests Aloha Friday. "A very effective lobby engineered this bit of provincialism ... truth is, almost no man past 30 really looks good in an Aloha shirt."
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March 1970Native plant species face extinction; Sears spends $4.5 million a year buying Island-made goods to sell in its Mainland stores. Cover painting of Pele by Terry Mertz.Native plant species face extinction; Sears spends $4.5 million a year buying Island-made goods to sell in its Mainland stores. Cover painting of Pele by Terry Mertz.
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November 1970The issue's On the Cover note: "Danielle Poe is French-Vietnamese and Alma McGoldrick, who has produced HONOLULU's most beautiful 'cover girls,' smiled with delight when she saw her lovely face. Alma and Danielle pluck tropical flowers out of neighborhood gardens to make the 'hat' Miss Poe wears with such elegance."The issue's On the Cover note: "Danielle Poe is French-Vietnamese and Alma McGoldrick, who has produced HONOLULU's most beautiful 'cover girls,' smiled with delight when she saw her lovely face. Alma and Danielle pluck tropical flowers out of neighborhood gardens to make the 'hat' Miss Poe wears with such elegance."
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March 1978An early "Best Honolulu" feature names 40 great things, from sushi to city parks. Cover story explores the latest wealthy group of tourists to discover Hawaii, Arabs, who see the Islands as oasislike. Photo by Robert Knight.An early "Best Honolulu" feature names 40 great things, from sushi to city parks. Cover story explores the latest wealthy group of tourists to discover Hawaii, Arabs, who see the Islands as oasislike. Photo by Robert Knight.
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November 1987HONOLULU's Centennial Holiday Annual was the single largest issue in the magazine's history, at 388 pages plus covers, packed with articles on the history of Honolulu and Hawaii as reported by the magazine. For the cover, staff wanted something as remarkable for the 1980s as the color work and metallic inks had been for Paradise of the Pacific decades earlier—and so, a hologram of David Kalakaua. Big Island artist Ed Kayton made two busts of the king (these still reside in our offices in 2013), which were scanned by lasers at Light Impressions, Santa Cruz, Calif., to result in a 3D image.HONOLULU's Centennial Holiday Annual was the single largest issue in the magazine's history, at 388 pages plus covers, packed with articles on the history of Honolulu and Hawaii as reported by the magazine. For the cover, staff wanted something as remarkable for the 1980s as the color work and metallic inks had been for Paradise of the Pacific decades earlier—and so, a hologram of David Kalakaua. Big Island artist Ed Kayton made two busts of the king (these still reside in our offices in 2013), which were scanned by lasers at Light Impressions, Santa Cruz, Calif., to result in a 3D image.
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January 1996Islander of the Year Mahealani Pai won a case at the state Supreme Court defending traditional rights on private land. Photo by Franco Salmoiraghi.Islander of the Year Mahealani Pai won a case at the state Supreme Court defending traditional rights on private land. Photo by Franco Salmoiraghi.
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September 1998Economic stories are hard to illustrate, but no story was bigger for Hawaii than a grinding recession through the 1990s. This issue argues that the wounds were self-inflicted and avoidable. Inset cover line: "The writing on the wall about Hawaii's economy. Too bad no one in power could read it." Type treatment by art director Michel V.M. Le.Economic stories are hard to illustrate, but no story was bigger for Hawaii than a grinding recession through the 1990s. This issue argues that the wounds were self-inflicted and avoidable. Inset cover line: "The writing on the wall about Hawaii's economy. Too bad no one in power could read it." Type treatment by art director Michel V.M. Le.
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March 2001An early piece on medical marijuana; trouble at the Hawaii State Hospital. Hawaii loves its Miss Hawaiis, even more so when they go on to become Miss America, as Angela Baraquio had done that year, so a timely personality for HONOLULU to tie in with its annual Best of Honolulu coverage. Photo by Ric Noyle, hair, Dennis Guillarmo, makeup, Pattie Kuamoo.An early piece on medical marijuana; trouble at the Hawaii State Hospital. Hawaii loves its Miss Hawaiis, even more so when they go on to become Miss America, as Angela Baraquio had done that year, so a timely personality for HONOLULU to tie in with its annual Best of Honolulu coverage. Photo by Ric Noyle, hair, Dennis Guillarmo, makeup, Pattie Kuamoo.
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November 2002Kamehameha Schools draws heat for admitting a purely Caucasian student, Kalani Rosell, to its new Maui campus, the first non-Hawaiian student in 40 years. The cover story describes the influence of Duke Kahanamoku on Eddie Aikai. Photo courtesy of the Aikau family.Kamehameha Schools draws heat for admitting a purely Caucasian student, Kalani Rosell, to its new Maui campus, the first non-Hawaiian student in 40 years. The cover story describes the influence of Duke Kahanamoku on Eddie Aikai. Photo courtesy of the Aikau family.
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November 2003The cover photo and the question asked with it are separated by decades, but aligned emotionally. The article details reasons the Hawaiian sovereignty movement seems to have fizzled out in the decade since its peak at the 1993 centennial of the overthrow. The photo reminds readers that, while political movements come and go, some issues remain the same for Native Hawaiians. Pictured is fisherman Henry "Red" Keawe in 1979, facing eviction from his Sand Island home. Photo by Ed Greevy.The cover photo and the question asked with it are separated by decades, but aligned emotionally. The article details reasons the Hawaiian sovereignty movement seems to have fizzled out in the decade since its peak at the 1993 centennial of the overthrow. The photo reminds readers that, while political movements come and go, some issues remain the same for Native Hawaiians. Pictured is fisherman Henry "Red" Keawe in 1979, facing eviction from his Sand Island home. Photo by Ed Greevy.
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August 2006Aging dams threaten Kauai; an exhaustive guide to Chinatown; Restaurant Guide. Photo by Monte Costa, shot at Legend Seafood.Aging dams threaten Kauai; an exhaustive guide to Chinatown; Restaurant Guide. Photo by Monte Costa, shot at Legend Seafood.
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November 2008A perfect subject for a Holiday Annual cover story, Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole had attended Hawaiian-language immersion schools and spoke about the rebirth of the language. Photo by Olivier Koning.A perfect subject for a Holiday Annual cover story, Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole had attended Hawaiian-language immersion schools and spoke about the rebirth of the language. Photo by Olivier Koning.
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March 2009A rare appearance of a child on the cover, highlighting a Best of Honolulu winner, a healthy frozen yogurt in candy colors. This cover is all sweetness, but, inside, two serious stories deal with the frightening recession following the nation's housing collapse, including one on local arts organizations that had to cut back to survive. (This story would lead to a panel discussion broadcast on Hawaii Public Radio.) Photo by Rae Huo.A rare appearance of a child on the cover, highlighting a Best of Honolulu winner, a healthy frozen yogurt in candy colors. This cover is all sweetness, but, inside, two serious stories deal with the frightening recession following the nation's housing collapse, including one on local arts organizations that had to cut back to survive. (This story would lead to a panel discussion broadcast on Hawaii Public Radio.) Photo by Rae Huo.
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March 2012A cover shot of Shimazu shave ice, chosen as one of the best things in Honolulu. Photography by Mark Arbeit, hand lettering by Matt Tapia.A cover shot of Shimazu shave ice, chosen as one of the best things in Honolulu. Photography by Mark Arbeit, hand lettering by Matt Tapia.
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November 2012By now you've noticed the magazine likes to put King Kalakaua on the cover. For this special 125th Holiday Annual, staff sought out a less familiar photo at the Bishop Museum archives.By now you've noticed the magazine likes to put King Kalakaua on the cover. For this special 125th Holiday Annual, staff sought out a less familiar photo at the Bishop Museum archives.
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April 2013Dining covers are usually a hit and, in Honolulu, a guide to the city's vibrant Japanese restaurant scene even more so. Photo by Olivier Koning.Dining covers are usually a hit and, in Honolulu, a guide to the city's vibrant Japanese restaurant scene even more so. Photo by Olivier Koning.
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May 2013The special-ed cover line refers to a piece on the 20th anniversary of the Felix consent decree, which had a huge impact on the state Department of Education. Cover photo by David Croxford.The special-ed cover line refers to a piece on the 20th anniversary of the Felix consent decree, which had a huge impact on the state Department of Education. Cover photo by David Croxford.
Paradise of the Pacific was born in January 1888, with the blessing of King Kalakaua. Though it changed its name in 1966 to HONOLULU Magazine, the magazine has been in continuous publication for 125 years.
That’s quite an accomplishment. HONOLULU is one of the oldest magazines in the United States, rivaling such titles as Scientific American (1845), The Atlantic (1857), Cosmopolitan (1886) and National Geographic (1888).
We’ve been celebrating this milestone in print and online all through 2013. The capstone of that quasquicentennial celebration is a coffee table book, featuring covers from nearly every one of those 125 years.
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The book comes out this month, and we thought we’d offer a preview by showing a few of our favorites here. Enjoy! Buy online: honolulumagazine.com/125 |
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This article appears in the November 2013 issue of HONOLULU Magazine.
