*/

Videos of Waikiki

Videos of Waikiki

Abstract artwork featuring overlapping leaf-like shapes in shades of brown, outlined in white, arranged within a square border. The design evokes the modern art of Hawaii with its geometric and nature-inspired feel.

Welcome to our collection of videos of Waikiki. Back in its halcyon days, this was the favorite hang-out of King Kalakaua. The Merrie Monarch enjoyed holding forth and bending an elbow with his cronies, including the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, and some of the writer’s stories had their origins here. Everything changed with the end of Kalakaua’s reign, which gave way to the rise of the sugar barons and Republican oligarchy. This opened the gates to a quickly-swelling flood tide of visitors that poured into Hawai’i by ship and Pan Am China Clipper. The charming innocence of Waikiki buckled under the moneyed onslaught. But it’s still there, bruised and bewildered but still there for those who know how (not just where) to find it.

Mahalo i ka mea i loaʻa. – Be thankful for what you have.

Black and white photo of several swimmers on a starting platform preparing to dive into a pool, with people in the background watching—evoking the timeless energy found in old videos of Waikiki.

“A Legendary Surfer from Waikiki Turns Olympic Champion” (2:00)

Grand entrance of a historic hotel in Waikiki with tall white columns, multiple balconies, and palm trees under a clear sky—just like the scenes you see in videos of Waikiki.

“A Look at Hawaii’s Two Most Iconic Hotels | Historic Hotels in Waikiki” (4:27)

A man with short gray hair sits outdoors near water, city buildings and palm trees behind him. He wears a white shirt and dark jacket, gesturing as he speaks—reminiscent of scenes in videos of Waikiki.

“A Look Back at the History of Surfing in Waikiki” (3:05)

Black and white photo of a crowded beach scene with people sunbathing and relaxing. A large hotel and palm trees are in the background, reminiscent of vintage videos of Waikiki. “British Pathé” is visible in the bottom left corner.

“A Visit to Waikiki Beach (1962)” (2:00)

Black-and-white film credits are displayed over a coastal scene, reminiscent of videos of Waikiki; they list crew members and companies involved in post-production, including editors, advisors, technical staff, and legal disclaimers at the bottom.

“Don the Beachcomber Waikiki 1954, Hell’s Half Acre. Lost Tiki History… “ (5:24)

A group of men in swimsuits work together to carry a large wooden canoe on a sandy beach, reminiscent of old videos of Waikiki, with more people and structures visible in the black and white background.

“Duke Kahanamoku and the Beach Boys” (6:24)

Black and white photo of the 1908 Kamehameha Soccer Team, with fifteen young men posed on outdoor steps, some in athletic attire, a soccer ball held in front—capturing early sports spirit before videos of Waikiki brought Hawaii to screens.

“Duke Kahanamoku Quick History Part 1” (6:11)

Illustrated poster with the text Wai‘ihi: Restoring the Waters and Hawai‘i Life Histories above a mountain range, water, and fish, promoting a Center for Oral History project featuring stories and videos of Waikiki.

“Experience Hawaii Life Histories: Waikiki: Restoring the Waters” (18:52)

Large volcanic rocks are displayed within a stone and metal fenced enclosure, surrounded by greenery, with buildings and palm trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky—much like scenes seen in videos of Waikiki.

“Four Stones Sit in Waikiki. Their Story? Unknown to Most Who Pass By”

A colorful graphic featuring the word Aloha in bold, artistic script above Authentic, surrounded by pink and yellow plumeria flowers and green leaves—evoking the vibrant spirit seen in videos of Waikiki.

“Have You Ever Heard of the Battle of the Owls in Waikiki?”

People paddle outrigger canoes in the water near a dock, with boats and many spectators in the background on a busy, sunny day—just like scenes featured in popular videos of Waikiki.

“Hawaiian Beach Boys – A Film Clip” (6:13)

A young child in black and white is holding and blowing on a round object, possibly a musical instrument or food item, with an expressive look—capturing a moment as nostalgic as old videos of Waikiki.

“Hawaii Calls (1938)” (1:02:58)

A black-and-white photo of a crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming, large hotel buildings and palm trees in the background, and a visible sea wall—capturing the classic scene seen in vintage videos of Waikiki.

“Hawaii News Now: History of Waikiki” (11:16)

People relax on lounge chairs and towels on a sandy beach near the ocean, with tall buildings and palm trees in the background. Under the clear sky, sunbathers and swimmers enjoy paradise—no serpents in Eden disturb this coastal escape.

“Hawaii’s Beaches Are Disappearing: The Uncertain Future of Hawaii’s Iconic Waikiki”

A woman with long dark hair and a pink flower behind her ear stands before lush green foliage, evoking the tropical beauty seen in videos of Waikiki. The text STARRELMS.COM appears at the bottom of the image.

“Hawaii Tourist Film 1966… “ (6:47)

People walk along a busy sidewalk at night in Waikiki, with street lights illuminating the area. Waikiki @ Night is written in bold text on the image, capturing a scene often featured in videos of Waikiki.

“Hawaii – Waikiki – Night Street Scenes” (21:16)

Three tall banners depict stylized human figures in flowing robes, one holding a branch with leaves. Large mossy rocks sit in the foreground, and the softly lit scene evokes the tranquil beauty seen in videos of Waikiki.

“Hidden in Plain Sight: The History of the Healer Stones of Kapaemahu” (1:41:01)

Black-and-white photo of people relaxing on a sandy beach with umbrellas, palm trees, and a large multi-story building in the background—capturing a timeless scene reminiscent of early videos of Waikiki.

“Historic Hotel Waikiki | Royal Hawaiian Resort”

Two news anchors stand beside a screen showing a historical photo of Queen Liliuokalani. The headline reads: History Behind Liliuokalani Ave.: Waikiki street named after Hawaii’s last ruling monarch, often featured in videos of Waikiki.

“History Behind Liliuokalani Avenue” (4:23)

Black-and-white photo with the text Sliders Waikiki 1921 over an ocean scene, showing a person and a dog in the water, recalling early moments captured before videos of Waikiki became popular.

“History Things – Amazing Footage from the 1920s” (1:26)

A person stands in shallow ocean water near the shore, holding a net. The word Aloha appears in large white text over the image, evoking the spirit seen in many videos of Waikiki. Waves and a beach with buildings are visible in the background.

“Honolulu Hawaii 1940s Travelogue” (10:55)

A sepia-toned historic photo shows a long table crowded with people enjoying a meal together. Plates, cups, and dishes cover the table. The image, reminiscent of scenes in videos of Waikiki, is marked Courtesy Hawaiian State Archives.

“King Kalakaua’s Waikiki Retreat was Known for its Festivities” (2:07)

Historic sepia-toned photo of Diamond Head crater viewed from a beach in Hawaii, with gentle waves and distant trees; TV news graphics and a weather ticker appear on the screen, reminiscent of classic videos of Waikiki.

“Malama Ku’u: Authentic Cultural Experiences in Waikiki” (2:07)

Two news anchors stand in a studio discussing Kaiulani Avenue, with videos of Waikiki and a large black-and-white photo of Princess Kaiulani displayed behind them, alongside a headline about the street’s Hawaiian namesake.

“Meaning, History of Kaiulani Avenue” (4:40)

Black and white photo of two people with outrigger canoes on a sandy beach, evoking the timeless spirit often seen in vintage videos of Waikiki, with waves and a mountain in the background under a cloudy sky.

“On the Beach at Waikiki” (3:36)

Two people in swimsuits stand together on a surfboard, riding a wave, while another surfer falls off their board in the background. The black and white image recalls classic videos of Waikikis vibrant surf culture.

“On the Waves at Waikiki – Vintage Hawaiian Surfing” (4:51)

A large pink hotel building with arches and a tower is surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery under a bright blue sky, just like the iconic spots featured in videos of Waikiki.

“Overview of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel” (11:19)

Two people sit next to each other on an airplane. Large white text over the image reads Wings to: HAWAII. The airplane windows are visible in the background, hinting at adventures and videos of Waikiki awaiting their arrival.

“Pan Am Airlines Wing to Hawaii Travelogue Honolulu” (29:10)

Black and white photo of a busy beach with people sunbathing and swimming, set against a backdrop of tall buildings and palm trees—capturing the iconic atmosphere seen in classic videos of Waikiki.

“Part 2: Building the Ala Wai Included Design Flaw” (3:59)

Four women in grass skirts and floral accessories perform a traditional Hawaiian dance outdoors, reminiscent of scenes from videos of Waikiki; one woman kneels in the background, facing away from the camera.

“Pua Carnation Vintage Hawaiian Series – Old 16mm Film” (1:35)

A city street scene reminiscent of videos of Waikiki, with people crossing at a crosswalk, tall buildings, palm trees, and lush greenery lining the sidewalk on a sunny day.

“People Watching in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii” (31:58)

Large, dark volcanic rocks are arranged on a bed of small stones, with palm trees and a building visible in the background—reminiscent of scenes from videos of Waikiki on a sunny day.

“Rediscovering Hawaii’s Hidden History and What It Means to be Mahu” (7:57)

A close-up of water with gentle ripples on the surface, reminiscent of scenes from videos of Waikiki; a small, indistinct floating object is partially visible at the top edge of the image.

“Surfing in Honolulu 1924: Restored Footage from Waikiki Beach” (0:42)

A large, historic white building with arched doorways and tall windows, partially framed by leafy trees, stands under a sunny sky with palm trees—reminiscent of scenes often found in videos of Waikiki.

“Taking Waikiki” (35:28)

“The Deep History of Diamond Head” (2:13)

Black and white photo of a crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a large historic hotel and palm trees in the background, and a shoreline wall on the left—capturing the lively scene often seen in vintage videos of Waikiki.

“The History of Waikiki” (11:16)

A wide city street lined with palm trees and mid-rise buildings, reminiscent of scenes from videos of Waikiki, with cars driving in both directions under a partly cloudy sky. A stoplight and a red brick building are visible on the right.

“The History of Waikiki (1989) | PBS Hawai’i Classics” (28:46)

Historic black-and-white photo shows an older man with a beard and hat seated on a bench with three children, outdoors among trees. The text references the Hawaii State Archives, which also houses videos of Waikiki from past eras.

“The Legacy of Scottish Man Remains in Waikiki” (2:10)

A group of people stand in a line in front of arched doorways, dressed in early 20th-century athletic or swimwear; the black and white image has a vintage feel, reminiscent of scenes seen in old videos of Waikiki.

“Waikiki Beach Boys” (6:28)

A vintage photo shows people gathered along a beach with a canoe in the foreground and Diamond Head crater in the background, evoking classic videos of Waikiki. Some stand in shallow water as TV news graphics appear in the lower right corner.

“Waikiki History: What Was There Before Fort DeRussy?” (2:27)

A tropical beach with people sunbathing and swimming, lined with palm trees and light-colored buildings, much like scenes in videos of Waikiki, with the ocean visible to the left.

“Waikiki, Honolulu, 1960s” (0:26)

Historic photo of Waikiki Beach crowded with people; several walk along the shore near canoes, with the Moana Hotel visible in the left background—a glimpse into a past that contrasts today’s videos of Waikiki.

“Waikiki in the Early Days” (10:38)

Four surfers sit on their surfboards in the ocean with a mountain and shoreline visible in the background, under a partly cloudy sky. The black and white image echoes classic videos of Waikiki, capturing timeless surf culture.

“Waikiki: In the Wake of Dreams | 2001” (1:06:38)

A historical illustration depicts Indigenous people in a forest setting; a man aims a spear at a target while others observe, evoking scenes far removed from the sunlit beaches shown in videos of Waikiki.

“Waikiki Is Home to Centuries of History” (2:36)

A collage showing three images: a portrait of an older man with glasses and a beard, a sign reading Princess Kaiulani Hotel, and a black-and-white photo—reminiscent of vintage videos of Waikiki—of a large hotel building with a pool and palm trees.

“Waikiki’s Hotels of the 1950s, Part 1” (28:24)

Black and white photo of a large stone structure or mound with scattered rocks in a natural outdoor landscape. Text overlay reads Courtesy: Hawaii State Archives, khon2, with temperature, time, and a nod to videos of Waikiki.

“Waikiki Shrine that Once Signaled for Surf”

Black and white photo of people in swimsuits relaxing and socializing on a crowded beach, with a large building and palm trees in the background—capturing the classic scene often seen in vintage videos of Waikiki. Some lounge under umbrellas near the shoreline.

“Waikiki – Surfing and Traditional Native Life – 1920s” (6:06)

People relax on a sandy beach with gentle waves. High-rise buildings line the background, and a mountain peak is visible in the distance under a cloudy sky, much like in popular videos of Waikiki.

“Waikiki’s Wild Ride: From the Seat of Hawaiian Government… “ (2:14)

A person is parachuting with a red and white striped parachute against a clear blue sky, reminiscent of scenes from videos of Waikiki.

“Waikiki: Then and Now (1990)” (25:59)

An older man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a floral shirt, speaks indoors—perhaps sharing stories or videos of Waikiki. Behind him, a shelf displays cups and a plaque.

“Waikiki is Home to Centuries of History” (2:36)

Black and white photo of a person surfing a wave in the ocean, with a rough, grainy texture—reminiscent of vintage videos of Waikiki—and a stick or pole visible on the right side of the image.

“Waikiki / 1906” (3:33)

“Waikiki’s Hotels of the 1950s, Part 1 (Docomomo Hawaii)” (28:24)

Three cars are parked on a rain-flooded street, with heavy downpour falling and trees and bushes in the background—a scene reminiscent of dramatic videos of Waikiki during intense storms.

“Walking Waikiki in the Rain | Honolulu, Hawaii” (19:46)

A mostly empty street in Waikiki with a few people walking near palm trees and shops. The text on the image reads, Empty Waikiki - Moving Forward... Check out more scenes like this in our videos of Waikiki.

“Will We Ever Recover? Tourism and a New Normal”(30:04)

A woman wearing a flower lei and headpiece smiles while dancing outdoors, surrounded by tropical plants. The image is in black and white, reminiscent of classic videos of Waikiki celebrating Hawaiian culture.

“1930s Oahu Hawaii Travelogue Movie – Waikiki Beach Surfing & Hula Dancing” (9:40)

Split-screen image: left side shows “Periscope Film” with crosshair graphic, plus text 1930s VINTAGE HAWAII & SURFING MOVIE STOCK FOOTAGE; right shows two people on surfboards in classic black-and-white, evoking rare videos of Waikiki. Number 44874 is at the top.

“1930s Vintage Hawaii & Surfing Movie Waikiki Beach Honolulu” (9:17)

Black and white title card reads: CINE ART PRESENTS HAWAII COPYRIGHTED 1937 HOLLYWOOD FILM ENTERPRISES INC., capturing the spirit of vintage videos of Waikiki.

“1937 Honolulu, Hawaii Travelogue (Silent) Cine Art Waikiki Beach Surfing” (13:27)

A bronze surfer statue with leis stands on Waikiki Beach at sunset, surrounded by palm trees. People are nearby, and “WAIKIKI HAWAII” and “4K” are written on the image—perfect for videos of Waikiki.

“[4K] Waikiki Beach at Night in Honolulu, Hawaii USA Walking Tour at Night” (1:00:44)

A dimly lit bar with shelves of liquor, a $75 price in bold red, and a cocktail with lime beside a “Royal Canadian” bottle—like something out of the videos of Waikiki. An arrow points from the price to the drink and bottle.

“$75 Mai Tai and Touring the ‘New’ Royal Hawaiian” (25:14)

Enjoy history? Come have a look at history as you’ve never seen it… at WisdomMaps: The Future of the Past!

A square, brown and white graphic print depicting overlapping, stylized tropical leaves with bold outlines and abstract shapes, bordered by a double frame—perfect for sparking a visual talk story in any space.