Aloha, future honeymooners, travel fans and vintage lovers the world over, are you ready for the second exciting installment in this spring's four part vintage honeymoon series? (Which kicked off last month with a fabulous virtual trip to the endlessly gorgeous, history rich country that is Italy.)
Today, we're headed to another wonderfully warm location, however this one is nestled cozily in Pacific Ocean, instead of on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. That's right, grab your breeziest dresses, favourite vintage sandals, and plenty of sunscreen, because we're jetting over to none other than the breathtakingly majestic Hawaiian Islands.
{Happy honeymooners and holiday makers alike have been flocking to Hawaii en mass for decades now, beckoned by the sizzling sun, warm waters, cheerful culture, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history of this gorgeous corner of the globe, as portrayed in travel ads such as this lovely vintage one from the 1950s. Image source.}
The fiftieth state to join the American Union in 1959, the history of this intriguing chain of islands stretches back some fifteen hundred years before, when Polynesians explorers, from the Marquesas Islands, traveling in double-hulled canoes, first ventured over to Hawaii. A few hundred years later, these initial settlers would be joined by others Pacific inhabitants hailing from Tahiti, who brought with them the kahuna nui, or high priest, line of governing, which implemented a king to rule each island.
In the centuries that would follow, these island dwellers would go on to create an elaborate, beautiful, and highly self-sustainable culture, which relied on the sea and what they could harvest themselves for their dietary and day-to-day needs. Though there may very well have been prior visits from foreigners (including the Chinese and Europeans) prior to this date, the first documented record of a European reaching Hawaii belongs to none other than famed explorer Captain James Cook in 1778, who was (as so many who hit the high seas in those days were) on the hunt for the illusive Northwest Passage (needless to say, he was quite a ways off with the coordinates there!).
From that point onward, a succession of people from different countries (including the French, Russians, British and Americans) headed out to visit, conquer and/or try to convert Hawaii and its native peoples. Tragically, as has so often been the case the world over when foreign invaders land and begin to invade a country, in the ensuing decades and centuries many of the traditional Hawaiian ways of life, beliefs, practises, and systems of governing would be wiped out or greatly altered.
As the Victorian era drew near its end, after many years of turmoil and politic upheaval between the local people and US colonists, the Republic of Hawai'i was officially formed, and in 1898, America opted to annex Hawaii as a territory. It would be another sixty-one years before the people of Hawaii voted to approve statehood and officially join the United States.
Leisure travel to Hawaii began in the nineteenth century and included such venerable guests to the Islands as Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Herman Melville, quickly gaining popularity with travelers the world over as the century wore on and technological advances, as well as greater development on some of the islands themselves, made visiting this sunny corner of the Pacific something that many people began to both aspire to and achieve.
{An early 20th century lithographic postcard from Hawaii, of the sort tourists would have both sent back to loved ones abroad and brought home for their own souvenir scrapbooks. Image source.}
Though I've never set foot on any of Hawaiian islands (of which the largest, aptly nicknamed “The Big Island”, is technically called Hawaii, though that name is commonly applied to all of the Hawaiian islands that make up the state), I wholeheartedly hope to one day. I grew up on the Pacific coast side of the world, but - warm as the Okanagan can certainly get in the summer - have never experienced the searing heat, sublime tropical breezes, or palm tree flanked beaches of any island nations that call this vast ocean home. Much as with Italy, my love for Hawaii is that of an armchair traveler with grand dreams of setting foot on those stunning azure wave kissed beaches on day.
This is a desire that many soon-to-be-wed couples have shared for decades now and, save for a short period during World War II (which Hawaii, housing Pearl Harbor, played a pivotal role in), tourism to the area has boomed from the early twentieth century onward. It skyrocketed to new heights in the 1950s, with numbers climbing higher still after Hawaii became an official state in 1959.
A love for Hawaii, it's culture and cuisine can be seen in many elements of pop culture from the era, including numerous Hollywood movies, Trader Vic's restaurants (which drew their inspiration from Polynesia), and fabulous Hawaiian/Polynesian themed fashions, including those now highly sought after gems from Alfred Shaheen (which are wishlist entries for many a vintage fashion lover the world over these days).
{A model sporting one of textile designer Alfred Shaheen's marvelous tropical floral print 1950s dresses, complete with a matching hat band in the same fun fabric. Shaheen's designs instantly evoke the golden age of travel to Hawaii and have proved wildly popular with tiki and vintage fashion fans ever since their mid-century début, often featuring prices in the multiple hundreds of dollars nowadays. Image source.}
Tourism still continues to be one of the biggest sources of revenue for Hawaii in the 21st century, with visitors from every corner of the globe taking to the skies to reach the islands and escape from the daily grind - and frequently the winter chill - in one of the the state's many wonderful hotels, resorts, camp grounds or bed and breakfasts.
The warm temperatures, sense of a relaxed pace of life that comes with island living, and bevy of sights to see and activities to take part in make Hawaii a popular destination with youngsters and the young at heart alike, and remains one of the world's most visited honeymoon destinations. If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, there will no doubt be numerous things you hope to see and do while soaking up some of those stunning golden rays. To help kick start or further expand your Hawaiian vacation itinerary, the following is a selection of ten different activities that you'll definitely want to consider adding to your list.
Swim with the dolphins at Sea Life Park in Waimanalo (or at numerous other locations around the Hawaiian islands)
Visit Hawaii's largest history museum, Bishop Museum, in Honolulu
Whale watch on the Maui coast (where other marine life such as sea turtles and dolphins can also be spotted)
Enjoy the festive fun and delicious food at a Hawaiian luau
Have your breath taken away by the awe-inspiring scenery at Waimea Canyon on Kauai's West Side
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
Catch a gnarly wave at Oahu
See the world's most active volcano, Kilauea, at Volcanoes National Park
Attend the annual Merrie Monarch (hula dance) Festival in Hilo, Hawaii or catch a hula performance elsewhere thorough the year
Just sit back, kick off your shoes and enjoy some much needed R&R on any of Hawaii's incredible beaches
{To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}
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Rightly famous for its stellar climate, Hawaii has an average temperature in the high 70s, but can, and frequently, does, climb far higher up the thermostat than that, especially during the warm(est) season, which typically runs from late April to October. This chunk of the year is commonly known as the dry season, with November to early April dubbed the wet or humid season, as it's generally when precipitation and mugginess hit this part of the world.
No matter what time of the year you visit Hawaii or whereabouts you're headed once there, you'll find that the selection of clothing, accessories and beauty products that you want to pack remains more or less the same (with the addition of specific clothing and gear that may need for certain sporting and outdoor activities, such as surfing and scuba diving).
The following selection of items is one that will see the lovely new vintage wearing bride through many an event in comfort and style alike while on her fabulous Hawaiian honeymoon (you will, of course, most likely want to try and get in a bit of local vintage and thrift store shopping while there, to further bolster your collection of yesteryear tropical togs).
{When magically warm Hawaiian breezes ruffle your locks, help keep your hair looking picture perfect under a gorgeous green Breton hat like this vintage charmer. $64.00 from etsy seller The Vintage Hat Shop.}
{Let your hotel bartender know what kind of scrumptious fruit filled drink you'd like to lounge near the pool with care of these delightful gold toned vintage Avon pineapple earrings. $15.50 from etsy seller Sur L'Histoire.}
{Really, is there any more fitting sunscreen on the face of the planet to bring with you on a honeymoon to Hawaii? I rather think not! :) Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, two 8-ounce bottles for $18.98 from Amazon.}
{Whether you loop it around your neck, tie it to your beach bag, use it to protect your 'do while zipping around the island in convertible, or adorn your shoulders with it as a shawl at night, a timelessly lovely chiffon scarf (which measures 20" x 65") like this dark green beauty will always serve you well on a tropical vacay. $11.00 from etsy seller Robe Plus.}
{Yes, it's true a genuine vintage Shaheen will usually set you back one massively big pretty penny, but when you stop and think about the fact that such a frock will standout as a highlight of your honeymoon wardrobe for the rest of time - and when folded in the greater sum of your wedding related expenses - making such an investment seems both sound and highly sartorially rewarding at the same time. 1950s tropical foliage print Alfred Shaheen dress that fits up to a 38" bust, 31" waist, $285.00 from etsy seller Lostnfound Vintage.}
{What tropical holiday be complete without seeing at least a few gorgeously vibrant birds during your travels? Start your bird watching checklist off with one sighting before the plane even touches down with these whimsically fun Two Can ring, for $18.00, from Irregular Choice.}
{Take an extra dose of vintage charm to the Hawaiian beach with you care of this fabulously fun mid-century fish print cotton towel (measuring 28" by 54"). $64.00 from etsy seller Fuzz and Fu.}
{A super durable bag is always a huge plus when on holiday and few will hold up as well on that front as this cheerful mid-century woven plastic tote. $55.00 from etsy seller Rue Vertdegris.}
{Every moment of your honeymoon should be golden - right down to your shoes, which in this lovely case, quite literally are! Nine West Women's Trickster Wedge Sandals in modern ladies sizes 6 to 12. $$26.70 - $29.62 from Amazon.}
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Looking to brush up and/or further your knowledge on Hawaii before you snap the lid closed on your suitcase? The following selection of alphabetically arranged titles that cover numerous faucets of Hawaiian travel, history and cuisine will help you fit in and sound like a seasoned Hawaiian travel veteran from the moment you arrive.
-A Century Of Aloha: The Creation of Modern Honolulu by MacKinnon Simpson
A Pocket Guide to Hawai'i's Birds by H. Douglas Pratt
-An Easy Guide to the Hawaiian Language by Jade Mapuana Riley
-Ancient History of the Hawaiian People to the Times of Kamehameha by Abraham Fornander
-Best of the Best from Hawaii: Selected Recipes from Hawaii's Favorite Cookbook by Gwen McKee and Barbara Moseley
-Designing Paradise: The Allure of the Hawaiian Resort by Don Hibbard
-DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Hawaii by Bonnie Friedman
-Driving and Discovering Hawaii: Oahu, Honolulu, and Waikiki by Richard Sullivan
-Flowers and Plants of Hawaii by Paul Wood
-Fodor's Hawaii 2014 by Fodor
-Frommer's Easy Guide to Hawaii 2014 by Jeanette Foster
-Hawaii at Play by Desoto Brown
-Hawaii by Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising the Hawaiian Islands, Includes Tahiti by Anne Vipond
-Hawaii Cooks with Spam: Local Recipes Featuring Our Favorite Canned Meat by Muriel Miura
-Hawaii Recalls: Selling Romance to America - Nostalgic Images of the Hawaiian Islands, 1910-1950 by Desoto Brown
-Hawaii Remembered: Postcards From Paradise by Tina Skinner et al
-Hawaii The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty
-Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Surf, Bike, Drive by Jerry Sprout and Janine Sprout
-Hawaii Tropical Rum Drinks & Cuisine by Arnold Bitner and Phoebe Beach
-Hawaii! Wish You Were Here by Ray Miller and Jo Miller
-Hawaiian Mythology by Martha Warren Beckwith
-Hawaiiana: The Best of Hawaiian Design by Mark Blackburn
-Hawaii's Best Local Desserts by by Jean Watanabe Hee
-Honolulu Then and Now by Sheila Sarhangi
-Illustrated Hawaiian Dictionary by Kahikahealani Wight
-Island World: A History of Hawai'i and the United States by Gary Okihiro
-Jean Hee's Best of the Best Hawaii Recipes by Jean Watanabe Hee
-Kau Kau: Cuisine & Culture in the Hawaiian Islands by Arnold Hiura
-Leis, Luaus, and Alohas: The Lure of Hawai'i in the Fifties by Fred E. Basten and Charles Phoenix
-Lonely Planet Hawaii by Sara Benson et al
-Lost Kingdom: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings and America's First Imperial Adventure by Julia Flynn Siler
-Mark Twain in Hawaii: Roughing It in the Sandwich Islands by Mark Twain
-No Worries Hawaii: A Vacation Planning Guide for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island by Jerry Sprout and Janine Sprout
-Oahu Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Honolulu, Waikiki & Beyond by Andrew Doughty
-Pink Palace: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel by Stan Cohen
-Roy's Feasts from Hawaii by Roy Yamaguchi and John Harrisson
-Sam Choy's Island Flavors by Sam Choy et al
-Shoal of Time: A History of the Hawaiian Islands by Davan Daws
-Surfing Hawaii: A Complete Guide to the Hawaiian Islands' Best Breaks by Rod Sumpter
-Tastes & Flavors of Hawaii by Mutual Editors
-The Aloha Shirt: Spirit Of The Islands by Dale Hope
-The Food of Paradise: Exploring Hawaii's Culinary Heritage by Rachel Laudan
-The Hali'imaile General Store Cookbook: Home Cooking from Maui by Beverly Gannon and Bonnie Friedman
-The Rough Guide to Hawaii by Greg Ward
-The Secrets and Mysteries of Hawaii: A Call to the Soul by Pila of Hawaii
-The Ultimate Guide to Hawaiian Reef Fishes: Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Whales, and Seals by John P. Hoover
-Tiki Art Now!: A Volcanic Eruption of Art by Robert Williams
-Tiki Drinks by Adam Rocke
-Tiki Road Trip: A Guide to Tiki Culture in North America by James Teitelbaum
-Tiki of Hawaii by Sophia Schweitzer
-To Honolulu In Five Days: Cruising Aboard Matson's S.S. Lurline by Lynn Blocker Krantz et al
-Trader Vic's Pacific Island Cookbook by Trader Vic
-Trader Vic's Tiki Party!: Cocktails and Food to Share with Friends by Stephen Siegelman
-Under the Hula Moon : Living in Hawai'i by Jocelyn Fujii
-Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula by Nathaniel Bright Emerson
-Waikiki: Magic Beside the Sea by Allan Seiden
-Waikiki Tiki: Art, History and Photographs by Phillip S. Roberts
-Waikiki Yesteryear by Glen Grant
-What Hawaii Likes to Eat by Muriel Miura and Betty Shimabukuro
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One can't help but think of Hawaii without associating it with feelings of romance. There's something about the sizzling air, the powerful waves, the endlessly bounty of fresh produce and seafood, the gaily patterned Polynesian fabrics, and the escape that an island offers from life, and all its demands, on the mainland (wherever that mainland may be for you) that positively invites lovers to its golden sand adorned shores.
{Love, like the bathtub-water-warm breezes that call the islands home, has long been in the air in Hawaii, a point which this vintage American Airlines travel ad was keen to promote back in the 1950s/1960s. Image source.}
It's is a dreamy, carefree, relaxing destination that has been luring honeymooners for well over a hundred years, and which, I don't doubt for a moment, will continue to for the rest of time. Who, after all, in the course of their daily life, hasn't uttered something along the lines of, "Gosh, I wish I was sipping a tropic fruit drink on a beach in Hawaii right now!" at least once?
Hawaii is well ingrained in popular culture and in the hearts of millions of travel fans, but if it isn't your first choice for your own honeymoon, don't despair for a moment. Next up, in the third post in our vintage honeymoon series, we'll rack up some more frequent flyer miles by hopping back to the other side of the world for another exciting European destination.
Until then, why not slip into your favourite Hawaiian print dress and mix up a batch of scrumptious coconut and pineapple filled drinks to enjoy this beautiful late April day with? That's definitely what I'll be doing as I start brainstorming the details of May's captivating vintage honeymoon destination post.