Hawaii has undergone monumental changes since the late 1800s, including the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the development of Hawaii as a tourist destination, and in 1959, the islands’ admittance as the youngest state in America. These 17 photographs were taken in the mid to late-1800s – long before Hawaii became a state. Some of the oldest photos of Hawaii, these images depict an era of old Hawaii you’ve only imagined in your wildest dreams.

1. A photograph of the Hawaiian railroad taken in 1882.
Hawaiian Historical Society/Wikimedia Commons
2. A fire burns in Honolulu’s Chinatown in 1900. The fire was set to destroy homes suspected of being infected by the bubonic plague, one of the worst disasters in the history of Hawaii.
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
3. Kamehameha V's summer residence at Helumoa - also known as The Royal Grove - as photographed in the mid-1800s.
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
4. The Kalaupapa Leper Colony as photographed in the 1880s.
Damien Museum/Wikimedia Commons
5. This photograph depicts two Hawaiian children doing the hula in 1890, a little slice of what living in Hawaii was like in the 19th century.
Bishop Museum/Wikimedia Commons
6. This photograph of Laupahoehoe Village, circa 1885, shows us how gorgeous Hawaii is – even in black and white.
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
7. An old, undated photograph of the He’eia Fishpond on Oahu’s windward coast.
Bishop Museum/Flickr
8. Princess Keelikōlani's grass house in Hawaii, circa 1883.
Bishop Museum/Wikimedia Commons

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9. Keōua Hale was not only the palace of Princess Ruth Ke'elikōlani, but it was larger than Honolulu’s modern Iolani Palace.
Alexander Stevenson Twombly/Wikiimedia Commons
10. Father Damien with the Kalawao Girls Choir at Kalaupapa, circa 1878.
Henry L. Chase/Wikimedia Commons
11. A grove of palm trees near Kaunakakai on the tiny Hawaiian Island of Molokai.
Bishop Museum/Wikimedia Commons
12. Honolulu Harbor sure looks a lot different now than when this photo was taken in 1900.
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
13. Queen Liliuokalani as photographed in 1891 at the beginning of her reign at Iolani Palace.
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
14. An undated photograph of Kalawao men in front of St. Philomena Church.
Sacred Hearts Archive/Wikimedia Commons
15. This ethereal photograph was taken in Hawaii Island’s Puna District in the late 1800s.
Hawaiian Historical Society/Wikimedia Commons
16. The Hale Ali’i - home of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma - as photographed in 1879.
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons
17. Merchant street looking toward Waikiki, circa 1885.
Hawaii State Archives/Wikimedia Commons

Love seeing some of the oldest photos of Hawaii and just how much it’s changed? You’ll enjoy looking at these 13 then and now photographs of the Hawaiian Islands.

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More to Explore

Oldest Photos Of Hawaii

Melissa M. | May 24, 2021

Where can I find more photos of Hawaii over the years?

For additional photographs, you can check out our collection of 17 Rare Photos From Hawaii That Will Take You Straight To The Past. You will see an outstanding photo of native Hawaiians selling leis taken at the turn of the century, another of the Schofield Barracks taken in 1925, and other snapshots depicting what living in Hawaii was like over a century ago. For more modern times, visit our article showcasing several mesmerizing photos from the 1950s. Life has changed quite a bit in the Aloha State over the years, which is very apparent when you look back at older photos.

What is it like living in Hawaii?

For many, living in Hawaii is a dream come true. There aren’t many who wouldn’t want to live in a place with endless sandy beaches, mountains, scenery, and tropical climate. With all its beauty and other positive attributes like low crime rate, outdoor recreation, and friendly people who embody the ‘Aloha Spirit,’ there are a few downsides. For one, it can be extremely expensive to live in Hawaii with groceries and utilities, in particular, costing far higher than on the mainland. If you aren’t from here, you may very well experience island fever and feel the need to get away for a bit before you go absolutely stir-crazy. Life also moves at a slower pace here, which may be frustrating to some, although others may fall in love with that aspect.

Where are the best places to learn about the history of Hawaii?

The Island of Hawaii has some of the best-preserved sites to learn about the state’s long history. You can learn the state’s prehistoric history and traditional Hawaiian culture at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visit ancient temples at Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and Lapakahi State Historical Park, and learn about the establishment of Christianity on the island at Mokuaikaua Church. 

 

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