Honolulu Waves: 1936 Aloha

This circa 1936 silent reel, Honolulu, captures Oahu’s allure in black-and-white 16mm. Distant ocean liners dot the horizon, framing Honolulu Harbor’s bustle near the Honolulu Iron Works’ industrial pulse. A young Hawaiian man paddles a surfboard, while Kate—perhaps with her father or father-in-law—goofs in swimsuits by the shore. Soft-focus surfing scenes blend with crisp shots of a grand beachfront hotel, likely the Moana, and a wide view from the water. Outrigger canoes, paddled by Hawaiians with tourists aboard, glide past in multiple takes, showcasing Waikiki’s waves and pre-war paradise charm in this unedited home movie.