Images of Old Hawaiʻi

by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Maui No Ka Oi

West Maui was considered a ‘window to the world’ because this area has seen the comings and goings of rival chiefs, kings, missionaries, whalers, government officials, the military, sugar and pineapple plantation owners, early labor immigrants, celebrities and travelers for centuries. The stories of West Maui give a bigger perspective of the world, than we would otherwise have, and helps us to expand our view and broaden our understanding of the world.

Probably there is no portion of the Valley Isle, around which gathers so much historic value as West Maui. It was the former capital and favorite residence of kings and chiefs. By whatever means (vehicle, transit, bicycle or on foot,) exploring West Maui, and embracing the scenic beauty, natural features, historic sites, associated cultural traditions and recreational opportunities, will give the traveler a greater appreciation and understanding of Hawai‘i’s past and sense of place in the world.

by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Shunchoro

Shuichi and Taneyo Fujiwara, immigrants from Shikoku, Japan, were in San Francisco during the 1906 earthquake. The lost everything they owned in the earthquake and went back to Japan. They were returning to San Francisco, stopped in Hawai‘i and decided to stay. They purchased a nearly 1-acre property on Alewa Heights and opened Shunchoro Teahouse (Spring Tide Restaurant) in 1921. “A customer named Yoshikawa used to come here during the day for tea or beer.” Takeo Yoshikawa, a Japanese spy, arrived in Honolulu on March 27, 1941.

“I assumed my job was to help prepare for an attack on Pearl Harbor and I worked night and day getting necessary information.” “(M)y favorite viewing place was a lovely Japanese teahouse overlooking the harbor. It was called ‘Shunchoro.’ I knew what ships were in, how heavily they were loaded, who their officers were, and what supplies were on board.” The government took over Shunchoro Teahouse during World War II and converted the building into an emergency fire and first-aid station. It later reopened and later changed its name to Natsunoya Tea House.

by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Timeline Tuesday … 1940s

Today’s ‘Timeline Tuesday’ takes us through the 1940s – bombing of Pearl Harbor, Honolulu Marathon starts and Tripler Hospital is dedicated. We look at what was happening in Hawai‘i during this time period and what else was happening around the rest of the world.

by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Timeline Tuesday … 1930s

Today’s ‘Timeline Tuesday’ takes us through the 1930s – sugar production peaks, Pan-Am Clipper service begins, Hickam Airfield is constructed, ‘Aloha Shirt’ is trademarked and Doris Duke builds Shangri La. We look at what was happening in Hawai‘i during this time period and what else was happening around the rest of the world.

by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Aztec

June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to Austria-Hungary’s throne, and his wife, Sophie, were assassinated. A month later, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Within days, other countries got into the fray, including, Germany, Russia, France and United Kingdom; US President Woodrow Wilson announced the US would remain neutral. After attempts to broker peace, then sinking of the American cargo ship Housatonic, Wilson broke off diplomatic relations with Germany. With German submarine warfare continuing unabated, the final straw came on April 1, 1917, when the armed merchant ship Aztec was sunk off the northwest coast of France.

The attack on the Aztec led to America’s intervention into World War I. “There are five Hawaiian boys thought to have been killed along with 16 Americans when the American steamer the Aztec was sunk.” “An incident of unusual interest took place just prior to the reception. Colonel ʻIaukea had told Lili‘uokalani of the sinking of the Aztec, resulting in the death of five Hawaiian sailors, and asked her if on that account she would like to raise the American flag over her home. … She replied, most emphatically: ‘Yes.’”