APEC 2011 Hawaii — Historical Tidbits — Waikiki
Editor’s note: Honolulu’s visitors have told fascinating stories over the years. Civil Beat looked through vintage news clippings to give today’s APEC visitors a sense of the history of visits to this place. Look for a historical tidbit every day through Nov. 13. With thanks to Pake Zane and Julie Lauster of Antique Alley.
Visitors to Hawaii for APEC are discovering Waikiki — the hotels, fancy shops and ABC stores.
But imagine, if you will, a visit to the same area in 1836. That’s when the Rev. Samuel Parker arrived from Boston.
His story is recounted in a 1931 clipping from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, which closed its doors only last year.
“Waikiki had about 500 inhabitants,” the article said, “and he gave as his opinion that it might be made one of the most delightful spots on the islands. The only road which deserved the name was that between Honolulu and Waikiki. He met there an old man who had been a high priest of the heiau which stood at the foot of Diamond Head. He was then a convert and, through an interpreter, Parker had an interesting conversation with him.”
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