There is no doubt that Hawaii is one of the most breathtaking places in the world, making it an extremely desirable tourist destination today.In fact, according to Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), tourism is the largest single source of private capital into the state, and Trip Advisor named Honolulu the 11th most popular tourist destination in America.
The big boom really came when Hawaii gained statehood in 1959, and annual visitors jumped to 240,000. By 1970, they had swelled to over 1.7 million. Today, it runs close to 8 million per year, according to HTA.
National Geographic's Charles O'Rear took photos of the islands in 1973, right at the beginning of the second swell. He captures tourists snorkeling, donning leis, and lounging on the beach. The photos are stored in the United States Archives.
*Here are some of the ones we picked out from October 1973:*
*Aerial view of Honolulu looking east toward Diamond Head, the extinct volcano. Apartments and hotels make up the rest of background in the Waikiki District.*
*This photo depicts an arrival at Honolulu International Airport, where tourists wait in leis for a bus to their hotel. According to O'Rear, 2.7 million visitors were anticipated in 1973.*
*Not much has changed when it comes to tourist attractions. Here's a couple snorkeling in Koko Head Park in the Hanauma Bay marine life conservation district.*
*Paradise Park was a commercial enterprise located on the Big Island. It was designed to display the island's natural beauty made up of forest and water reserve land.*
*A Sunday picnic at Poipu Beach, in southern Kauai.*
*An elderly tourist at a hula dance demonstration. *
*Waikiki Beach was one of the most popular tourist spots on the island. At the time, there were 26,000 hotel rooms on Oahu, most in Waikiki.*
*Surfer at Waikiki Beach.*
*The women were dressed for Aloha Day parade during annual Aloha Week festivities.*
*Another man dressed for the parade.*
*And another woman in costume.*
*Here, a crowd of military-related employees board the "Sea transit" ferry, which began operating in 1972. It mainly ran between downtown Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, additionally carrying the military across Pearl Harbor to the parking lot, saving them a 45 minute drive. *
*SEE ALSO: 37 Places You Need To Visit In Italy*
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