April 22, 2014

Let's go on a vintage honeymoon to Hawaii


Aloha, future honeymooners, travel fans and vintage lovers the world over, are you ready for the second exciting installment in this spring's four part vintage honeymoon series? (Which kicked off last month with a fabulous virtual trip to the endlessly gorgeous, history rich country that is Italy.)

Today, we're headed to another wonderfully warm location, however this one is nestled cozily in Pacific Ocean, instead of on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. That's right, grab your breeziest dresses, favourite vintage sandals, and plenty of sunscreen, because we're jetting over to none other than the breathtakingly majestic Hawaiian Islands.



{Happy honeymooners and holiday makers alike have been flocking to Hawaii en mass for decades now, beckoned by the sizzling sun, warm waters, cheerful culture, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history of this gorgeous corner of the globe, as portrayed in travel ads such as this lovely vintage one from the 1950s. Image source.}


The fiftieth state to join the American Union in 1959, the history of this intriguing chain of islands stretches back some fifteen hundred years before, when Polynesians explorers, from the Marquesas Islands, traveling in double-hulled canoes, first ventured over to Hawaii. A few hundred years later, these initial settlers would be joined by others Pacific inhabitants hailing from Tahiti, who brought with them the kahuna nui, or high priest, line of governing, which implemented a king to rule each island.

In the centuries that would follow, these island dwellers would go on to create an elaborate, beautiful, and highly self-sustainable culture, which relied on the sea and what they could harvest themselves for their dietary and day-to-day needs. Though there may very well have been prior visits from foreigners (including the Chinese and Europeans) prior to this date, the first documented record of a European reaching Hawaii belongs to none other than famed explorer Captain James Cook in 1778, who was (as so many who hit the high seas in those days were) on the hunt for the illusive Northwest Passage (needless to say, he was quite a ways off with the coordinates there!).

From that point onward, a succession of people from different countries (including the French, Russians, British and Americans) headed out to visit, conquer and/or try to convert Hawaii and its native peoples. Tragically, as has so often been the case the world over when foreign invaders land and begin to invade a country, in the ensuing decades and centuries many of the traditional Hawaiian ways of life, beliefs, practises, and systems of governing would be wiped out or greatly altered.

As the Victorian era drew near its end, after many years of turmoil and politic upheaval between the local people and US colonists, the Republic of Hawai'i was officially formed, and in 1898, America opted to annex Hawaii as a territory. It would be another sixty-one years before the people of Hawaii voted to approve statehood and officially join the United States.

Leisure travel to Hawaii began in the nineteenth century and included such venerable guests to the Islands as Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Herman Melville, quickly gaining popularity with travelers the world over as the century wore on and technological advances, as well as greater development on some of the islands themselves, made visiting this sunny corner of the Pacific something that many people began to both aspire to and achieve.



{An early 20th century lithographic postcard from Hawaii, of the sort tourists would have both sent back to loved ones abroad and brought home for their own souvenir scrapbooks. Image source.}


Though I've never set foot on any of Hawaiian islands (of which the largest, aptly nicknamed “The Big Island”, is technically called Hawaii, though that name is commonly applied to all of the Hawaiian islands that make up the state), I wholeheartedly hope to one day. I grew up on the Pacific coast side of the world, but - warm as the Okanagan can certainly get in the summer - have never experienced the searing heat, sublime tropical breezes, or palm tree flanked beaches of any island nations that call this vast ocean home. Much as with Italy, my love for Hawaii is that of an armchair traveler with grand dreams of setting foot on those stunning azure wave kissed beaches on day.

This is a desire that many soon-to-be-wed couples have shared for decades now and, save for a short period during World War II (which Hawaii, housing Pearl Harbor, played a pivotal role in), tourism to the area has boomed from the early twentieth century onward. It skyrocketed to new heights in the 1950s, with numbers climbing higher still after Hawaii became an official state in 1959.

A love for Hawaii, it's culture and cuisine can be seen in many elements of pop culture from the era, including numerous Hollywood movies, Trader Vic's restaurants (which drew their inspiration from Polynesia), and fabulous Hawaiian/Polynesian themed fashions, including those now highly sought after gems from Alfred Shaheen (which are wishlist entries for many a vintage fashion lover the world over these days).



{A model sporting one of textile designer Alfred Shaheen's marvelous tropical floral print 1950s dresses, complete with a matching hat band in the same fun fabric. Shaheen's designs instantly evoke the golden age of travel to Hawaii and have proved wildly popular with tiki and vintage fashion fans ever since their mid-century début, often featuring prices in the multiple hundreds of dollars nowadays. Image source.}


Tourism still continues to be one of the biggest sources of revenue for Hawaii in the 21st century, with visitors from every corner of the globe taking to the skies to reach the islands and escape from the daily grind - and frequently the winter chill - in one of the the state's many wonderful hotels, resorts, camp grounds or bed and breakfasts.

The warm temperatures, sense of a relaxed pace of life that comes with island living, and bevy of sights to see and activities to take part in make Hawaii a popular destination with youngsters and the young at heart alike, and remains one of the world's most visited honeymoon destinations. If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, there will no doubt be numerous things you hope to see and do while soaking up some of those stunning golden rays. To help kick start or further expand your Hawaiian vacation itinerary, the following is a selection of ten different activities that you'll definitely want to consider adding to your list.


Swim with the dolphins at Sea Life Park in Waimanalo (or at numerous other locations around the Hawaiian islands)




Visit Hawaii's largest history museum, Bishop Museum, in Honolulu
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Whale watch on the Maui coast (where other marine life such as sea turtles and dolphins can also be spotted)

 photo VintageOrcaWhalewatchingphoto_zpsee14d94d.jpg



Enjoy the festive fun and delicious food at a Hawaiian luau



Have your breath taken away by the awe-inspiring scenery at Waimea Canyon on Kauai's West Side




Visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor




Catch a gnarly wave at Oahu




See the world's most active volcano, Kilauea, at Volcanoes National Park





Attend the annual Merrie Monarch (hula dance) Festival in Hilo, Hawaii or catch a hula performance elsewhere thorough the year




Just sit back, kick off your shoes and enjoy some much needed R&R on any of Hawaii's incredible beaches




{To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}



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Rightly famous for its stellar climate, Hawaii has an average temperature in the high 70s, but can, and frequently, does, climb far higher up the thermostat than that, especially during the warm(est) season, which typically runs from late April to October. This chunk of the year is commonly known as the dry season, with November to early April dubbed the wet or humid season, as it's generally when precipitation and mugginess hit this part of the world.

No matter what time of the year you visit Hawaii or whereabouts you're headed once there, you'll find that the selection of clothing, accessories and beauty products that you want to pack remains more or less the same (with the addition of specific clothing and gear that may need for certain sporting and outdoor activities, such as surfing and scuba diving).

The following selection of items is one that will see the lovely new vintage wearing bride through many an event in comfort and style alike while on her fabulous Hawaiian honeymoon (you will, of course, most likely want to try and get in a bit of local vintage and thrift store shopping while there, to further bolster your collection of yesteryear tropical togs).



{When magically warm Hawaiian breezes ruffle your locks, help keep your hair looking picture perfect under a gorgeous green Breton hat like this vintage charmer. $64.00 from etsy seller The Vintage Hat Shop.}



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{Let your hotel bartender know what kind of scrumptious fruit filled drink you'd like to lounge near the pool with care of these delightful gold toned vintage Avon pineapple earrings. $15.50 from etsy seller Sur L'Histoire.}




{Really, is there any more fitting sunscreen on the face of the planet to bring with you on a honeymoon to Hawaii? I rather think not! :) Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, two 8-ounce bottles for $18.98 from Amazon.}




{Whether you loop it around your neck, tie it to your beach bag, use it to protect your 'do while zipping around the island in convertible, or adorn your shoulders with it as a shawl at night, a timelessly lovely chiffon scarf (which measures 20" x 65") like this dark green beauty will always serve you well on a tropical vacay. $11.00 from etsy seller Robe Plus.}



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{Yes, it's true a genuine vintage Shaheen will usually set you back one massively big pretty penny, but when you stop and think about the fact that such a frock will standout as a highlight of your honeymoon wardrobe for the rest of time - and when folded in the greater sum of your wedding related expenses - making such an investment seems both sound and highly sartorially rewarding at the same time. 1950s tropical foliage print Alfred Shaheen dress that fits up to a 38" bust, 31" waist, $285.00 from etsy seller Lostnfound Vintage.}





{What tropical holiday be complete without seeing at least a few gorgeously vibrant birds during your travels? Start your bird watching checklist off with one sighting before the plane even touches down with these whimsically fun Two Can ring, for $18.00, from Irregular Choice.}




{Take an extra dose of vintage charm to the Hawaiian beach with you care of this fabulously fun mid-century fish print cotton towel (measuring 28" by 54"). $64.00 from etsy seller Fuzz and Fu.}




{A super durable bag is always a huge plus when on holiday and few will hold up as well on that front as this cheerful mid-century woven plastic tote. $55.00 from etsy seller Rue Vertdegris.}





{Every moment of your honeymoon should be golden - right down to your shoes, which in this lovely case, quite literally are! Nine West Women's Trickster Wedge Sandals in modern ladies sizes 6 to 12. $$26.70 - $29.62 from Amazon.}


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Looking to brush up and/or further your knowledge on Hawaii before you snap the lid closed on your suitcase? The following selection of alphabetically arranged titles that cover numerous faucets of Hawaiian travel, history and cuisine will help you fit in and sound like a seasoned Hawaiian travel veteran from the moment you arrive.


-A Century Of Aloha: The Creation of Modern Honolulu by MacKinnon Simpson

A Pocket Guide to Hawai'i's Birds by H. Douglas Pratt

-An Easy Guide to the Hawaiian Language by Jade Mapuana Riley

-Ancient History of the Hawaiian People to the Times of Kamehameha by Abraham Fornander

-Best of the Best from Hawaii: Selected Recipes from Hawaii's Favorite Cookbook by Gwen McKee and Barbara Moseley

-Designing Paradise: The Allure of the Hawaiian Resort by Don Hibbard

-DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Hawaii by Bonnie Friedman

-Driving and Discovering Hawaii: Oahu, Honolulu, and Waikiki by Richard Sullivan

-Flowers and Plants of Hawaii by Paul Wood

-Fodor's Hawaii 2014 by Fodor

-Frommer's Easy Guide to Hawaii 2014 by Jeanette Foster

-Hawaii at Play by Desoto Brown

-Hawaii by Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising the Hawaiian Islands, Includes Tahiti by Anne Vipond

-Hawaii Cooks with Spam: Local Recipes Featuring Our Favorite Canned Meat by Muriel Miura

-Hawaii Recalls: Selling Romance to America - Nostalgic Images of the Hawaiian Islands, 1910-1950 by Desoto Brown

-Hawaii Remembered: Postcards From Paradise by Tina Skinner et al

-Hawaii The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty

-Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Surf, Bike, Drive by Jerry Sprout and Janine Sprout

-Hawaii Tropical Rum Drinks & Cuisine by Arnold Bitner and Phoebe Beach

-Hawaii! Wish You Were Here by Ray Miller and Jo Miller

-Hawaiian Mythology by Martha Warren Beckwith

-Hawaiiana: The Best of Hawaiian Design by Mark Blackburn

-Hawaii's Best Local Desserts by by Jean Watanabe Hee

-Honolulu Then and Now by Sheila Sarhangi

-Illustrated Hawaiian Dictionary by Kahikahealani Wight

-Island World: A History of Hawai'i and the United States by Gary Okihiro

-Jean Hee's Best of the Best Hawaii Recipes by Jean Watanabe Hee

-Kau Kau: Cuisine & Culture in the Hawaiian Islands by Arnold Hiura

-Leis, Luaus, and Alohas: The Lure of Hawai'i in the Fifties by Fred E. Basten and Charles Phoenix

-Lonely Planet Hawaii by Sara Benson et al

-Lost Kingdom: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings and America's First Imperial Adventure by Julia Flynn Siler

-Mark Twain in Hawaii: Roughing It in the Sandwich Islands by Mark Twain

-No Worries Hawaii: A Vacation Planning Guide for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island by Jerry Sprout and Janine Sprout

-Oahu Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Honolulu, Waikiki & Beyond by Andrew Doughty

-Pink Palace: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel by Stan Cohen

-Roy's Feasts from Hawaii by Roy Yamaguchi and John Harrisson

-Sam Choy's Island Flavors by Sam Choy et al

-Shoal of Time: A History of the Hawaiian Islands by Davan Daws

-Surfing Hawaii: A Complete Guide to the Hawaiian Islands' Best Breaks by Rod Sumpter

-Tastes & Flavors of Hawaii by Mutual Editors

-The Aloha Shirt: Spirit Of The Islands by Dale Hope

-The Food of Paradise: Exploring Hawaii's Culinary Heritage by Rachel Laudan

-The Hali'imaile General Store Cookbook: Home Cooking from Maui by Beverly Gannon and Bonnie Friedman

-The Rough Guide to Hawaii by Greg Ward

-The Secrets and Mysteries of Hawaii: A Call to the Soul by Pila of Hawaii

-The Ultimate Guide to Hawaiian Reef Fishes: Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Whales, and Seals by John P. Hoover

-Tiki Art Now!: A Volcanic Eruption of Art by Robert Williams

-Tiki Drinks by Adam Rocke

-Tiki Road Trip: A Guide to Tiki Culture in North America by James Teitelbaum

-Tiki of Hawaii by Sophia Schweitzer

-To Honolulu In Five Days: Cruising Aboard Matson's S.S. Lurline by Lynn Blocker Krantz et al

-Trader Vic's Pacific Island Cookbook by Trader Vic

-Trader Vic's Tiki Party!: Cocktails and Food to Share with Friends by Stephen Siegelman

-Under the Hula Moon : Living in Hawai'i by Jocelyn Fujii

-Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula by Nathaniel Bright Emerson

-Waikiki: Magic Beside the Sea by Allan Seiden

-Waikiki Tiki: Art, History and Photographs by Phillip S. Roberts

-Waikiki Yesteryear by Glen Grant

-What Hawaii Likes to Eat by Muriel Miura and Betty Shimabukuro


♥ ♥ ♥



One can't help but think of Hawaii without associating it with feelings of romance. There's something about the sizzling air, the powerful waves, the endlessly bounty of fresh produce and seafood, the gaily patterned Polynesian fabrics, and the escape that an island offers from life, and all its demands, on the mainland (wherever that mainland may be for you) that positively invites lovers to its golden sand adorned shores.



{Love, like the bathtub-water-warm breezes that call the islands home, has long been in the air in Hawaii, a point which this vintage American Airlines travel ad was keen to promote back in the 1950s/1960s. Image source.}



It's is a dreamy, carefree, relaxing destination that has been luring honeymooners for well over a hundred years, and which, I don't doubt for a moment, will continue to for the rest of time. Who, after all, in the course of their daily life, hasn't uttered something along the lines of, "Gosh, I wish I was sipping a tropic fruit drink on a beach in Hawaii right now!" at least once?

Hawaii is well ingrained in popular culture and in the hearts of millions of travel fans, but if it isn't your first choice for your own honeymoon, don't despair for a moment. Next up, in the third post in our vintage honeymoon series, we'll rack up some more frequent flyer miles by hopping back to the other side of the world for another exciting European destination.

Until then, why not slip into your favourite Hawaiian print dress and mix up a batch of scrumptious coconut and pineapple filled drinks to enjoy this beautiful late April day with? That's definitely what I'll be doing as I start brainstorming the details of May's captivating vintage honeymoon destination post.

43 comments:

  1. Very nice post! I have been to four of the Hawaiian Islands a couple of years ago and it was the best vacation ever!! Some day I really, really go back again.
    The things I liked the most were the Bishop Museum in Honolulu and the observatories on the Mauna Kea. I live in the Netherlands, a overpopulated little country with so much light polution you can't see a lot of stars, so when you're looking through one of the telescopes on the Mauna Kea, you can't believe your eyes. So, so beautiful!
    Thanks for this great post! Brought back some very nice memories!

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  2. What a smart choice for discussion on a vintage blog. Hawaii was famous in the Forties and Fifties for the reasons you identify. It was universally-understood as a symbol. Nice post!

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  3. i can totally see you rocking the islands in this - our favorite color - green outfit! tony drives you in a 50´s convertible from beaches to aloha dances to volcanos. a sea foam green one :-)
    hug you! xxxx

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  4. Woweeee fantastic post with oodles of information-love it! I can only imagine how beautiful it was back then, It has sadly changed a great deal due to the economy and drug problems but I would still like to go one day! So beautiful!! xox

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  5. Great article.

    I've been lucky enough to have lived in Hawaii for a short while (only a few months) but it was wonderful. I've also visited many times. It never disappoints.

    I adore those little pineapple earrings and that gorgeous green frock! It would look stunning on you.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  6. And don't forget to bring home a cute Ukulele, and then learn to play it. You'll be the life of every party. I just started lessons myself and am LOVING it.
    Celtic Lass

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    1. That's awesome, Celtic Lass! It really is a charming, enjoyable instrument to hear being played. I wish you the best of luck with your lessons and will think of you now whenever I spot a vintage uke or piece of sheet music for it.

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Oh! I've always wanted to go to Hawaii!!! Nick's family has a time share mere blocks from Waikiki Beach. He's been 4 times, but we haven't been since we started dating. Thankfully, I know it's only a matter of time until we go. Until then I dream of Shaheen dresses and flowers in my hair.

    Thanks for this fun post!
    Lisa.

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    1. It's my pleasure, dear Lisa. That's awesome! I really hope you guys are able to head that way in the not-too-distant future. I suspect that this fun post will be as close as I get to Hawaii anytime soon (and perhaps ever - but one never knows!).

      ♥ Jessica

      ♥ Jessica

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  8. I've always fancied a trip to Hawaii ever since seeing a few Elvis films set there! Did you know that pineapple plants can physically MOVE?! Over time obviously, their roots can pull them towards soil that is better hydrated.

    I was hoping you might be doing Hawaii on your virtual Honeymoon tour of the world, it's somewhere that has captured my imagination but it's so far from the UK that it would be a very expensive trip indeed. Your clothing and accessory picks are just perfect as well, I too was thinking of lush greens and tropical themes. I'd pair that Shaheen dress with hot pink wedge sandals and a flower in my hair. Make mine a Pina Colada!

    This has been a lovely escapist trip, reading this well-researched article, as I look out of my window to see a grey and drizzly day. I'm seriously tempted right now to head to the drinks cabinet and whip up something tropical, but I've work in the morning and don't want to get carried away!

    Hope you had a great Easter!
    P x

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    1. Thank you very much for your fantastic comment, dear Porcelina. Goodness, that is cool! No, I don't believe I'd heard before that pineapple plants move over time. I wonder if they're trying to sway in the warm Hawaiian breeze? :)

      I'm thrilled to know that this second edition in the Vintage Honeymoon series was one that you were secretly hoping for and hope that you'll enjoy the final two just as much as well.

      I wholeheartedly hope that you're able (that we're both able, for that matter) to make it to Hawaii one day!

      ♥ Jessica

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  9. What a wonderful post!!!!! It brings back beautiful memories of my trip tp Hawaii and oahu in 2012. One of the many highlights was my visit to Pearl Harbor and Volcano National Park. Snorkling was neat, too.

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    1. Thank you! It's awesome that you've spent time in Hawaii, dear Kim, including doing some of the things featured in this post. Whereabouts did you go snorkeling? I've never done it anywhere myself (save for the basic type one does as a kid in a swimming pool or the lake), but I'd very much love to one day.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Ooh this post has me dreaming of a Hawaiian holiday! Hope you get to go there one day with your man! I'm not posting as often now I'm heavily pregnant with twins, but love to pop by here when I can.

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  11. love this post!!!!

    the shaheen dress is so adorable ... i will never own one. sigh.

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal. I hear you there - but we must think positively. We could luck out and find one at a thrift shop or flea market - or win the lottery and be able to pay retail for one. You never know! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  12. I hope one day to get to Hawaiii. I love all those vintage tropical prints. Love the Elvis movie Blue Hawaii:)). A wonderful post dear Jessica jam packed with information! I bet you almost felt like you were there with all this grand research:))

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    1. Very much so!!! I learned a substantial amount while putting together this post, which called for more "in the moment" research than my previous one on Italy, and am even more eager to hopefully set foot on warm Hawaiian soil (sand!) myself now one day. Fingers crossed that we're both able to visit at some point!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. I have to admit to not being much of a beach person but I'd definitely be up for strolling along the sand in the sunshine in one of those vintage Hawaiian frocks!

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  14. The weather is so wet and miserable here that all I want to do is slap on the san tan lotion and head to Hawaii! Great post! xxx

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  15. Oh yes! Take me to a tropical beach instead of a grey, somewhat cool and drizzly UK evening...I don't expect to visit Hawaii, but I love to dream and see all the old adverts and photos. Thank you!

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    1. I hear you loud and clear, dear Philippa. Though my province and Hawaii do technically share the same ocean on their shores, we're thousands of miles apart and I doubt I'll be headed that way anytime soon (much as I would love to!). This post really helped me feel like I'd *almost* traveled there and am very happy to know it had the same effect on you as well.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Hello dear Jessica,

    Hawaii was the one place that I always wanted to visit.

    My husband and I spent two weeks in Oahu Hawaii for our "honeymoon"...I have told you about that before - it was a working vacation during his tour of active duty, although, it was mostly play, and boy did we ever have a grand time. He keeps talking about going again. I think that I would love a Hawaiian cruise. I'll have to look into that idea, and maybe, just maybe someday...

    Keep dreaming and you will probably make it there one day.

    :) Hope

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  17. A long laze on one of the beaches of Hawaii sounds just about perfect! And the only thing better would be dancing afterwards in that fabulous Shaheen dress. Great post! XXX

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely Brooke. Definitely!!! It must be pure vintage fashion heaven to twirl around the dance floor in a Shaheen. Do you own one/any yourself? Zero hang in my closet as of yet, but the hope that one will one day is perpetual (as I'm sure it is for many in our vintage loving circle).

      ♥ Jessica

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  18. My husband and I finally took our honeymoon (eight years into our marriage) last spring with a visit to Maui. We fell in love and are now working on a ten year plan to move there so watch out once you go there you may not want to leave.

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  19. A delightful post, Jessica, and so appropriate for today—it's our 8th wedding anniversary and we honeymooned in St. Lucia, not Hawaii, but it was our second choice (yes, we are looney tunes)! That said, my grandparents spent a great deal of time in Hawaii. My grandfather served in the South Pacific during WWII and once my dad & his siblings were married, Grandma & Grandpa went to Hawaii just about every year until she passed away. So I suppose this post aroused sort of secondhand memories for me, because of course my grandparents had countless photos, stories, and mementoes to share! Thus it's probably no surprise that Hawaii is a very special place to me, too, despite never having been there.

    I do think the war had much to do with Hawaii's popularity once the war ended. So many servicemen spent time there and learned to like the South Pacific despite the vagaries of the weather, my grandfather included. It's no surprise they not only brought it back with tiki culture and Hawaiiana, but also wanted to bring their families to these seemingly magical lands!

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  20. What a wonderful image you have created, made me feel like I was there sipping a cocktail whilst wearing that wonderful hat and a full, swirly skirt. Maybe one day for a second honeymoon.

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  21. Hawaii !! I went with both my parents when I was a baby but I can remember thanks to the photographs.
    The items you present here are simply wonderful it really makes want to dress up with all of these... And go !

    I wish a lovely week dear friend,
    Love from Paris.
    Lorna

    Http://lornasharp.blogspot.com

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  22. I have always wanted to take a vintage Hawaii vacation one of my prize posessesion is a 1940s coconut purse Thanks for this wonderful and well researched trip

    retro rover

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  23. Dream vacation is Hawaii! This post was wonderful Jessica :) I love the pineapple earrings, so pretty and fun!

    I could totally see you strolling along the beach in a wonderful flowered dress and matching flower :)

    Liz

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  24. Here's the deal:
    If I ever get to the marriage stage in my life; I'll have you as my honeymoon planner! Because, you have done this one (and the one before, the lovely trip to Italy) so well, I can see all the images, and gosh.. it is so vivid, I can smell the evening fire and taste the fruit cocktail in my coconut-glass. :)

    Wonderfully done, Jessica.
    *applause*

    Marija

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  25. Good afternoon Jessica, how are you?
    I enjoyed your post about the honeymoon in Hawaii, especially the dress hat and accessories. They are wonderful! A big hug my dear friend!

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  26. wooow! you have a great blog! I love it !!!!
    such a great post, a lot of new information to me, i like it so much!!!! I wanna to go to hawai one day ... ohh ... drimming about it :))))) thank you for sharing!
    I wanna to ask you how about follow each other? Let me know, please. I always follow back so don`t worry :)
    have a nice day sweety!
    xoxo from Spain
    www.thegrisgirl.blogspot.com.es

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  27. I must say, I don't have such a desire for a trip to Hawaii as I would say Scotland or even Germany, but I would love to pay tribute to those lives lost at Pearl Harbor. We thought my Grama's brother, who was in the Navy at the time, was at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked in December '41. They waited two weeks to hear from him and finally got a telegram saying he wasn't there and had missed it. Thank God! However the poor man later on would become a survivor of the Gambier {sp?} Bay attack.

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    1. Oh my, what a harrowing military career your great-uncle had. I can scarcely fathom what it must have been like to be sole survivor of an attack like that. Did he suffer post-traumatic stress disorder and/or other issues afterwards? I know that some of my relatives who fought in WW2 did, as did of course countless others (understandably!).

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. Oh, what a fantastic post about Hawaii! A fine piece of History. I met a friendly old couple from Hawaii in a flight from Denmark to Portugal. Their parents were from Portugal and they came to visit their parents mother's land. They were so friendly and even gave me an address in case I went to visit Hawaii, so nice of them. So, this post was so good for me, because I could relate it to them, nice people.

    I love the fabric prints, the flowers, the music. I would love to try their cuisine! Thank you so much to share this wonderfully written post, full of nice images, interesting books links and an inspiring related items to buy!

    Hugs from Miss Beta xxx

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    1. Thank you very much, dearest Beta. I'm delighted to know that you enjoyed this fun vintage tropical vacation post. It's lovely that you now have some people to get in touch with if you're ever in that part of the world. You know, off hand, I don't believe I actually know any one at the moment who lives in Hawaii. My paternal grandparents took multiple trips there (in the 70s and/or 80s, I think) and made some good friends at the time, but I doubt many of them would still be with us to this day and don't know if they (my grandparents) stayed in touch with those folks. If I ever go to Hawaii, I hope I make some great new friends so that I can always have some to write to and look forward to seeing again, should I return a second time.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. That Shaheen dress is gorgeous and would make a fabulous outfit with the hat, the bag and the wedges. Really interesting to read all the history, lots there that I didn't know. It would be a brilliant destination for a honeymoon or holiday.

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    1. I learned a lot about Hawaii while researching and writing this post, too. I really have a renewed interest in visiting there one day now. Fingers crossed! :)

      Thank you very much for this and all of your terrific blog comments today, dear Kate!

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I am a bit behind on my blog reading so I have had a couple of long catch up sessions which have been really enjoyable! Hope you are having a lovely weekend.

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  30. Well, I sure hope you make to i Hawaii!
    For some reason I have never been interested in going there.. my brother and his wife loved it and I have another friend who has been there 3 times because she loves it to much she just keeps going back.

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  31. How I would LOVE going to Hawaii! But I think I have to make do with a homemade tikibar, which DH and son have promised to make for our garden this summer. Lovely post as always, I also love all the accessories. :O)

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