in Places & People

Hawaii in 1945: Stunning Color Photos of Hawaii Just after the World War II ended

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When World War II ended in 1945, soldiers eventually returned to their homes in Hawaii. The economy of Hawaii suffered during the war. When the war ended, there were fewer houses to build and fewer people shopping and to eat out. Hawaii’s residents decided to stand together and rebuild the island of Oahu and launched many campaigns to attract visitors. During World War II, Hawaii’s economy changed profoundly, but the island recovered beautifully due to the unity of its citizens, and it thrives economically today.

These stunning color photos were taken by Alberto Casas, a Spanish-American soldier who served in the US Army with the 30th Engineering Battalion, Company B, which was tasked with map making. They show soldiers, sailors, and Hawaiians going about their daily lives.

#3 Annie’s Lei Stand at Moana Hotel in Waikiki, Hawaii, 1945

Annie's Lei Stand at Moana Hotel in Waikiki, Hawaii, 1945

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#4 Beach in front of Royal Hawaiian Hotel at Waikiki, Hawaii, 1945

Beach in front of Royal Hawaiian Hotel at Waikiki, Hawaii, 1945

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#9 Hawaii sidewalk scene with Servicemen, Honolulu, 1945

Hawaii sidewalk scene with Servicemen, Honolulu, 1945

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#18 Hula show at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel every Sunday, 1945

Hula show at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel every Sunday, 1945

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#22 Looking toward Royal Hawaiin Hotel in Hawaii, 1945

Looking toward Royal Hawaiin Hotel in Hawaii, 1945

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#23 Maluhia Enlisted Men’s Club in Waikiki, Hawaii, 1945

Maluhia Enlisted Men's Club in Waikiki, Hawaii, 1945

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#30 Sgt. Smith Post Theater Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, 1945

Sgt. Smith Post Theater Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, 1945

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#32 Soldiers and sailors at pool of Hawaiian Hotel, Hawaii, 1945

Soldiers and sailors at pool of Hawaiian Hotel, Hawaii, 1945

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#34 Train with smoke in Marshalling Yard, Hawaii, 1945

Train with smoke in Marshalling Yard, Hawaii, 1945

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#39 Aircraft carrier from troop transport departing for Hawaii, 1945

Aircraft carrier from troop transport departing for Hawaii, 1945

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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