Rearview Mirror

Islanders' accomplishments exceed their home's beauty

With 20,000 APEC delegates in Hawaii this week, I thought I'd focus my column on some little-known but amazing things that people from Hawaii have accomplished.

Lex's sign and slogan were iconic

Kauai native Lex Brodie's first business was with Sam Kahanamoku, giving tourists rides in outrigger canoes, in the early 1930s.

Trans-Pacific Airlines became Aloha to appeal to tourists

Sixty-five years ago this week, Ruddy Tongg founded Trans-Pacific Airlines, which later became Aloha Airlines. Tongg picked the name because he initially had an interest in flying routes to China. However, the communist revolution in 1949 put an end to that.

Duke ran gas stations, then served 13 terms as sheriff

Ninety-nine years ago this week, Duke Kahanamoku competed in his first Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. He won the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle swim and a silver medal with the relay team.

U.S. currency in the isles bore ‘HAWAII’ during war

During World War II, all the paper money in circulation in the state was stamped in big outline letters across the back that said “Hawaii.” The fronts had smaller renditions of “Hawaii” stamped on them. And instead of green, the seal was brown. Why did the government do that?

Moanalua Gardens once was 3 times its current size

Most Rearview Mirror columns are old photos and stories about them. This time, we decided to run an old map. This one dates to 1922 and shows Moanalua Gardens when it was three times its present size.

Ward sale was big deal at $2M

This body of water no longer exists. The picture was taken in central Honolulu on a private estate that is now long gone. It might look a little like the Ala Wai, but that is a few miles to the east. Where is it?

Window features Jesus riding waves

Which Honolulu church has Jesus surfing in stained glass?
Many churches have intricate stained-glass windows with biblical scenes portrayed in brilliantly colored mosaics of light. But only one might show Jesus on a surfboard.

Rabbit outran dog mascot

Who is Robert's Rabbit mascot waving to" We've all seen Robert's Hawaii's tour buses. On the side is a rabbit running in profile. On the back, it's waving. Who is it waving to? The story starts in Tijuana, Mexico.

Spencecliff spent decades atop local restaurant scene

The most popular and successful restaurant chain in the islands from 1939 through the 1970s was Spencecliff, which owned more than 50 family places.