Columnist Bob Sigall writes the weekly column “Rearview Mirror,” which takes a look back at historic Hawaii through stories, interviews and photos.
Music is important in Hawaii. Many of our monarchs were extremely talented as composers and performers. So, it comes as no surprise that many young people who grew up here made it big as musicians in Hawaii and beyond our shores. Read more
Last November, I polled readers and came up with the top 25 Oahu restaurants that were gone but not forgotten. The Willows topped the list, followed by Tahitian Lanai, Columbia Inn, Flamingo, John Dominis, Swiss Inn, Alan Wong’s, Fisherman’s Wharf, Canlis and Pearl City Tavern. Read more
Many of my columns start with a reader question or comment about things they remember from long ago, such as this one from Christopher Haig. “I remember visiting the Dole Cannery many years ago, when I was about 10 years old. Read more
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Most of us in Hawaii have never seen auroras — northern or southern lights caused by solar flares. Normally, one needs to be in high-latitude locations such as Alaska to see them. Read more
Two weeks ago I wrote about Walter Dods, CEO of First Hawaiian Bank. He created the “Quiet and Effective” slogan for Gov. George Ariyoshi’s 1978 campaign. Read more
Reader Jo Anne Yamamoto said she came across an article in the paper recently about school lunches. She attended McKinley High School in the 1960s and said the lunches were delicious most of the time. Read more
Last week I explored First Hawaiian Bank’s “Yes” campaign, which has run for 55 years now. It’s the longest-lasting advertising campaign in Hawaii history. Read more
The longest-running advertising campaign in Hawaii passes the 55-year mark this year. Read more
Hawaii, in the great scheme of things, is a tiny bit of islands in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean. So, I am often surprised to hear that people that live here have connections to such luminaries as Taylor Swift and Beyonce. Read more
This week I have stories about three species of animals. No, this isn’t a “Wild Kingdom” television episode. These animals are tame. This week we’ll look into the Budweiser Clydesdales in Hawaii, a mynah bird named Little Doc and a poodle named Gigi. Read more
This is the time of the year when the temperature in Hawaii sometimes drops into the 50s or 60s and we tell each other it was “freezing” last night. Read more
Reader Tom Sheeran said he heard about an ocean buoy that was painted pink just offshore of the Hawaiian Village Hotel in the mid-1950s. Read more
Recently, one of my readers, Dewey Watson, suggested a column on fishing and crabbing. Read more
Many famous people live in or visit Hawaii. Here are a few stories of how their paths happened to cross those of local residents. Read more
Last week I presented the first of my 2023 Rearview Mirror Annual Awards. They honor those who made, preserved or shared Hawaii history. Read more
Last week I looked back at the more interesting stories I covered in 2023. Read more
Every year at this time, I look back on the previous 12 months and review what I learned about Hawaii people, places and organizations in a two-part series. Read more
I often look for a story about World War II for the first week in December to honor those who fought and died for our freedom. Read more
I think it’s important to take notice and congratulate the companies, schools and nonprofit organizations that have managed to stick around and continue to serve the community for 50 or more years. Read more
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter died Saturday at the age of 96. Her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, just celebrated his 99th birthday on Oct. 1. A couple of local Hawaii residents told me they had met the Carters. Read more
What are the most fondly Oahu remembered restaurants that are, sadly, no longer with us? I asked readers to vote for their top 10. Over 150 of you did. Read more
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