1983 Davis Pictorial View of Waikiki, Hawaii

A whimsical 1983 pictorial view of Waikiki drawn by Chuck Davis. It effectively combines information on local businesses, tourist attractions, and the history of Oahu and Hawaii into a seamless whole.

A Closer Look

The view is oriented roughly towards the northeast, obscuring the main part of Honolulu to the west, though the orientation of the other Hawaiian Islands in the background is stylistic rather than geographically consistent. Advertisements for local businesses, public institutions, and attractions such as Sea Life Park abound. Aside from the beach region itself, nearby landmarks such as the Diamond Head volcano and Waimea Falls Park are also prominently displayed, while nearby Pearl Harbor is referred to at bottom-left. Cartoon figures provide notes on local history and culture or amusing comments. A Japanese photographer at bottom takes a picture of the map's creators, saying 'Smile!' (笑つて), perhaps a reference to Hawaii's large Japanese population and popularity as a Japanese tourist destination.

Publication History and Census

This view was drawn by Chuck Davis in 1983 and was designed and produced by John Kuhn, Jim Melillo, and Mark Mullins of Pali Arts. It is not known to exist in any institutional collections.