12 Things You Wish Were Still Around In Hawaii.

7月18日

Well, it’s Throwback Thursday but instead of naming a song from back in the day, a photo or even a type of fashion, why not take it even deeper and take a trip down memory lane to the “good ol’ days”.  What are some of those places or icons that you wish were still around in Hawaii today?  Here are 12 that may strike a chord with you.  Feel free to chime in and let me know what you wish were still around.  Most of my memories are from Oahu and my Neighbor Island memories are lacking so please enlighten me!

1.  Drive Inn Theaters.

At one time, Drive Inn Theaters scattered the state and became a popular regular weekend destination for island residents.  Their demise began around the 80’s with a combination of commercial real estate for the valuable land that they were situated and the multiplex movie theaters.  Waialae Drive Inn (pictured) was infamous for the legend of the faceless lady spirit that occupied the ladies bathroom.  (Photo VIA).

2.  Liberty House.

Who can forget Liberty House.  Before the popularity of online shopping, locals and visitors alike flocked to their locations for everything from clothes, kitchenware and even perishables like cookies and candies.  In 2001 they were bought out by Federated Department Stores aka Macy’s.  (Photo VIA).

3.  Castle Park.

With their arcade, water rides and miniature golf course…Castle Park was a tween/teen’s haven for fun, mischief and hanging out.  They opened in 1979 and stayed open for about 8 years before shutting down after a fatal water park accident.  (Photo VIA).

4.  Yum Yum Tree.

Every person now in their 30’s-50’s will remember this place as a popular date destination after catching a movie.   Let’s not forget their sister company Jolly Roger’s either.  (Photo VIA).

5.  Arakawa’s.

This place was crammed with everything from sporting goods to local food items.  Although it was located in Waipahu, even townies found themselves taking a weekend drive out to central Oahu to check out the offerings from Arakawa’s. (Photo VIA).

6.  Woolworth.

Fried chicken. Icee.  Rubber slippers.  ‘Nuff said.  (Photo VIA).

7.  Ranch House.

Every kid will remember this place at the entrance of Aina Haina valley not for the food, but for the treasure chest you can get your toy from to occupy yourself for the rest of the evening.  (Photo VIA).

8.  Kam Bowl.

You didn’t go here to bowl.  You went to get a helping of their famous Oxtail Soup.  (Photo VIA).

9.  Fisherman’s Wharf.

Like the Ranch House, kids would immediately head to the pirate’s treasure chest to claim their toy before eating.  The clam chowder wasn’t too shabby either.  (Photo VIA).

10.  Dole Cannery Pineapple.

Flying in to Oahu, tourist and locals will remember seeing this odd shaped tower below as they came in for a landing at Honolulu International Airport.  For those driving in to town or away from it….you could always see this historic icon from afar on the freeway.  (Photo VIA).

11.  The Wave Waikiki.

The Wave Waikiki Nightclub. Now the site of the current Allure Condominiums, this popular venue attracted both locals and tourist for the array and variety of  performers, DJ’s and of course the nightclub.  Many people will remember the colorful mural on the wall as you entered the Ewa side of Waikiki. (Photo VIA).

12.  Toyo’s Superette.

Most Manoa residents remember this icon all too well as it was around since 1918.  Whether it was a stop over after a swim at the Manoa pool for Icee or a fly by for last minute grocery items, many of us, including non-Manoa residents will miss the days of passing by as we drove in to Manoa Valley.  Toyo’s fell victim to the times closing its doors in 1998.  (Photo VIA).

Honorable Mentions:
Guava Lane.
Byron’s.
Kramer’s
JC Penny.
Coco’s Drive Inn.
Chico’s Pizza.
Liquids.
KC Drive Inn.
Ocean’s Night Club.
Gems.