Who Started Tourism in Hawaii?

By Anna Duncan

Hawaii is a place that is famous for its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and stunning scenery. But have you ever wondered who started tourism in Hawaii? In this article, we will explore the history of tourism in Hawaii and the important figures that were instrumental in its development.

History of Tourism in Hawaii

Tourism in Hawaii began to flourish in the early 20th century. In 1901, the first hotel was built on Waikiki Beach by Alexander Young. This hotel was named the Moana Hotel and it quickly became a popular destination for tourists looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the beauty of the island.

The popularity of the Moana Hotel sparked a trend and soon other hotels began to pop up along Waikiki Beach. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel was built in 1927 and it quickly became known as one of the most luxurious hotels on the island.

The development of tourism in Hawaii was not just limited to hotels. The introduction of air travel made it easier for tourists to travel to Hawaii from other parts of the world. In 1927, Inter-Island Airways (now known as Hawaiian Airlines) began offering flights between Honolulu and Maui.

The Father of Modern Tourism

While many people played a role in developing tourism in Hawaii, one man is often credited with being the “Father of Modern Tourism” – Henry J Kaiser.

Kaiser was born in New York City in 1882 but he moved to California as a young man. He made his fortune by working as a shipbuilder during World War II but he had always been interested in Hawaii.

In 1954, Kaiser purchased land on Maui with plans to build a resort. He envisioned a luxury resort that would cater to tourists from around the world. This resort became known as the Maui Hilton and it opened its doors in 1955.

The Maui Hilton was a huge success and it helped to establish Hawaii as a premier tourist destination. Kaiser went on to build other hotels in Hawaii including the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tourism in Hawaii has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. Alexander Young and the Moana Hotel were among the first to recognize the potential of tourism on the island. Henry J Kaiser is often credited with being the “Father of Modern Tourism” for his role in developing luxury resorts that attracted tourists from around the world.

Today, tourism continues to be a major industry in Hawaii, with millions of visitors flocking to the islands each year to enjoy its natural beauty and cultural attractions.