Waikiki: A History of Forgetting and Remembering

by Gaye Chan, Andrea Feeser

History of Forgetting and Remembering presents a compelling cultural and environmental history of the area, exploring its place not only in the popular imagination, but also through the experiences of those who lived there. Employing a wide range of primary and secondary sources―including historical texts and photographs, government documents, newspaper accounts, posters, advertisements, and personal interviews―an artist and a cultural historian join forces to reveal how rich agricultural sites and sacred places were transformed into one of the world’s most famous vacation destinations.

The story of Waikiki’s conversion from a vital self-sufficient community to a tourist dystopia is one of colonial oppression and unchecked capitalist development, both of which have fundamentally transformed all of Hawai‘i. Colonialism and capitalism have not only changed the look and function of the landscape, but also how Native Hawaiians, immigrants, settlers, and visitors interact with one another and with the islands’ natural resources. The book’s creators counter this narrative of displacement and destruction with stories―less known or forgotten―of resistance and protest.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

200 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2006

Reviews

[Kamakana · Rating 3 out of 5]

exactly what the hawai’i tourism industry does not want to promote: tourism is the islands’ main industry, but what is being sold, what has been polluted, paved over, forgotten in the history of colonialism, imperialism, capitalism. i am only half-hawai’ian, but this book alternately enrages, summons despair, offers that hope only enlightened society can repair damages only if they are educated and sensitive. this probably works better if you know or live in waikiki. from waimea, kaua’i, it sounds like more corruption is the way of the big city- honolulu.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been to Oahu once, and heard the haole version of history. This is the other side, focused on Waikiki (which we hated, precisely because it is a tourist mecca with no redeeming value) with sweat and tears mixed with concrete and nature lost. In 2006, you think she'd might have mentioned that the Mormons now own half the island, and have not been real helpful. Also seems like Mr. Dole was a real jerk.

Thinking, how could anyone treat the natives like that? - easy for me to say, living in Illinois, the REAL locals ca 1700 might ask me the same thing.

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but felt that the author's constant sweeping, somewhat unjustified generalizations could be off-putting and unpersuasive for more hesitant readers.