There’s a lot you can tell about a city simply by looking at small things, like its signage or public art. Every place has unique and interesting shops and landmarks that add to its personality. I’ve posted several pieces like this in the past, featuring signage in cities as diverse as Toronto, Quebec and Prague.
Today I’d like to share with you some of the signage and street art we saw in Waikiki Beach on a recent visit. Waikiki is a fairly unique place. Almost exclusively catering to tourists, the facilities and services are aimed at its thousands of visitors. Still, you’ll see some of Honolulu’s many citizens enjoying the sand on the beach, or having dinner at one of the restaurants, or walking by the beach. Surfing and paddle-boarding are especially popular because of how sweet the waves are as they break on the coral reef in Waikiki. Many young adults finish work and then grab their surfboards and head to Waikiki to catch some waves before sunset.
As I look at the snow outside my window right now, wish I was down there looking for more signs in Waikiki!
Signs of the Modern Culture, indeed, Garry. Waikiki is about as new a neighborhood as you’ll find in any major city. There are no old man-made artifacts or structures here. How long will it last? Like most modern culture, it likely will keep evolving trying to keep up with the times. Old places torn down to be replaced with newer structures.
But Hawaii certainly does have places built by the early civilizations that inhabited it. It’s not clear when man settled these islands but let’s say about a thousand years ago. You can find ruins of temples (known as “heiau“) and symbols carved into the lava rock that are worth exploring.
A taste of “Modern Culture” – but how long will it stand the test of time ?
I found it hard to find examples of Hawaiian culture – pre American influence.