I don’t remember if my father was leaving for the mainland or returning from a trip when these pictures were taken. He’s decked out in lots of flowers, and carrying a hat.
It was September 1952. The old airport terminal was out along Lagoon Drive, across the runways from its current location. United was the carrier.
![[text]](http://ilind.net/oldkine_images/airport-1952-1.jpg)
![[text]](http://ilind.net/oldkine_images/airport-1952-2.jpg)
As you can see, the airport was small, very casual, with no security and only minimal fencing to keep people from wandering out towards the planes. I’m sure we’ve got pictures of the old terminal saved somewhere. I’ll have to work on it.
And looking into the background, there’s very little urbanization to be seen.
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Ah, the days of 8-hour flights to California. … you got courtesy plastic bags on the airplane to store your lei … people got dressed up to fly ….
is that your mom and sister?
Yup. Bonnie would have been 9 years old.
The planes appear to be B377 Stratocruisers, which were actually capable of bypassing Hawaii and flying from the continent to Japan directly. The two little masts near the front connected to two antennae going to the tail which were used for short-wave communication.
It was based on the B29 bomber, and well-appointed:
“The Stratocruiser set a new standard for luxurious air travel with its tastefully decorated extra-wide passenger cabin and gold-appointed dressing rooms. A circular staircase led to a lower-deck beverage lounge, and flight attendants prepared hot meals for 50 to 100 people in a state-of-the-art galley. As a sleeper, the Stratocruiser was equipped with 28 upper-and-lower bunk units.”
Great photos. It was the days a “gate” literally meant a gate in a low fence as seen here.
People would come out and see friends and relatives off with their lei. And wave as the plane taxied off.
Today you’re lucky when someone offers you a ride to the airport. And forget about seeing the plane off since non-passengers can’t get anywhere near the gate. And, unless you’re flying first class, you’re treated just a little better than your baggage.
Welcome to the 21st Century.
Remember waving at your friends standing at the gate or if you could figure out where they were, on the aircraft?
Thanks for the Lingle – Maui News editorial, I missed it completely, She has worn out her welcome here, who knows where her next pastures are. Yes, the Super ferry would have undoubtedly failed, its business model required subsidies though not spoken of at the time.
Finally, its nice to know I count for something.