![[text]](http://ilind.net/oldkine_images/kona_hilton/source/image/kona_hilton-01.jpg)
The sign says, “Entering Keauhou-Kona”.
It sure looked a lot different in the mid-1960s then it does now.
I found this bundle of small photographs in another box of my dad’s stuff. They follow several stages of construction of the Kona Hilton, now the Royal Kona Resort.
Click on this photo for the full gallery.
In several photos, you can see the surrounding area. Not much development yet at that time.
I wonder if anyone realized where things would be 40 years later?
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No photos shown, Ian. Just a red X in the top left corner.
You must have hit when the site was busy. I just checked and all the photos seem to be okay right now.
Have tried repeatedly today; same problem.
Working now.
I was without computer all day and couldn’t address the problem until I got back home this evening.
I’m hoping that the photos can be viewed now.
Interesting–my mac never had any problems with it today, but apparently lots of other folks did.
My apologies.
-Ian
Ian, my FIL was an engineer with Pankow Construction on the Big Island (Hilo-side) during that era. He helped build the “old” Hilo mall, for example. Anyway, in my MIL’s old photos there are some of the same type of pictures of the Kona coast, with captions such as “they want to turn this area into a big resort destination. Don’t know if it will work”.
We were just in Kona two days ago. I’d say it worked (for better or worse).
Carrie:
Which Hilo mall: the Kaiko’o Mall or the Hilo Shopping Center?
It’s striking how ugly the hotel was and is. No one will protest its demolition. The 1960s were a wretched time in the history of hotel architecture, and it is Hawaii’s misfortune that its period of development coincided with it.
in anticipation of feline friday: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/pets/detail?blogid=48&entry_id=54631
Brandon,
I think it was the Hilo Shopping Center. My husband was only 6 at the time, so his memory is imperfect and my FIL isn’t here to tell us.
Ian,
These are great old photos. Thanks for posting them for all to enjoy!
Is there a book with pictures available of old Kona and the building of the Hilton?
Was hoping to catch a lasting glimpse of grandparents house .
Used to be where current tennis courts are. Our family owned that and the blasted pond in front.
We are staying here at the moment, and we were curious as to the buildings age. Thanks for posting these! It was fun to catch a glimpse of its history. The building is getting a little tired. I find it funny that a structure this large, with this many guests has become this long in the tooth. I hesitate to say “run down,” but it is showing lots of wear. Last night we stayed at the Pioneer Inn at Lahaina, Maui and despite it being a 1901 all wood structure it was defiantly better cared for. Some posts hate the look, but it is a neat building and can Be profitable for a long time, so long as they keep up with maintenance.
And by the way, it’s safe to say these pictures are ‘67 and later, as there is a Camaro in one of the photos.
Just chekin back in , see if you’ve found any more pics of Kona Hilton