Columnist Bob Sigall writes the weekly column “Rearview Mirror,” which takes a look back at historic Hawaii through stories, interviews and photos.
What happened to all the nightclubs in Waikiki? There used to be at least 25 Oahu nightclubs with entertainment every night. Most had a dinner show and later a cocktail show or two. Read more
The first TV show that was set in Hawaii is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. Read more
Every month or two, I dedicate a column to answer a few reader inquiries. This week I’ll explore the history of pizza in Hawaii, Lucky Luck’s tavern, the 1949 Merci Train, Henry Berger and automats. Read more
Two new books have come out recently that I have found to be both historical and delightful. One is by Jane M. Goodsill, whose father, Marshall Goodsill, was a well-known Hawaii lawyer. Read more
Recently, I asked readers of my Insider email newsletter about their interactions with local police officers. As you might imagine, they had several interesting stories. Let’s take a look. Read more
Today the Ala Wai Canal is considered the dirtiest waterway in the state, but 70 years ago plenty of local fishermen plied its waters. Read more
Before the advent of modern supermarkets in Hawaii, vendors supplied many of neighborhood families’ needs. Read more
The 50th anniversary of the Elvis concert “Aloha From Hawaii” was Saturday. The concert was the first ever to be broadcast worldwide. An estimated 1.5 billion fans in 36 countries watched the 90-minute show. Read more
Danny Kaleikini, who died Jan. 6 at the age of 85, had a way of making everyone feel special. Read more
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Every 10 years or so, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser runs a column of things you should remember if you’ve lived in Hawaii a long time. I thought that my first column of 2023 would be a good time to update this popular feature. Read more
An end-of-the-year tradition for me is my annual Rearview Mirror Awards, given to those who made, preserved or wrote about Hawaii history. Read more
Last week I began my annual two-part review of things I learned in the course of writing this column in the past 12 months. Read more
At the end of the year, I review my columns and write about some of the things I learned in the past 12 months. Writing this column is a process of discovery for me. It gives me great pleasure to do it. Read more
With Mauna Loa erupting for the first time in nearly 40 years, I thought I’d ask readers about their first experience with the volcano. Read more
Last week I wrote about long-gone restaurants and the dishes readers would like to be able to dine on again. Over 100 readers responded and suggested their favorite places, so here is another installment. Read more
Recently, I was talking to a friend about Mama’s Mexican Kitchen. It had locations at 378 N. School St., Moanalua Shopping Center, Pearl Kai Food Court and in Waikiki at 478 Ena Road. I particularly liked their taquitos, sopes and salsa. Read more
A landmark for over 50 years, and once the Leeward area’s swankiest place to dine, the Pearl City Tavern began in 1940 when only 800 people lived in Pearl City. Read more
My research this year has brought up a man named Donald Billam-Walker a few times. He and Clarice Taylor researched 1,300 Honolulu street names, writing about them in 1956. Read more
Every year, I write about the anniversaries of important Hawaii organizations. In August I explored the 190th anniversary of Liliuokalani Church in Haleiwa, the 100th anniversary of Misaki’s Grocery on Molokai and the 95th anniversary of St. Francis Hospital in Liliha. Here are some more significant anniversaries. Read more
At the end of the year, I give out awards to Hawaii people who have made history, preserved it, written about it or, in this case, all three. Read more
I spoke to the Roosevelt High School class of 1960 reunion Thursday at the Waialae Country Club. I gave them a quiz — a “final exam” — that tested their knowledge of the school, coaches and students. Read more
