Columnist Bob Sigall writes the weekly column “Rearview Mirror,” which takes a look back at historic Hawaii through stories, interviews and photos.
Last week I wrote about the Waikiki Jungle, the part of Waikiki that extended from about Kaiulani Avenue to the zoo. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was filled mostly with one- and two-story houses whose low rents attracted young locals, members of the military and hippies. Read more
Many ideas for this column arrive in my email inbox. Iris Nitta wrote recently, saying: “One place that I’d like to hear more about is the Waikiki Jungle. Read more
I’ve written about Hawaii people crossing paths with celebrities a few times this year. Former KGMB news anchor Linda Coble told me she met several presidents, two first ladies and even Oprah Winfrey. Read more
I’m sure most of my readers could point to where such Oahu neighborhoods as Waipahu, Palama, Manoa or Kapahulu are. Read more
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Co-chairman Eddie Flores Jr. called in January. He’s leading a project to build two arches in Chinatown, at the Hotel Street side of Kekaulike Street, and the King Street side. Read more
Recently, I wrote about locals who crossed paths with Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, James MacArthur and Helen Hayes. Several readers wrote to tell me about their star-crossed experiences. Read more
Readers often ask how I get the idea for a column. Sometimes it begins with a question, and sometimes I run into one interesting thing while searching for another. Both those things happened this week. Read more
Of all the ways those of us in Hawaii differ from our counterparts on the mainland, one we can’t overlook is footwear. Let’s face it. Here in the islands we have different rules. That can be confusing for visitors. It can also be awkward for those of us who go to mainland homes. Read more
Recently, I asked readers whether they had crossed paths with any celebrities in Hawaii. Here are three famous entertainers and stories about the islanders who met them. Read more
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Welcome to the new year! I’m hopeful this will be a better year than the last. In my first column of 2022, I thought I’d take another look at how those of us in the islands misunderstand or are misunderstood by those on the mainland. Read more
Last week I gave out awards to several people who, I feel, made, preserved or shared Hawaii history in a way that makes Hawaii the special place it is. Here’s Part 2. Read more
Every year at this time, I honor those who have made, preserved or shared Hawaii history. They have all done something special, in my estimation, to make Hawaii a better place for all of us. Read more
Some readers might remember a great Christmas tradition in Honolulu: Sears used to put on a Christmas show at its Beretania Street store in the 1950s. Read more
Last week, I began this two-part review of things I learned in 2021 with a look at the interesting, unusual and just plain wacky proposals Hawaii had for locating its City Hall, state Capitol, Neal Blaisdell Center, Convention Center and university. Read more
Every year about this time, I write about the things I learned in the past 12 months. Read more
I’ve been talking to people recently about Merchant Square — the bars and restaurants in the Nuuanu Avenue and Merchant Street area. It’s one of the most historic and interesting places on Oahu. Read more
Eight years ago, I wrote about Babe Ruth playing baseball in Hilo. My wife’s uncle was a photographer and she came across several photos of the 1933 event, which accompanied my article. Read more
I’ve talked recently with a few islanders who remember that in the 1940s and 1950s, a popular concert venue in Honolulu was the McKinley High School auditorium. Read more
Dr. Stephen Arnold suggested that with Halloween approaching I ask my newsletter readers whether they had any spooky stories. Did they witness something they could not explain? Had someone who died returned in some form to give them a message? I didn’t know what to expect, but several readers responded with some chicken skin experiences. Read more
One of the most interesting retail stores in Hawaii was a dry goods and fabric store named Musashiya. It began in Chinatown on the makai side of King Street near River Street in 1896. Read more
I wrote two columns earlier this year about companies that are having significant anniversaries this year. I think it’s important to celebrate the people and organizations that have been able to serve the residents of the state for so many years. Read more
