The roof of the Waikikian Hotel's main lobby was a hyperbolic paraboloid designed in 1956 by George J. "Pete" Wimberly, who was standing on it when the temporary supports were removed. "Jump on it," shouted the structural engineer from below; and when he did, several shock waves ran up the roof to the peak, then it snapped into rigidity.

1950s Buildings in Waikiki and Honolulu

Mason Architects has prepared a photo essay on 1950s-era buildings in Waikiki and Honolulu for the firm, 2100 Kalakaua Avenue. Using archival and field research and interviews with architects, MAI's architectural historians have written lively histories and descriptions, interspersed with drawings as well as historic and contemporary photos. The 152-page booklet covers nearly 50 demolished and extant buildings designed and/or built in the late 1940s through early 1960s period.

In the years following World War II, Hawaii's popularity as a tourist destination grew as air travel made it more accessible to Americans, many of whom were former servicemen who had enjoyed Hawaii's unique climate and ambiance during their tours of duty. The five-fold growth in tourism in the 1950s created a need for new hotels, shops, and restaurants as well as new business and public buildings to accommodate the growing economy.

Local architects responded in two ways. Some assimi-lated, with Statehood, the mainland's International Style. Others embraced a regional style that incorporated Pacific and Asian features: steeply pitched roofs, the use of local stone, natural ventilation, and lanais open to the outdoors.

Photos: The Waikikian, Robert Wenkam courtesy of Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo; other photos: MAI.