Vintage 1980's Hawaii Souvenir Plate

What was Hawaii like in the 1980's? What would the previous owner of this plate had seen and experienced when they visited this stunning paradise?

Hawaii had actually experienced their first drop in annual visits since 1949. The islands, however saw a huge increase in the number of permanent residents. The population grew by 25% in the 1980's. It seemed that more people were moving to the islands, than visiting them. The average home in the 1980's cost $150,000 USD. Today the average price is almost $600,000. 

With more residents came more big box stores. Costco opened its doors in Salt Lake, Hawaii in 1988. Costco was quickly followed by Kmart, Sam's Club, and Wal-Mart. 

Your average Hawaiian tourist in the 1980's.
Image from flickr

In the 1980's native and adopted Hawaiians really made an effort to preserve the culture and nature of their state. In the 1981 court case Palila v. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaiins saved of the Palila and the Māmane-Naio ecosystem of Mauna Kea. The Hawaiian language was restored in the Department of Education in 1987. In 1988, voters saved Sandy Beach from condo development.

Hawaii was in flux in the 1980's. On one hand, Hawaii witnessed massive commercial development has it became more connected to the mainland. On the other hand, Hawaiians fought to preserve their land and culture. To see this plate yourself, please check out my Etsy store East West Trade Route.