Well before I was born, my parents took my older brother along with my mom’s mom and dad and my mom’s mom’s mom to Hawai’i for a vacation just a month after the new year in 1989. I’ve seen tons of photos from everyone’s cameras on that trip, but only in 2021 was I able to finally watch the tape from the full sized VHS camcorder my dad rented for the trip.
These days, I can’t personally imagine going to Hawai’i, and even if I could, many of the places on the islands my family was able to visit in the late 80s are no longer accessible anymore. Over-tourism has made even some of the most protected places on the islands either physically inaccessible due to erosion and wear on the roads or dangerous over time.
And that’s not to mention the natural volcanic eruptions that have also take place since then that have forever changed the geography of the islands. I’m happy my parents and family were able to go, as they talk about this trip as though it was a once in a lifetime experience. For me, I’m satisfied to see the island through their eyes, from the photos taken on my mom and grandpa’s Canon T-70 film SLRs and the footage my dad got on the camcorder.
As the increasing demand for short term rental housing prices locals out of their homeland of Hawai’i, I believe the attitude of many would-be vacationers has started to shift. There are many island countries and states that have been given the proper authority and time and tools to define what balanced tourism is on their land. I hope one day Hawai’i will strike that balance too and be able to share their culture and scenery with the world in a healthy way. Until then, please enjoy this virtual vacation across Hawai’i and beyond.
Let’s get right into the tapes (and DVDs)!
Video Postcard: The Hawaiian Islands
2006 | Runtime 90 Minutes
See, Learn, and Explore all Hawaiian Islands with the entire collection. Go on an exciting journey covering almost 2,000 years of Polynesian history and cultural heritage.Then, explore Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Hawaii's Big Island with spectacular footage covering over 100 locations and all the things to do and see.
Video Postcard: O’ahu Hawai'i
2005 | Runtime 80 Minutes
This production offers portrait of Hawaii and the Hawaiian culture throughout Oahu by showcasing famous tourist spots and natural wonders.
Hawaiian Paradise:
Presented by Reader's Digest
1990 | Runtime 90 Minutes
Tropical sunsets set the sky on fire, trade winds carry the scent of ginger and frangipani, lush palms sway, and majestic orchids bloom in profusion.... a full 90 minutes of HAWAIIAN PARADISE.
Take a journey of discovery to six of the most beautiful islands on earth: Kauai, Hawaii, Lanai, Molokai, Maui, and Oahu. Watch a master lei-maker create colorful garlands, go snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, enjoy the sun on Waikiki Beach. Stand in fields of sugar- cane and pineapple and visit a macadamia nut farm. Join a wedding party in Fern Grotto and attend an authentic luau. Thrill at sunrise from atop Haleakala Crater and marvel at the black sand beach of Kamoamoa. Tremble as Kilauea erupts, walk the grounds of Iolani Palace in old Honolulu, and pay your respects at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.
Learn how these majestic islands were formed millions of years ago and how the Polynesians discovered them. Enjoy legends of old Hawaii, of King Kamehameha and of Pélé (goddess of fire), and see them reborn in the ancient hula.
World's Most Exotic Travel Destinations: Vol. 4
Napa Valley, Africa, Hawai'i And More!
1996 | Runtime 50 Minutes
Around the corner or around the globe, embark on a chilling journey to some of the most fascinating destinations in the world! Get set to visit exotic sights and thrill to nature's most breathtaking vistas. Meet unique and interesting people, visit the places you've dreamed about and marvel at wonders few know exist. Experience the best the world has to offer on these exotic travel destination videos!
•Explore the grandeur of a 16th century French chateau Enjoy Napa Valley's fine wines, beautiful countryside and hot spring mud baths
•Tour a famous chocolate factory in Switzerland
•Meet a photographer who takes perfect photos of the world's most majestic mountain tops
•See the world's most spectacular Hawaiian hotels
•Visit with a woman who lives with giraffes in Africa
•Take a perfect resort vacation in Cancun, Mexico
•Explore Montreal, a bi-lingual cosmopolitan mecca
•Experience the thrills of a land luge in New Zealand
Travelview International Presents: O’ahu Hawai'i
1989 | Runtime 30 Minutes
The Hawaiian Island of Oahu is among the world's most popular vacation destinations. Here, "ALOHA," Hawaii's special hospitality, warmly welcomes the visitor to sensational ocean vistas, golden beaches, and a perpetual spring-like climate. There is more to do than bask in the sun. With the excitement of world famous Waikiki and the sophistication of Honolulu, Oahu's myriad attractions appeal to visitors of all ages. Expert surfers compete on the Bonzai Pipeline at Sunset Beach. Snorkelers at Hanauma Bay feed colorful reef fish. Hikers climb to the top of Diamond Head, an extinct volcano. See the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Explore the wonderful Bishop Museum, the world center for Pacific studies. Shop for tapa cloth and wood carvings at the International Market Place. Enjoy a classic Hawaiian feast - the luau. Come to Oahu the Gathering Place. This tape contains a Feature and Berlitz Travel Tips.
VideoPostcard Advertisement Special Feature
2005 | Runtime 2 Minutes
Well, that’s it for this week! I hope you enjoyed the tapes! If you’re looking for more, please check out my page on Archive.org for the full list of digitized media. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message right here or drop a comment below. If you haven’t already, please check out this virtual vacation across America or any of my other previous posts here. Thanks so much for checking out this week’s edition of Diptych!
See you soon!
—Forrest
Share this post