When World War II ended in 1945, soldiers eventually returned to their homes in Hawaii. The economy of Hawaii suffered during the war. When the war ended, there were fewer houses to build and fewer people shopping and to eat out. Hawaii’s residents decided to stand together and rebuild the island of Oahu and launched many campaigns to attract visitors. During World War II, Hawaii’s economy changed profoundly, but the island recovered beautifully due to the unity of its citizens, and it thrives economically today.
These stunning color photos were taken by Alberto Casas, a Spanish-American soldier who served in the US Army with the 30th Engineering Battalion, Company B, which was tasked with map making. They show soldiers, sailors, and Hawaiians going about their daily lives.
