From The Vault

With humble beginnings on Oahu and a history of more than 130 years in Hawaii serving the islands across Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai, Hawaiian Electric’s archive of photos tells stories of our rich history and gives us a glimpse back into the past.

Join us down memory lane as we pull old photos “From The Vault” to take us back to the days of ice trucks, ice wagons, early electric vehicles, and more!

Waiau Power Plant

Here is a picture of our Waiau Power Plant in the 1950s. In 1958, the first 138 kilovolt (kV) lines were strung from Waiau over the Koolau range. With the Pali tunnels opening the same year, the new power lines helped open Windward Oahu to development!

Read more about our Hawaiian Electric history

Ice and Cold Storage

Did you know that our company used to provide other services besides supplying power to the islands? Back in 1902, we added ice and cold storage to our services. However, as our we entered our sixth decade, the entire island of Oahu had been electrified, and ice and cold storage services were discontinued by the end of 1948.

Hilo Electric Light Company Building

On Dec. 5, 2024 we commemorated 130 years of providing electricity to our Hawaii Island communities.

Hilo Electric Light Company started modestly with a small ice plant and a 500-light dynamo in 1894. The hydro unit used water leased from the Hilo Boarding School’s irrigation ditch to produce ice and power.

In a recent blog, Kristen Okinaka, a senior communications specialist at Hawaiian Electric, shares our company origins on Hawaii Island!

“The year was 1890. Light bulbs begin to illuminate the study hall and principal's cottage of the Hilo Boarding School as the sun set. A small, water-driven dynamo installed on the school's irrigation ditch is generating enough electricity to power 12 bare light bulbs from dusk to 10 p.m. This is the beginning of what would become Hawaiian Electric,” writes Kristen.

Read full blog post

Transmission and Distribution Crew

Here is a picture of our transmission and distribution crew from the 1920s! Do you recognize any familiar faces?

Powering the Electric Waikiki Trolley

As we celebrate our 133rd anniversary, Ian Brizdle, our manager for web and digital communications, reflects on how our support for electric vehicles goes back decades and even continues today.

In a recent blog post, Ian shares his experience growing up in the transportation business, starting when his father, John Brizdle, and business partner Roger Watson, founded E Noa Tours in 1974.

“In 1993, E Noa Tours and Hawaiian Electric participated with the Hawaii Electric Vehicle Demonstration Project (part of DBEDT), which was funded by a federal DARPA grant to stimulate private development of electric vehicles,” writes Ian. “At one point in the mid 90’s, E Noa Tours with the help of Hawaiian Electric operated one of the largest electric people movers in the state with classic style.”

Read full blog post

The all electric-powered Trolley #38

Electric Trolley #38’s wet nicad batteries

440v charging station at the trolley barn on Waimanu Street

Alakea Power Plant

Here’s a picture of the Alakea Power Plant. The power plant was placed into service in 1894 after an increased demand for service in Waikiki! That same year, the power line to Waikiki was completed across the swamps, rice fields and duck ponds.

Original Alakea Power Plant, forerunner of today's Honolulu Generating Station, was built in 1894 on three Honolulu waterfront lots purchased for a mere $7,020.

Our second King Street building

The building pictured, located at 223 South King Street, was our second King Street building. It was leased in 1901 to provide additional space for offices and showrooms.

In a past blog, Estee Manfredi, our corporate librarian, shares that although our building on the corner of King, Richards, and Merchant is often mistaken for our first building, it is not our first office. Our very first office was a one-story brick building at 186 South King Street and we leased it from 1891-1927!

Read full blog post

Our early trucks

Here’s a picture of our early trucks used to repair equipment and deliver materials. These trucks were key to ensuring service to our customers!