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Our company logo is a symbol of where we've been, who we are, and where we're going. It represents our rich history, our commitment today, and our vision for the future. View our logo story
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!
1963 Kahe Power Plant
Here’s a photo of our Kahe Power Plant in 1963, when our first unit went online. After Ala Moana Center opened and passenger jet services arrived in 1959, our islands experienced a surge in demand for electricity as more tourists began to visit. The first unit at our Kahe Power Plant went online in 1963 to help meet the additional demand.
Boxy, balky and unloved, MARS II was early vehicle for EV exploration
While electric vehicles are a common sight today, their road to acceptance started more than 100 years ago.
Back in 1899, Hawaiian Electric promoted electric cars as a sensible replacement for horses, declaring “electricity holds as unquestioned a superiority in the matter of lighting as it does in the matter of transportation.” In the 1920s, the company had five electric-powered trucks as part of its ice-delivery fleet.
Electric vehicles never gained the popularity of gas-powered vehicles in the early 20th century but they never completely faded away. Manufacturers and garage tinkerers continued experimenting with EVs, especially during the innovative period of the space age, trying to solve the problems of battery size, range and portability.
In 1968, Hawaiian Electric purchased a vehicle called the MARS II.
Trouble Calls
In the 1950s, we relied on our primary troubleman to manually field and respond to outage inquiries through telephones installed in their trucks. Now, our crews respond to outages reported through our trouble line, online outage map, and mobile app, available across every island we serve!
We appreciate our crews for working to serve our customers diligently and safely.
Ice and Cold Storage Services
In 1901, we began offering ice and cold storage services at our new building on King Street. We later discontinued the services when the entire island of Oahu had been electrified. Today, we can beat the summer heat with energy efficient activities and appliances!
Honolulu Power Plant
In the early 1900s, we began building our Honolulu Power Plant. During the excavation process, sea water seeped in, and youngsters turned the lot into a swimming hole! Construction of the power plant was completed in 1920.
Aloha Week
Every year in the 1950s, our company celebrated Aloha Week. As part of the annual tradition, employees came to work dressed in their best aloha attire for our muumuu and aloha shirt contests!
Modern Menehune
In the 1930s, we published the “Modern Menehune” monthly for our customers in Honolulu. The publication included household tips, recipes, and other company related news. This clip here comes from our March publication in 1932, which highlights our crews making a delivery for electric refrigerators as part of our former ice and cold storage services!
Now known as Hookui, our company newsletter is issued to customers on every island we serve. Check out Hookui on our website or read the print version included with your electric bill!
The Hecoettes
During World War II in the 1940s, the “Hecoettes” held dual roles as our employees and members of the Women's Army Volunteer Corps (WAVC), a non-combatant branch of the U.S. Army.
Our employees Dorothy Johnston, Kam How Pang, May Watson, Alberta Cabral, and Iwalani Fernandez pose in their uniforms at the Iolani Palace, where they drilled twice a week!
The Hecoettes’ active participation in the WAVC paved the way for women to serve in the military today, and their courage to defy stereotypes still serves as an inspiration today.
Wiring Department Commute
Before we began using trucks, our frontline crew commuted by horse and buggy! Here’s a glimpse at how our wiring department traveled to work sites in the 1930s. Our equipment has come a long way since then!
Transmission Line
In the 1950s, our linemen installed a 44,000-volt transmission line from Nuuanu to Palolo Valley, doubling service to a vital area in our community. Our linemen today are hard at work, continuing their commitment to serve our community!
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.
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.”
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!
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!
