Post #446228 by ZuluMagoo on Fri, Apr 10, 2009 3:59 PM

A little architectural history about Waikiki.

Pete Wimberely, who formed the architectural firm of Wimberely & Cook, based in Honolulu was the creative half of the firm. In an 1991 interview he stated "..it was Cook's job to transform his fantasy drawings into reality."

Pete was hired by his friend Donn Beach to design the International Market Place. A fantasy shopping plaza to also include a location for Donn's Beachcomber. Donn and Pete were personal friends and shared the same passion for tropical escapism.

But Pete was also responsible for the design of most of the Polynesian Pop architecture that we all love but is now gone in Hawaii.

He designed the Coco Palms Resort on Kauai

He designed the volcano inspired Cocos Coffee Shop

He designed the Canlis Restaurnt

He designed the Waikikian (Hawaii's Most Beautiful Hotel)

He designed the Kona Hilton on the Big Island (now the Royal Hawaiian)

He designed the Kanapali Beach Resort on Maui

I'm taking a long time to come around and make my point, but when Pete was asked about his design concept, his response was:

"There is commercial value in good architecture. You make places people really enjoy and you make money."

Sums it all up pretty well, and that's from the original architect.

Thanks Pete for all of your wonderful designs and fantastic contributions to Polynesian Pop Architecture!