Hawaii of Tomorrow
In 1947, Hawaiian Electric commissioned a series of advertisements that imagined how Honolulu would emerge from the war years as a thriving, modern city. These pen-and-ink drawings were infused with idealism and creativity, with the artist and author using what today we would call design thinking to sketch a gleaming Honolulu that was just over the horizon.
Seventy-five years later, Hawaiian Electric commissioned Hawaii Business to create a successor that reflects the same kind of optimism and confidence in Hawaii's future as we recover from one of the most disruptive experiences of our lifetime.
Honolulu of Tomorrow described a place where the built environment worked in harmony with Hawaii's natural beauty. We wanted a fresh take on this, a Hawaii of Tomorrow that envisions resourceful, sustainable islands that adapt to the challenges of the coming decades, especially climate change.
Hawaii of Tomorrow takes the form of three collections including visionary stories and artwork by homegrown Hawaii artists who create beautiful worlds and futures through imagery. These collections are published as a supplement to Hawaii Business Magazine, beginning in January 2022.
Hawaii of Tomorrow - Part 3 of 3
"Oceania's Climate Renaissance"
In experimental corners of our city, data, water, and energy flow through chloroplast stroma in a vast living network. Root systems move and purify freshwater between buildings, and mycelial threads transmit data faster than fiber optics. One day, the natural chlorophyll of giant leaves will complement solar panels in a single electrical system.
"Observing Innovators in Bloom"
In the decade since Hawaii became the global leader in climate innovation, the booming industry has transformed the state’s economy and super-charged school capacity. Now, our teachers act as facilitators of personalized revelations, rather than managers of mini-knowledge factories. Each student is prized for the unique and creative potential they bring to their island’s future.
View Hawaii of Tomorrow - Part 3
Hawaii of Tomorrow - Part 2 of 3
"Revitalizing Communities with Stream and Sunlight"
Artist Kate Wadsworth depicts self sustaining mixed-use watershed districts that bring life and nourishment to our communities. The streams, at the heart and center, flow mostly natural and uncovered, while solar panels atop the bridges and walkways absorb the sun's energy from the sky.
"A Hub for Hydrogen Innovation"
Artist Lauren Trangmar envisions hydrogen power that complements the array of clean energies that sustain our islands. The hydrogen production process takes place below ground, on the surface, and in the skies, making use of wind turbines and geothermal heat to assist our islands' energy needs.
View Hawaii of Tomorrow - Part 2
Hawaii of Tomorrow - Part 1 of 3
"The Tranquility of Transportation"
Artist Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong envisions sleek noiseless electric vehicles zipping passengers autonomously down Ala Moana Boulevard. The roar of combustion engines is replaced by the sounds of elepaio birds and parking lots have become neighborhood gardens and agroforests.
"Food Powered by Aina"
Artists Matthew Kawika Ortiz and Roxanne Ortiz are a husband-and-wife creative duo who paint under the name Wooden Wave. They draw inspiration from the ingenuity of Native Hawaiians whose ahupuaa enabled self-reliance and adaptability to natural events.
