Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Royal Hawaiian Hotel & Canoe, WWII Military Mail RPPC For Sale

OverviewPostcards from Hawaii, particularly those with significant historical context like this one, are highly sought after by collectors. This exceptional example from 1943 is not just a beautiful view of Waikiki Beach, but a tangible piece of World War II history. Sent by a Private First Class in the Army Air Corps stationed at Hickam Field (APO 959), the card bears the classic markings of wartime correspondence: a U.S. Army censor stamp and a "Free Franking" mark in place of a postage stamp. The soldier's sweet message to his "honey" in Ohio provides a poignant, personal counterpoint to the global conflict.

Front of PostcardThe photograph shows a classic scene at Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. An outrigger canoe with a sail is landing on the shore, where beachgoers walk along the sand. In the background stands the magnificent Royal Hawaiian Hotel, with its distinctive Spanish-Moorish architecture. The beach is dotted with other canoes and umbrellas, capturing the lively atmosphere of this world-famous destination.

Printed Text on Front:Waikiki Beach, Honolulu

Reverse SideHandwritten Correspondence:P.F.C. James Stober Jr.A.S.N. 35093108Air Base DetachmentBox No. 11A.P.O. 959 % PostmasterSan Francisco, Calif."& Air Corp"

Hello honey;Thought you'd beinterested in this card, sinceyou love swimming so much,and this being the best swim-ming place in the world.Love,Jimmie

Jean Myers1279 Atwood ave.Akron, OhioU.S.A.

Postal History & Printed Details:

• Postmark: A clear circular "U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE / A.P.O." date stamp from APR 30, 1943.

• Stamp: No postage stamp is affixed. The mail was sent via the Free Franking privilege for military personnel during wartime, indicated by the "FREE" stamp in the upper right.

• Censorship & Military History: This card is a unique piece of military postal history. The sender was a PFC in the Army Air Corps stationed at APO 959, the designation for Hickam Field in Honolulu. All mail leaving the territory was subject to review, and this card bears a clear rectangular "PASSED BY / U.S. ARMY EXAMINER" censor stamp with the examiner's number, 07087.

• Layout: Divided Back.

• Publisher Information: The publisher's mark, a stylized 'B' in a shield for the Hawaii and South Seas Curio Co., is visible on the front.