Hawaii: Big Wave Surfing
the Vintage Map Shop, Inc.
Regular price $45.00
Unit price per
Artwork By: Charles "Chas" Allen
Date of Original: 1960s
Original Size: 38 x 25.5 inches
This is a fine print reproduction of a vintage Hawaii travel poster, created by Charles "Chas" Allen. The work is a bold and energetic tribute to the state’s surf culture. Designed in the mid-20th century, it reflects the booming postwar tourism industry and the growing fascination with Hawaii as an exotic, adventure-filled destination.
The poster captures a dramatic ocean scene, with towering waves and agile surfers dominating the composition. In the foreground, a muscular man and a woman with a hibiscus flower in her hair paddle toward the swells, poised to join the surfers already carving their way down the wave. Allen’s use of deep greens and turquoise highlights the raw power and allure of the Pacific, while the golden "HAWAII" lettering overhead evokes a sense of invitation and wonder. As a piece of visual culture, the poster not only advertises Hawaii's beaches but also encapsulates the aspirational spirit of mid-century American leisure and escapism.
Charles "Chas" Allen was a mid-century American illustrator known for his vibrant and idealized portrayals of travel destinations. Working primarily in the 1950s and 1960s, Allen contributed to a wave of promotional artwork that helped define the era’s graphic style—characterized by bold color, stylized realism, and a sense of cinematic grandeur. His posters, often commissioned by airlines or tourism boards, played a vital role in marketing the American dream of travel, adventure, and sun-soaked luxury. Today, his works remain highly collectible and are admired for their nostalgic charm and visual impact.
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About Our Prints
Our prints are fine art reproductions created from original antique maps and vintage posters in our collection, dating back to over 500 years. Each image is professionally scanned, in some cases digitally restored, and carefully printed to preserve the detail, tone, and character of the original work.
- Printed from original maps and prints in our collection
- High-resolution scans for exceptional clarity and detail
- Produced on premium archival paper for long-lasting quality
- Rich color and sharp definition suitable for framing
- Includes a 0.25 inch margin for trimming or matting
- Made to order and securely packaged for safe delivery
Returns and Exchanges
Our prints are made to order, so returns and exchanges are handled within a simple 14-day window. If you need to return or exchange a print, we ask that it be sent back in its original, undamaged condition.
- Returns accepted within 14 days of delivery
- 25% restocking fee on non-damaged returns
- Buyer pays return shipping
- Refunds issued to the original payment method
- Size exchanges available, with shipping and applicable fees paid by the buyer