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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