HI, Honolulu Fire Department Old Company Special Unit

Fire Fighters with the Honolulu Fire Department’s Glee Club posed with
Engine 1 at the entrance of Central Fire Station located on South Beretania Street, circa 1930-1939.
Central Fire Station continues to operate within this historical landmark.

Fire Fighters from the Makiki Fire Station knitted sweaters,
scarves, gloves, and socks for American soldiers serving
in World War I circa 1917.

HFD fire fighters shoot water onto burning
buildings during the January 20, 1900 fire
in Chinatown.
Historical photo by Frank Davey from
the Hawaii State Archives.

Pacific Hose No. 1 Crew
Station 1’s hose crew poses with their
horse-drawn steam pumper circa 1880-1889.

HFD Fire Fighters pose with a horse-drawn
steam pumper outside of historic Palama
Fire Station circa 1851-1920.

HFD personnel pose with the first motorized Seagrave
fire apparatus in 1912.

Fire Fighter Recruits traveled North Nimitz Highway after hose
training circa 1980. Currently, Fire Fighters do not ride on the
bumper due to safety guidelines and the fire apparatuses are
painted yellow for better visibility.

Fire fighters pose for a photo promoting
the Ninth Annual Firemen’s Ball held in 1936.

In 1942, the Gamewell Alarm Center monitored
incoming emergencies utilizing specialized ticker
tape machines to record details by telegraph wire.
Operators in this photo, from left to right, are
Harold Booth, Charles Kalaiwaa, and
George Padeken.

the former Palama Fire Station in 1987. Fire Fighters
worked in the building known as Station 4 from 1902 to
1962, before moving to the Kuakini Fire Station. Architect
Oliver G. Traphagen designed the building, and it became
part of the National Register of Historic Places in April 1976.

Fire Fighters pose for a photo with
their work horses outside of the Makiki
Fire Station located at 1202 Wilder Avenue.
Station 3 operated in this building
from August 1, 1899 through 1928.

The fire fighters of Mechanic Engine Crew No. 2 pose
for a photo with the company’s work horses,
circa 1890-1900.

The HFD utilized many vehicles and tools
throughout its history to serve the community.
In 1920, fire fighters participated in the HFD's
Birthday Parade at Alapai and Beretania Streets
riding an 1880s horse-drawn Amoskeag Steamer.
The Steamer moved with help from two horses
named Dick and Bud.

Did you know the Honolulu Fire Department is the
oldest fire department west of the Mississippi River?
We have photos! The members of Engine Company No.1
pose with their instruments and dog in 1905.

In August 1959 fire fighters put out the flames
at Van's Furniture Store at Alapai and South
Beretania Streets. The fire caused an estimated
$470,000 loss in 1959, which is approximately
$4.1 million today.

The original Makiki Fire Station 3 opened
on August 1, 1899. When the station
opened 120 years ago, fire fighters
regularly worked with horse-drawn
equipment.

HFD Rescue Squad circa 1970.

This photo, taken in 1983, features the original HFD music group,
Hale Ahi or Fire House. From left to right: Fire Fighter III
Wayne Kaneaiakala, Battalion Chief Ed Simeona,
Fire Captain Lee Muller, Fire Captain Vic Gonsalves

HFD Recruits circa 1970.

1920s Waikiki Station 7

1920s Central Station 1
Station 1, Central, which was in service from 1897-1934.
The station was located at 104 South Beretania Street.

1920s Kaimuki Station 5 Engine

Station 2, which was in service from 1852-1870.
It was located at the intersection of Union
and Alakea Street.

Station 1, Central

Historic Kakaako Fire Station photo taken in January 2005,
in preparation for the building’s renovation. Currently it’s the
Honolulu Fire Museum and Education Center. The photographer
was Augie Salbosa from the Historic American Buildings Survey
overseen by the Heritage Documentation Programs, NPS.

HFD’s 64th Fire Fighter Recruit Class at
Hickam Air Force Base in 1987.

Station 1, which was in service from 1851-1870.
It's location is estimated to be around where the
intersection of King and Alakea Street is today.

Station 2, which was in service from
1952-1963. This station was located
at 111 North Nimitz Highway.
Photo circa 1957.

Station 1, Central, circa 1987. This station
has been in service since 1935.
Today, Central is located at 104 South Beretania Street
and houses Engine 1 and Battalion 1.

Station 2, 1965

Today Station 2 is located at 1610 Makaloa Street
and has been in service since 1964.
Station 2 houses Engine 2, Ladder 2,
and Rescue 1. Photo circa 1965.

This photo, taken in the 1970s, shows HFD personnel
training with a life net. These nets were used to catch
people who jumped out of burning buildings. With today's
advances in aerial apparatus technology, the life net is no
longer needed.

On July 9, 1993, fireboats Abner T. Longley and
Moku Ahi greeted the Hokulea and her crew upon
their return.

The original Makiki Fire Station 3
opened on August 1, 1899. When the
station opened 120 years ago, fire fighters
regularly worked with horse-drawn equipment.

HFD personnel conduct water rescue training
with the HFD’s fireboat Abner T. Longley. The
fireboat was named after Mr. Longley, who was a member
of the Board of Harbor Commissioners. The fireboat was
decommissioned in 1990.

Historic Kaimuki Fire Station photo taken on
August 22, 1925, from Koko Head Avenue
with a view of Harding and Pahoa Avenues.

Fire fighters from Engine 7 monitor a live burn
during the 1980 Fire Prevention Week display
at Diamond Head Crater.

Historical Ewa Beach Fire Station at
Pohakupuna Road, circa 1965.

Fire hose training, circa 1970-1980.

Fire Fighter Recruits practiced hose training
at downtown Honolulu’s piers in 1980.

HFD fire fighters shoot water onto burning
buildings during the January 20, 1900 fire in
Chinatown. Historical photo by Frank Davey
from the Hawaii State Archives