1942 Guitarist Magazine Pictorial Map of Oahu, Hawaii

This is a 1942 pictorial map of Oahu, Hawaii published in The Guitarist, a special interest magazine. The map depicts the entire island of Oahu from Kawela Bay to Diamond Head and from Kaena Point to Makapu'u Point. The military installations identified are Pearl Harbor, where the United States Pacific Fleet was based during World War II, Hickam Field, a U.S. Army Air Forces airfield, the shore battery at Diamond Head, the Navy air base on the east coast of the island, and Schofield Barracks. Following the surprise Japanese air attack on American military bases at Pearl Harbor and around the rest of Oahu, the United States formally entered World War II. Before the attack, which took place on December 7, 1941, Hawaii had been an idyllic paradise for servicemen and women lucky enough to be stationed there. Most felt completely removed from the horrors of the war in Europe and in Asia. This charming pictorial map blends both the tropical paradise, compete with pineapples, hotels in Honolulu, and swimming at Waikiki Beach, with the new reality of war. A soldier is illustrated outside his barracks, most likely standing guard. Planes are depicted above the naval air base and Hickam Field, both of which were attacked on December 7. Navy ships patrol the waters around Oahu, ensuring that no enemy submarines could get close enough to attack. An inset map of seven of the Hawaiian islands is situated in the lower right corner and labels Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Nihau.

This map is included in the February 1942 issue of The Guitarist. This issue of The Guitarist was dedicated to Hawaii and is filled with images from and information about the islands.