The Kona was born sometime in the late 50's, when the exotic feel of genuine Tiki was often invoked by restaurants and motels to add mystery and allure to the dining and lodging experiences of mid-century Americans.
Here's a postcard view of the Kona Motel when the paint was still fresh:
Though time has passed, the Kona remains a local fixture, if only in the hearts of those who call it home. Located near Brookhurst Junior High School and abutting Dad Miller Golf Course at its rear, the Kona maintains its island look as best it can.
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And if you're staying by the night or even by the week, the kidney shaped pool is still available for a refreshing swim. You can even hang your trunks out to dry on the convenient clothesline.
For those of you clamoring for a close-up of the sign, here you go. Two concessions to Father Time are evident: the font used in 'MOTEL' is no longer island-ish(?) and I'm almost positive that live flame no longer emits from the torch that rises above the 'Kona' plaque. Still, this is a fine example of the apparently lost art of creative motel signage.
3 comments:
Nice to see that the Kona Hotel seems to be in good shape- but whose idea was it to paint it pink? That's tiki blasphemy!
I vote to ditch the cable t.v. and bring back the flame, but that's me.
On the positive side, the palm trees have grown since the early years and add a tropical touch.
Nice. My parents have a rental house in the neighborhood behind the Dad Miller golf course.
The Kona's Googie/Tiki looks and signage have survived because the are well out of the way of the Disneyland Resort area's cosmetic overhaul. There are a few hangers on along Beach Blvd near Knotts as well.
that is interesting how little it changed. I love how you get the after shot almost perfect from the same angle as the old photo! Love to see how tall that one palm tree in front got!
BTW... I live in Garden Grove very close to Disneyland and Knott's and I am a photo nut... so if you want me to get any photos for your blog...
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