About the Artist
Created by an anonymous artist, this 1960 travel poster is a product of the golden era of airline advertising, when graphic designers played a pivotal role in shaping the allure of distant destinations. During this period, many such posters were commissioned by airlines and produced in large quantities, with individual creators often remaining uncredited.
Rather than highlighting personal recognition, these mid-century works prioritized visual clarity, bold motifs, and immediate impact. Today, they are valued as vintage ephemera and design artifacts, offering a glimpse into a time when tourism, surf culture, and the excitement of jet-age travel converged in vibrant imagery.
The Artwork
This Continental Hawaii Airline poster captures the optimism of early 1960s travel, when Hawaii became newly accessible to American vacationers through commercial flights. The artwork invites viewers to imagine the pleasures of arrival, using the iconic image of a surfer adorned with a lei to evoke a sense of welcome and relaxation unique to the islands.
As with other pieces in vintage advertising, the poster was designed for instant persuasion: promising sun, surf, and a carefree escape. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to encapsulate the spirit of jet-set leisure and tropical adventure.
Style & Characteristics
The poster features a central surfer figure draped with a vivid pink lei, set against a swirling, psychedelic floral background. Saturated blues, greens, oranges, reds, and crisp whites create a striking contrast, ensuring the design is both lively and attention-grabbing.
With its flattened shapes and simplified outlines, the composition reflects the hallmarks of mid-century graphic design, emphasizing playful ornamentation over realism. This piece resonates with fans of surf art and those drawn to pink-accented prints, infusing any space with a cheerful, retro vibe.
In Interior Design
This vintage poster serves as a bold statement piece in living rooms, hallways, or home offices where energy and color are desired. It pairs beautifully with mid-century modern decor, eclectic gallery walls, and coastal-inspired interiors, especially when complemented by natural wood, rattan, or crisp white surroundings.
Highlight its vibrant palette with ocean-toned textiles or pink accents, and consider framing options from our frames collection to enhance its graphic impact and festive tropical spirit.
