The Hawaii State Archives is putting its Waikiki collection online for National Archives Month, a win for anyone curious about how the islands' most famous beach district became what it is today.

• A new exhibit traces Waikiki from the Hawaiian kingdom era through the rise of its big hotels.
• The timing ties to milestones for the Royal Hawaiian, now 100 years old, and the Surfrider at 125.
• Everything is going online, with a new theme each week through October, free for the public to view and print.
• The archives hold more than 5 million photographs plus thousands of pieces of sheet music, some unseen for generations.
• Walk-ins are welcome weekdays with a government ID; no appointment needed.

Outlook: More themed collections will post online through the end of October, with a small in-person display in the research room for those who can visit.