Waikiki Village Motel, Historic motel in South Carolina
The Waikiki Village Motel is a building constructed in 1963 on South Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach and displays the modern architectural style of the mid-twentieth century. The structure has an unusual L-shaped layout with a distinctive Hawaiian-style hut at one corner and was designed to offer families affordable beach getaways.
The motel was built in 1963 shortly after Hurricane Hazel in 1954 sparked a boom in beach resorts at Myrtle Beach. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017 and has been operated by the same family since 1970, reflecting its significance as a record of Myrtle Beach's growth as a vacation destination.
The motel's Hawaiian name and design reflect the desire to bring tropical vacation feelings to the South Carolina coast. The Hawaiian-style hut at one corner was a popular design feature of the era and helped guests feel transported to an exotic destination, even though they were just a short drive from home.
The motel sits directly on South Ocean Boulevard with immediate access to the beach and nearby recreational activities. Visitors should note that this is a historic landmark building that has preserved its original features, so respectful viewing is recommended.
The motel remains under family ownership, making it rare among the many modern resorts in the area. While most neighboring buildings have been redeveloped or replaced, this small motel has kept its original character and stands as an authentic record of the affordable beach vacation era.
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