Fred Heads to Hawaii

I'm sure many of you remember the Flintstones episode "Hawaiian Escapade," which featured Fred and the gang winning a trip to the locale to visit the set of a TV show, but what if I told you that wasn't the first time Fred wound up there? Kinda. In July 1962, four months before that episode aired, Fred touched down in Honolulu to meet his many adoring fans. Here's a piece that ran in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin on July 15th, 1962, promoting the event.

Fred Flintstone's Coming to Oahu

    A royal Hawaiian aloha will welcome television star "Fred Flintstone" next Friday when the A.B.C.-TV personality arrives at Honolulu Airport for his first Island visit.
    A hula troupe and State and City dignitaries will be on hand to greet the Hanna-Barbera "hero" of TV fans. A special floral-decked float and motorcade—with official police escort—will carry Fred from the airport to downtown Honolulu.
    The television idol will make personal appearances Friday through Sunday, July 20-22, at Honolulu's Gem Store, 1199 Dillingham Boulevard.
    On Monday, July 23, Fred calls on the patients of Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children, where the party will include ice cream provided by Dairyman's.
    In photo above, Fred indicates his ancestry is Hawaiian. Perhaps Bishop Museum administrators can authenticate it.
    "The Flintstones" telecasts are viewed here on KHVH Friday nights at 7:30.

This paper also had a giant advertisement for the event, which you can view below. Not only is the appearance advertised, but lots of merchandise, including shirts, towels, records, and a contest to win a replica of Fred's ride.