Carrying the memories of the coal mining town
Two days when the bonnet bus ran

Born to protect the coal mining town of Tokiwa
“A paradise of dreams and hopes”

Hawaiianz is a large-scale leisure facility located in the Joban area of Fukushima Prefecture, which once prospered from the coal industry. In the 1950s, as the energy shifted to oil, the industry gradually declined. Therefore, with the aim of revitalizing the local economy and the town, it was created with the image of Hawaii, which was "the number one foreign country that Japanese people wanted to visit" at the time.

As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we want to reaffirm our desire to share the history and charm of our town.

This event was planned to showcase the history and appeal of Hawaiianz ahead of its 60th anniversary. Essential to recounting its long history since its opening is its past as a coal mining town and the lives of the people who lived there.

Initially, a team from the company's regional development and planning department visited the remaining coal mining houses in the city, conducting detailed investigations into the building structures, preservation status, and living environments. They explored the possibility of creating a "coal mining house tour." However, due to dilapidation and safety concerns, they had to abandon the idea. While considering various other projects afterward, the idea of utilizing retro buses came up.

We received cooperation from the "Japan Bus Culture Preservation and Restoration Committee," a non-profit organization that preserves buses that were used for regular routes and sightseeing tours in good condition even after their retirement.
Even though we use the single word "preservation," keeping old train cars in a drivable condition requires a great deal of care. Regular inspections are essential not only before operation but also while they are in storage. From the train cars that we were shown, it was clear that they had been carefully maintained.
In the movie "Hula Girls," buses were depicted as a reflection of everyday life at the time, with coal miners using them for commuting and shopping. "We want to show this bus to lots of people!" This was the perfect idea for this event.

The bonnet bus that appeared in the movie "Hula Girls" is revived in modern times.

The retro bus featured this time has a distinctive bonnet-type appearance. It's the "Isuzu BXD30 Bonnet Bus," the last series produced by "Isuzu Motors." Manufactured in 1966, the same year that Hawaiianz opened, its most distinctive feature is that, unlike modern buses, the engine is mounted at the front of the vehicle.
Its top speed is approximately 50 km/h, and it cannot travel on highways. With only about 25 seats, it is compact compared to the large buses that are currently mainstream. Its specifications are truly "a reflection of a bygone era," differing from the modern standards that prioritize speed and efficiency.

The rounded form reminiscent of a classic car, the slight heat rising from the hood when stationary, the low hum of the engine resonating through the wooden floor...
These vehicles are not simply about comfort or efficiency; that's precisely why each and every one of them undergoes meticulous maintenance and care, allowing them to continue running to this day.
Looking at the bus, I feel as if I've been transported back to the Showa era.

While gazing at Hot springs town from the car window,
A time slip of about 20 minutes one way

This revival service took place for two days only, on October 18th (Saturday) and 19th (Sunday), 2025. The route was from JR Yumoto Station to Hawaiianz, a journey of approximately 20 minutes. On the day, numbered tickets were distributed, and many people gathered from early in the morning. Among them were locals, families, couples, and even some who had traveled all the way from Kanagawa Prefecture specifically to ride the bus.

The fact that the destination sign still displays the former name of Hawaiianz, "Joban Hawaiian Center," is a nice touch.

The retro-designed train tickets, reminiscent of the era, are also popular.

To coincide with the train's operation, commemorative tickets were also produced, replicating the tickets of the time. The tickets, made from thick paper, have a design full of retro charm. When you get your ticket punched at the ticket gate, you hear a satisfying click! Some people said that the moment they held the ticket in their hands, they felt so nostalgic that it warmed their hearts.
A single train ticket created a deeper, more immersive experience.

Some people reminisced about the time when the bus was actually running, while others were delighted, saying it was like a scene from the movie "Hula Girls." People of all ages were carrying the bus, and people along the route waved to it. It could be said that this was a moment where history, culture, and the warm hearts of people connected.

History continues into the future; keep an eye out for the special event scheduled for 2026!

This event allowed us to widely share the history and culture of the region once again. The memories of the coal mining town revived by the bonnet bus, the passion of the movie "Hula Girls," and the "Revival Bonds Caravan" that further deepened the bonds after the earthquake. Combined with the warmth of the visitors, it was a truly precious two days.

The story doesn't end there. 2026 will be a momentous year, not only marking the 60th anniversary of Hawaiianz's opening, but also the 20th anniversary of the release of the movie "Hula Girls." Special events are planned again on January 15th (Thursday) and 16th (Friday). In running the event, careful adjustments and ingenuity will be made to the unique characteristics of the vehicles from that era, and a different type of retro bus will be introduced compared to the bonnet bus that ran in October. Why not experience the charm of the resort along with the event?
*Event details will be announced on the official website as soon as they are finalized.

Enjoy a fulfilling trip with the unique experiences only Hawaiianz can offer.

Hawaiianz offers a variety of ways to enjoy yourself, including seasonal optional tours and hula experiences. Although the "coal mine housing tour" did not materialize this time, the "Jōban Coalfield Industrial Heritage Tour with a Heritage Guide" is held several times a month. This is a valuable opportunity to visit important heritage sites that are not open to the general public, such as the "Jōban Coal Mine Uchigo Central Coal Sorting Plant Ruins." Why not experience the history of coal mining on a special optional bus tour that can only be experienced at Hawaiianz?

ICONIA HOSPITALITY, our mission is to be involved with facilities that are symbols of the region, connecting their history and charm to the future, and offering experiences that will remain in people's memories. We will continue our activities with this in mind.

＼A must-visit in winter!／
Spa Resort Hawaiians

Hot springs, swimming pools, shows, gourmet food...the entire facility is a paradise that offers an escape from the ordinary.
The temperature inside the building is 28°C all year round, so no matter how cold it is outside, you can stay comfortable in just an aloha shirt.

"Edo Jowa Yoichi," one of the world's largest Hot springs baths.

Enjoy Fukushima's winter delicacy, anglerfish hot pot, with the "Fukushima Kaiseki" course.

A free shuttle bus runs daily exclusively for hotel guests!
Easily Access from the Tokyo metropolitan area via "Hawaiian Express".

Spa Resort Hawaiians