Malahini Motel - Whittier

Whittier, California, United States

"Malahini" translates to "stranger" or "newcomer" in Hawaiian.

This 35-room-motel opened at least as early as 1969.

The motel is a 7 minute drive south of where Oceanic Arts used to be, so it is a good guess that the tikis shown in the postcard photo were acquired there.

By at least as early as 2011, the motel was converted to the "Friendly Hills Inn" and all previous signage and tiki decor was removed. However, the structure is still intact and remains much the same.

In 2019, the Whittier City Council passed a law that would force this motel and at least three others in the area to close in 20 years, by 2039.

Neighbors blame the small motels along this corridor for a proliferation of crime. So, the Friendly Hills Inn's days may be numbered...