This untitled black-and-white home-style travelog film depicts the family vacation of an upper class family to Hawaii. The film likely dates to 1937 as the videographer of this film sailed on the S.S. Matsonia from San Francisco to Honolulu, a former World War I troopship that returned to its prior commercial function with the Matson Navigation Company in 1937. This film is part of a larger series of films from the same trip that begins in the Grand Canyon and ends in Honolulu. While the filmmaker behind this film remains unknown, it appears his family came to visit other family members stationed at Fort Shafter and turned it into a vacation. More generally, the films offer interesting insights into the development of tourism in Hawaii which rapidly expanded during the 1920s and 30s. At this time there were a few hotels in Waikiki – the Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider, and Halekulani Hotel – and Hawaiian music had piqued the interests of those on the “mainland” through popular radio shows such as Hawaii Calls. This particular installment features footage from the Grand Canyon before transitioning to scenes of the S.S. Matsonia’s voyage from San Francisco to Hawaii. Additionally, the film depicts important sites around Honolulu from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel to Diamond Head.

Text page that reads “Grand Canyon of the Colorado” overlaid silhouette of palm trees framing ocean, swimmers standing by the coastline (0:08). Camera pans rock formations, giant boulders of the Grand Canyon – perhaps Angels Gate (0:12). View of valley, shadow of cameraman and rocky ledge visible (1:09). Text page that reads “Indian Dance at Grand Canyon” (2:07). Tourists stand and observe Navajo-Hopi Indian dance, women wear traditional black, red, white textile around shoulders as men in headdresses play instruments and others dance with eagle-like costumes (2:10). Text page that reads “On Board S.S. Matsonia” (3:36). Male and female passengers on board S.S. Matsonia speak with ship’s captain (perhaps Captain F.A. Johnson, USNR, Commanding) on upper deck; two women walk along shaded area of upper deck in 1930s-era dresses before sitting back on lounge chairs (3:40). Text page that reads “Grounds of Royal Hawaiian Hotel” (4:55). Two women from previous scene walk around lush, manicured courtyard of Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki (4:59). Camera pans roof of hotel and grounds filled with abundant garden of mature palm trees, view of Diamond Head and beach in distance (5:30). More shots of hotel grounds (7:00). Text page that reads “Honolulu Harbor” (7:14). Camera pans Honolulu Harbor, Aloha Tower on Pier 9 of harbor (7:18). Text page that reads “Enroute to Hilo Diamond Head” (8:17). Camera shakes as videographer films approach towards Hilo/ Diamond Head from boat off Waikiki Bay; Royal Hawaiian Hotel seen in distance (8:20). Text page that reads “Arriving at Hilo” (10:08). Live brass band welcomes passengers as they arrive in Hilo; Passengers walk across bridge that reads “Matson Navigation Co.” (10:12). Local Hawaiian women riding on Hilo tram system, women begin singing and strumming ukulele (11:04).