Inter-Island Airways, established in 1929, marked a pivotal moment in Hawaii's transportation history. What began as a small operation aimed at connecting the islands would eventually grow into Hawaiian Airlines, now a globally recognized carrier. But in its early days, Inter-Island Airways played a critical role in making travel between Hawaii’s islands faster, easier, and more accessible, changing life in the islands forever.
The Early Days: Connecting the Islands by Air
Prior to the launch of Inter-Island Airways, traveling between Hawaii’s islands meant long, uncomfortable trips by boat. The advent of air travel was nothing short of revolutionary. Founded by Stanley Kennedy Sr., Inter-Island Airways sought to reduce travel time between the islands and make transportation more reliable. The airline’s first fleet consisted of two Sikorsky S-38 amphibious planes, which could land both on water and land—a key feature given Hawaii’s geography.
The first official passenger flight took off on November 11, 1929, from Honolulu to Maui and Hilo. It was a historic day, as passengers marveled at the 30-minute trip that would have taken hours by boat. This flight marked the beginning of a new era in Hawaiian travel, one that allowed for faster commerce, improved access to health services, and more connected communities across the islands.
Growth and Expansion
The early success of Inter-Island Airways led to rapid growth. By the early 1930s, the airline had increased its service to daily flights and began to add more planes to its fleet, including larger Sikorsky S-43 aircraft, which offered more seating capacity and better service for passengers.
In 1941, the company officially rebranded as Hawaiian Airlines, but its core mission remained the same: connecting the islands and serving the people of Hawaii. The expansion continued through World War II, when the airline played a key role in transporting military personnel across the islands and beyond.
An Icon of Old Hawaii
What made Inter-Island Airways so iconic was its role in the broader cultural and economic development of Hawaii. For locals, the airline offered new opportunities for trade and travel. Farmers could send their goods to different islands more efficiently, and families could visit one another without being limited by the island boundaries. For tourists, the airline opened up remote parts of Hawaii, encouraging tourism to lesser-known areas like Hana, Lanai, and Molokai, helping to build Hawaii’s tourism industry into what it is today.
The classic logo and advertisements from the Inter-Island Airways era evoke a time when air travel was still an exciting, glamorous experience. With vintage-inspired luggage tags, brochures, and tickets, the airline captured the essence of Old Hawaii, where adventure and discovery were just a short flight away.
Legacy of Inter-Island Airways
Today, as Hawaiian Airlines, the company remains a vital part of Hawaii’s infrastructure. It’s the largest and longest-serving airline in the state, with over 250 flights daily, including international routes to Asia, the U.S. mainland, and the Pacific Islands. However, it all started with the pioneering vision of Inter-Island Airways and its commitment to connecting the people of Hawaii.
Malibu Shirts Celebrates Hawaii’s Aviation History
At Malibu Shirts, we’re proud to honor the legacy of Inter-Island Airways with our collection of vintage-inspired designs. Our apparel reflects the golden age of Hawaiian aviation, paying tribute to the classic imagery and adventurous spirit that helped define air travel in the islands. Whether you’re a local or a visitor who loves Hawaii’s history, you can keep that pioneering spirit alive with our exclusive Inter-Island Airways designs.
