Model of Matson Line cruise ship.

One that got away...

The most awesome item came up for bid on e-Bay. It was a model of one of the Matson Line’s cruise ships. This was probably something that was given to travel agencies. The thing was absolutely gorgeous and belongs in a museum. I wish I could have gotten it but it was outside my price range. It ended up selling for over a thousand dollars.

Postcard from the collection of Khan Tiki Mon.

"LAHAINA HARBOR... at historic Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, is frequently the berthing place of luxury liners from all over the world and snug harbor for smaller craft."

Postcard from the collection of Khan Tiki Mon.

"Matson Line - S.S. Lurline A luxury liner of great popularity. Sailing fortnightly between SanFrancisco, Los Angeles Harbor and Honolulu."

Postcard from the collection of Khan Tiki Mon.

"S.S. Mariposa - Matson Lines Luxury Liner. Elegant and ultramodern, the S.S. Mariposa and twin liner, S. S. Monterey are two of the smartest, most beautifully appointed ships afloat. Air-conditioned through-out and especially designed for Pacific cruising. Accomodations for 368 passengers, all first class. Frequent sailings from San Francisco and Los Angeles to New Zealand and Australia via Bora Bora, Tahiti, Roratanga, New Caledonia, Fiji, Pago Pago, and Hawaii.

Length 563 feet - speed 20 knots - gross tonnage18,497 (Br.) - displacement 20,600"

Matson line

Captain William Matson with a schooner ship started a shipping service from California to Hawaii in 1882. This grew into a shipping and passenger service. Matson Lines provided passenger service from California to Hawaii from the 1930s to 1976. The Matson shipping company still exists but as freight only. During the 'heyday' of the company they operated 3 cruise ships that sailed between California, Hawaii, and destinations that included New Zealand and Australia. Can you say "Bon Voyage"?