Lifeline to the Islands
Beginning with the voyage of its first ship in 1882, Matson Navigation Company has provided a vital lifeline to Hawaii, carrying cargo between the islands, the U.S. mainland and ports in the Pacific and Asia. The company led the way in maritime innovation, including the introduction of containerization in the Pacific. Through the mid-1900s, Matson played a significant role in Hawaii’s growing tourism industry, building four passenger liners and four Waikiki hotels that catered to a growing market of travelers. Matson vessels were called into military service during World War I and II, carrying thousands of troops across the globe. After owning an interest in the company for nearly six decades, A&B acquired 100% interest in Matson in 1969, which remained an A&B subsidiary until the two companies separated in 2012