In the late 1920's, Hawaii increased its efforts to promote tourism, the industry that would eventually dominate the development of the islands. In Honolulu, on the beach at Waikiki, the Matson Navigation Company built the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, (the Pink Palace of the Pacific), as a destination for the well-heeled clientele traveling on its cruise ships. Adventurous, fun-loving types flocked to Hawaii, discovering for themselves all the wonders this tropical paradise playground had to offer.

By 1929, tourist numbers were peaking at over 22,000 and going strong until the stock market crash later that year. As the nation's economy collapsed, priorities shifted, and travel declined. It wasn't until 1936 when Pan Am introduced regular commercial flights that Hawaii once again claimed its rightful place as a favorite vacation destination.

This image, stunningly recreated by Michael David, is a reproduction of one of those original ads issued in 1929 by the Hawaii Tourist Bureau.