Annexation to World War II (1899-1941)
Annexation secured the sugar industry's U.S. mainland markets and plantations continued to boom. Sugar continued to drive the economy for most of the 20th century, until tourism grew to replace it.
Sugar - and all of Hawai`i - became dominated by a handful of firms referred to as the
Big Five: Alexander & Baldwin, Amfac (American Factors), C. Brewer, Castle & Cooke and Theo Davies. Most had started in business supplying whaling ships then switched to sugar and eventually they collectively controlled all aspects of the business from planting and harvesting cane, to processing and shipping. Large plantations operated like small towns, providing housing communities, stores, medical care and entertainment programs for hundreds of workers. The back breaking labor in the fields and long hours inspired the first efforts among workers to organize. Several strikes challenged plantation owners in the
1910s and
'20s, but workers divided by ethnic groups did not yet form a cohesive whole.
In
1917, World War I rocked Europe. While many islanders joined up and fought with American forces, Hawai`i remained on the periphery of the conflict.
The
1920s saw the blossoming of ocean liner travel to the Islands and the growth of tourism.
Matson's SS Malolo began regular service to Honolulu from the West Coast in
1927. The shipping company financed construction of the
Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki which opened to great fanfare the same year. Along with the older Moana Hotel, the Royal catered to luxury travelers who came to enjoy Hawaii's beaches and exotic culture.
The
1930s were the heyday of Waikiki's appeal. A beach boy culture grew up to service visitors and introduce them to the laid-back island lifestyle. Hollywood movies featured hula dancers and island settings, and the radio program
Hawai`i Calls beamed Hawaiian music to a national audience every week. Hawai`i became synonymous with an exotic sensuality.
