Elvis Presley sails onboard the S.S. Matsonia to Hawaii 1957

Elvis’ love for Hawaii ran deep, and during his lifetime he visited often.

• Whether it was to perform concerts and benefits, film a movie, or just to vacation, the islands would always draw him back.

Elvis sailing away to Hawaii on the SS Matsonia.

Elvis sailed to Hawaii from Los Angeles aboard the SS Matsonia on November 5, 1957.

Elvis was very popular on the Matson liners and friendly with the passengers.

• The voyage across the Pacific took four days, during which Elvis’ new film Jailhouse Rock opened in theaters.
• The Matsonia was part of a fleet of liners owned by the Matson Navigation Company that began servicing Hawaii in 1882.

Elvis onboard the SS Lurline returning to California.

• The other ships included the SS Lurline, sister-ship to the SS Matsonia, the Monterey, and Mariposa.
• These big American white ships were the most popular cruise liners sailing out of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Elvis on the SS Matsonia including photos with children traveling on the liner.

When Elvis arrived and sailed from Honolulu onboard the Matson liners, there were thousands of fans greeted him and bid him “Aloha” when he sailed away.

• He performed concerts in Honolulu, including a performance for troops and their families at the Schofield Barracks in Honolulu.
• The voyage across the Pacific took four days, during which Elvis’ new film Jailhouse Rock opened in theaters.

The SS Matsonia, Elvis, and a ship’s lounge.

Elvis was very popular on the Matson ships. He was easy going and happily took pictures with the many passengers.

After Elvis’ success in Hawaii, he returned to California aboard the SS Lurline.

This is a story from the Honolulu-Advertiser showing the popularity of Elvis Presley.

Stories from the Honolulu newspapers covering Elvis Presley’s visit.

This is a story from the Honolulu-Advertiser showing the popularity of Elvis Presley.

Teenagers to see Elvis but won’t be able to touch him.

Unlike his security-studded entrance tour days ago, Elvis Presley was to make his 4 p.m. exit on the Lurline today with only a minimum battery of security men.

The force will include his three personal guards, compared to the web of 30 men who surrounded him upon his arrival Saturday.

SS Lurline Honolulu; Elvis leaving Honolulu; Fan with Elvis and Colonel Parker; Elvis’ Lanai Suite SS Lurline

Assistant Police Chief Dewey Mookini said only a normal crew of police officers would detail the liner’s departure. “We haven’t had any requests for extras,” he said.

Presley, whose bowl-full-of-jelly hip rhythm will be limited to Lurline’s rock ‘n roll motions for the next four-and-a-half days, is bound for a long stay in his hometown, Memphis, Tennessee.

Elvis and party leaving from Los Angeles; Hula girl; Elvis, guest and Col Parker on the Matsonia

Presley’s managers explained that the paring down of security is partly due to their faith in Hawaiian hospitality and largely due to their faith in the school system, which will keep teenagers in classes until 3 p.m.

However, at least one teenager is making sure she’ll be there. Barbara Wong, reported by Castle High School as a “good student” and who has thrown 60-foot leis around Presley personally three times, is not in school today so she could make another garland.

Hawaiian Village Hotel guards reported about 200 teenagers again up to midnight last night attempted to slip through the security net to get to the 14th floor Presley hide-out. None was successful.

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