The Fleets

Matson Line 1882-1980

Matson Line was formed in 1882 by Captain William Matson to operate the Hawaiian trade. In 1926 the Oceanic Steamship Co. was purchased and became a Matson subsidiary. The company thus extended it's sphere to Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands and the Far East.

Abbreviation: LASSCO Los Angeles S.S. Co.

Many thanks to Ted Finch for his assistance in collecting this data. The following list was extracted from various sources. This is not an all inclusive list but should only be used as a guide. If you would like to know more about a vessel, visit the Ship Descriptions (onsite) or Immigrant Ship web site.

 

Fleet:

Vessel	Built	Years in Service	Tons
Amy Turner	1877	wood barque, 1906 purchased, 1910 sold to Woodside. Reduced to barge	991
Andrew Welch	1888	iron bark, built Port Glasgow 1908 purchased from C. Brewer & Co, 1915 sold to G. W. McNear.	885
Annie Johnson	1872	barque, ex- Ada Iredale. 1895 purchased by Matson. 1912 rerigged as schooner, 1916 auxiliary engines installed. 1926 sold to L. Ozanne, Papeete.	1,409
Antiope	1866	iron full-rigged ship (later bark), 1899 purchased by Matson in name of F. Whitney, Liverpool (this may have been only a charter). Sold to Capt. P. J. R. Marhieson.	1,496
Californian	1946	ex- Mount Greylock. 1951 purchased by American-Hawaiian SS Co. renamed Californian. Lengthened 1960 purchased by Matson, 1981 sold to Atlantic Marine Agencies renamed California.	13,636
City of Los Angeles	1899	ex- Grosser Kurfurst (ex North German Lloyd). 1917 Seized by U.S.A, renamed Aeolus. 1921 bought by LASSCO, renamed City of Los Angeles. 1931 operated by Los Angeles S S Co. and Matson, 1934 transferred to Matson. 1937 scrapped Japan.	12,642
Commodore	1920	4 mast wood schooner, ex- Blaatind. 1935 purchased by Matson for use as barge. Refitted 1941, took lumber cargo to South Africa. 1943 Renamed Commodore II. 1947 Scrapped at Capetown.	1,526
Coquina	1918	1935 purchased by Matson, 1940 sold to Oliver J. Olson line, renamed Cynthia Olson.	2,140
Corrales	1918	1935 purchased by Matson, 1940 sold to Olson line, renamed Barbara Olson.	2,146
Daisy Kimball	1892	wood schooner, steam powered, 1894 purchased by Matson, sailed to Hilo, sold immediately to Wilder SS Co. for local service, renamed Kilahani.	275
Diamond Head	1918	ex- West Erral. 1931 bought by LASSCO, renamed Diamond Head, 1937 transferred to Matson, 1946 sold to Wallem, Hong Kong, renamed Shahrokh.	5,603
Eleu	1883	wood tug, ex- Alert, 1908 sold by Matson to Shipowners & Merchants Assoc.	71
Emma Claudina	1881	3 mast wood schooner, C. A. Spreckels.1882 quarter share purchased by Matson from C. A. Spreckels. 1886 sold to George Chandler.	196
Enterprise	1882	ex- Ehrenfels (ex Hansa Line), later renamed St. Georg. 1901 purchased by Matson renamed Enterprise, 1937 sold to General Steamship Co. Scrapped Japan.	2,675
Ewa	1919	ex- Eldridg, later Tacoma, of Tacoma-Oriental Line. 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Ewa, 1942 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission. transferred to USSR renamed Nogin.	7,003
Falls of Clyde	1878	4 mast iron ship, later barque, 1898 purchased by Matson. 1906 Sold to Associated Oil, 1922 Cut down to oil barge at Ketchikan, Alaska. 1960s Restored as museum ship at Honolulu.	1,807
Fort George	1884	4 mast iron ship.1907 purchased by Matson from Planters Line.1908 went missing in South Atlantic.	1,756
George Curtis	1884	wood ship, later rerigged as barque.1908 purchased by Matson, 1910 sold to North Alaska Salmon Co.	1,838
Gerard C. Tobey	1878	wood barque. 1907 purchased by Matson, 1910 sold to J. M. Woodside, reduced to barge.	1,459
Hamakua	1919	ex- City of Spokane. 1928 renamed Olympia, 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Hamakua, 1945 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission, transferred to USSR, renamed Kuibyshev.	6,403
Harvester	1871	wood barque, 1891 purchased by Matson, 1897 sold to Alaska Improvement Co.	754
Hawaiian	1946	1960 purchased by Matson from Ore Transports, 1978 sold to Hawaiian Eileen Corp.	14,113
Hawaiian Banker (1)	1945	ex- Sea Centaur, 1947 purchased from US Maritime Commission renamed Hawaiian Banker, 1961 renamed Sierra (3), 1970 sold renamed Vantage Endeavor.	7,920
Hawaiian Banker (2)	1944	ex- Sierra (2), 1961 transferred from Oceanic renamed Hawaiian Banker, 1961 sold to Sea-Land Services renamed Fanwood.	8,178
Hawaiian Builder	1945	ex- Sea Blenny. 1947 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Builder, 1970 sold to U.S. Department of Commerce.	7,898
Hawaiian Citizen	1945	ex- Sea Wren. 1947 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Citizen, 1970 rebuilt to 12,589 tons. 1982 scrapped.	7,958
Hawaiian Craftsman	1945	ex- Marguerite le Hand. 1947 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Craftsman, 1970 renamed Pacific Banker, rebuilt to 14,161 tons. 1972 Sold to Atlantic Far East Lines, Inc. (Liberian).	7,885
Hawaiian Educator	1945	ex- Sea Hare. 1946 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Educator, 1964 sold renamed Green Ridge.	7,886
Hawaiian Enterprise	1970	containership, 1978 renamed Manukai. 1980 Still active.	23,800
Hawaiian Farmer	1944	ex- Sea Sturgeon. 1947 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Farmer, 1971 scrapped.	7,914
Hawaiian Fisherman	1945	ex- Sea Falcon. 1946 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Fisherman, 1961 rebuilt as auto carrier, renamed Hawaiian Motorist. 1973 Sold to Valor SS Co., converted to bulk carrier.	7,886
Hawaiian Forester	1944	ex- George F. Waldo. 1947 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Forester, 1955 sold to Weyerhaeuser Co., Tacoma, Wash. Renamed C. R. Musser.	7,240
Hawaiian Isles	1882	4 mast steel barque. 1907 purchased by Matson, 1910 sold to Alaska Packers. Renamed Star of Greenland.	2,097
Hawaiian Legislator	1946	ex- Willis Victory. 1951 renamed Nevadan, 1957 renamed Coast Progress, 1963 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Legislator, 1979 sold, 1980 scrapped.	11,178
Hawaiian Logger	1944	ex- Ales Hrdlicka. 1946 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Logger, 1960 sold, renamed Cape Cod.	7,176
Hawaiian Lumberman	1944	ex- Laura Drake Gill. 1946 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Lumberman, 1960 sold, renamed Cape Henry.	7,246
Hawaiian Merchant (1)	1941	1943 Sold to U.S. Maritime Commission. Commissioned as navy's U.S.S. Euryale (AS-22).	7,500
Hawaiian Merchant (2)	1945	ex- Sea Skimmer. 1947 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Merchant, 1951 rebuilt to 8300 tons, 1971 scrapped.	7,887
Hawaiian Monarch	1944	ex- Marine Dragon. 1965 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Monarch, 1978 renamed Maunawili (2). 1982 laid up, 1986 scrapped.	17,807
Hawaiian Packer (1)	1941	1941 Sold to U.S. Maritime Commission. Commissioned as U.S.S. Delta (AK-29).	7,200
Hawaiian Packer (2)	1944	ex- Sea Scamp. 1947 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Packer, 1964 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission. Renamed Pecos 1966.	8,348
Hawaiian Pilot	1944	ex- Sonoma (2), 1961 transferred from Oceanic renamed Hawaiian Pilot, 1962 sold renamed Smith Pilot.	8,258
Hawaiian Planter (1)	1941	1941 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission. 1943 became U.S.S. Briareus (AS-12)	7,200
Hawaiian Planter (2)	1945	ex- Sea Pegasus. 1946 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Planter, 1967 rebuilt to 14,246 tons renamed Pacific Trader. 1970 sold.	7,896
Hawaiian Princess	1966	1980 Still active in inter-island service.	3,874
Hawaiian Progress	1970	container ship. 1978 Renamed Manulani. 1980 Still active.	23,800
Hawaiian Queen	1944	ex- Marine Devil. 1965 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Queen, 1978 renamed Maunalei. 1980 Still active.	17,504
Hawaiian Rancher	1944	ex- Sea Ray. 1947 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Rancher, 1971 scrapped.	8,353
Hawaiian Refiner	1944	ex- Sea Fiddler. 1947 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Refiner, 1950 rebuilt to 8405 tons, 1971 scrapped.	7,958
Hawaiian Retailer	1944	ex- Dare. 1947 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Retailer, 1964 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission.	7,940
Hawaiian Shipper	1941	1941 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission.	7,500
Hawaiian Tourist	1945	ex- Midland Victory. 1948 renamed Black Eagle, 1951 renamed Seaclipper, 1952 renamed Alaskan, 1956 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Tourist, 1962 sold renamed renamed Smith Tourist.	7,606
Hawaiian Trader (1)	1945	ex- Billings Victory. 1950 Became Pacific-Atlantic SS Co.'s Washington. 1955 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Trader, 1961 sold to Rachel V SS Corp. New York, renamed Rachel V.	7,606
Hawaiian Trader (2)	1944	ex- Alameda, 1961 transferred from Oceanic renamed Hawaiian Trader,, 1961 sold to Sea-Land Service renamed Short Hills.	8,218
Hawaiian Traveler	1945	ex- Adrian Victory. 1951 renamed Panaman. 1956 purchased by Matson renamed Hawaiian Traveler, 1961 sold renamed Joseph V.	7,606
Hawaiian Wholesaler	1944	ex- Ventura (2), 1961 transferred from Oceanic renamed Hawaiian Wholesaler, 1961 sold renamed Chatham.	8,175
Helene	1900	4 mast wood schooner, built Port Blakely, Wash., 1925 purchased by Matson, converted to pineapple barge, sold same year to Inter-Island Steam Navigation Co.	927
Hilonian	1880	ex- Spanish Gagitano. Abandoned on U.S. East Coast, 1905 purchased by Matson, renamed Hilonian and rebuilt, 1916 sold to Swedish Rederiaktied Nord Atlanten.	2,914
Honomu	1919	ex- Edmore. 1928 renamed Grays Harbor, 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Honomu. 1942 Torpedoed and sunk en route Murmansk.	6,403
Hyades	1900	1910 purchased by Matson, 1925 sold to Naknek Packing Co.	3,753
Intrepid	1900	tug, ex- Charles Counselman. 190? purchased by Matson from Shipowners & Merchants Association, renamed Intrepid, 1919 sold.	123
Irmgard	1889	wood barquentine, 1909 purchased by Matson, 1912 sold to Atkins Kroll Co.	671
Islander	1963	barge. 1980 still active.	3,403
Joe Sevier	1965	tug, 1969 transferred to Matson Services Co.	163
Kahuku	1919	ex-Cuprum. 1928 renamed Shelton, 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Kahuku. 1942 Torpedoed and sunk in Caribbean.	6,062
Kailua	1919	ex- West Cajoot, 1928 renamed Golden Bear. 1936 purchased by Matson renamed Kailua, 1942 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission, 1943 transferred to USSR, renamed Viborg.	5,342
Kaimoku	1919	ex- Crisfield, 1928 renamed Golden Horn. 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Kaimoku, 1942 torpedoed and sunk on passage Nova Scotia to England.	6,367
Kainalu	1920	ex- Mursa.1929 renamed M. S. Sherman. 1931 purchased by Matson renamed Kainalu. 1940 sold and.transferred to British flag as Pachesam.	6,021
Kalani	1918	ex- West Lainga, 1929 renamed Helen Whittier. 1931 purchased by Matson renamed Kalani, 1940 sold and transferred to British flag, renamed Empire Cheetah.	5,506
Kauai	1980	containership.	38,800
Kohala	1919	ex- West Henshaw, 1928 renamed Golden Cross. 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Kohala, 1945 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission, transferred to USSR as Peter Tchaikovsky.	5,833
Kopaa	1944	ex- Mission San Juan (tanker). 1970 purchased by Matson renamed Kopaa, rebuilt as bulk sugar carrier.1982 sold to California & Hawaiian Sugar Co.	10,461
Lahaina	1920	ex- West Carmona, 1928 renamed Golden State, 1936 purchased by Matson renamed Lahaina. 1941 Torpedoed and sunk in Pacific.	5,645
Lihue	1919	ex- Wheatland Montana. 1928 renamed Seattle. 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Lihue. 1942 Torpedoed and sunk in Caribbean.	7,001
Liloa	1918	ex- West Hosokie, 1929 renamed Constance Chandler. 1931 purchased by Matson renamed Liloa, 1945 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission. Transferred to USSR, renamed Belorussia.	5,523
Lurline (1)	1887	wood brigantine, Matson owned one quarter share. 1896 sold to Hawaiian Commercial Co.	389
Lurline (2)	1908	1928 sold to Alaska Packers, renamed Chirikof.	6,571
Lurline (3)	1931	1963 sold to Chandris Lines, renamed Ellinis.	18,564
Lurline (4)		see Oceanic SS Co. Monterey (2)
Lurline (5)	1973	roll-on, roll-off freighter, leased to Matson. 1980 still active.	25,350
Mahimahi	1921	ex- West Chopaka, 1928 renamed Golden Dragon, 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Mahimahi, 1948 sold to Italian owners, renamed Mongibello.	7,460
Mahukona	1919	ex- Coverun. 1919 purchased by Matson renamed Mahukona, 1940 sold to Navebras SA., Rio de Janeiro, renamed Santa Clara.	2,512
Makawao	1921	freighter, ex- Sujerseyco. 1928 purchased by Matson renamed Makawao, 1941 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission. Transferred to Honduran registry.	3,253
Makaweli	1919	ex- Cowee, 1922 purchased by Matson renamed Makaweli, 1930s converted to oil and molasses tanker, 1946 sold to Great Lakes Navigation Co.	2,552
Makena	1919	1922 purchased by Matson, 1940 sold to J. P. Goulandris. Renamed Nada under Panamanian registry.	2,642
Makiki	1917	ex-Rhode Island. 1918 renamed Woonsocket. 1923 purchased by Matson renamed Makiki, 1946 sold to Panama owners. 1952 renamed Rio Chagres.	6,096
Makua	1920	ex- Suholco. 1928 purchased by Matson renamed Makua, 1946 sold to Hung Ziang Shing, Shanghai. Renamed Meohwa.	3,543
Mala		see Mapele	.
Malama	1920	ex- Milwaukee Bridge. 1927 purchased by Matson renamed Malama. 1942 sunk by Japanese aircraft and deliberate scuttling in South Pacific.	3,275
Maliko	1918	ex- Cape May. 1926 purchased by Matson renamed Maliko, 1947 sold to Wallem & Co., Hong Kong. Renamed Shahin	6,847
Mana	1920	ex- Moravia Bridge. 1926 purchased by Matson renamed Mana, 1941 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission. Transferred to Honduran registry.	3,283
Manini	1920	ex- Susherico. 1928 purchased by Matson renamed Manini, 1941 Torpedoed and sunk south of Hawaii.	3,253
Manoa	1913	1942 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission, transferred to USSR renamed Balkash.	6,806
Manukai	1921	1948 sold to Panama renamed Sorol.	7,409
Manulani	1922	1949 sold to Fratelli Rizzuto, Genova, Italy, renamed Providencia under Panamanian flag.	9,556
Mapele	1920	ex- Pittsburgh Bridge. 1927 purchased by Matson renamed Mala, 1936 renamed Mapele. 1943 Ran aground at Cape Devine, Shumagin Islands, Alaska.	3,545
Marion Chilcott	1882	iron ship, ex-Kilbrannan. 1896 aground at Point Wilson, Wash., refloated and repaired as Marion Chilcott. 1900 purchased by Matson, converted to oil tanker, 1910 sold to Associated Oil.	1,737
Matsonia (1)	1913	1937 sold to Alaska Packers, renamed Etolin. Became World War II troopship, 1957 scrapped.	9,402
Matsonia (2)	1927	Matson bought on ways, first named Malolo. 1948 sold to Home Lines, 1949 renamed Atlantic, 1955 renamed Vasilissa Freiderika. 1977 scrapped.	17,232
Matsonia (3)		see Oceanic SS Co. Monterey (2)
Matsonia (4)	1973	roll-on, roll-off freighter, leased to Matson. 1980 still active.	25,350
Maui (1)	1917	1941 sold to U.S. Maritime Commission, 1949 scrapped.	9,801
Maui (2)	1977	containership, 1980 still active.	38,800
Mauna Ala	1918	ex- Canibas. 1923 purchased by Matson renamed Mauna Ala, 1941 Wrecked on Columbia River Bar.	6,805
Mauna Kea	1919	ex- Diablo. 1929 renamed Golden River. 1934 Transferred to Matson renamed Mauna Kea,1946 sold to Cia Cenrauro de Vapores SA., Panama, renamed Centauro.	6,064
Mauna Loa	1919	ex- West Conob. 1928 renamed Golden Eagle. 1934 Transferred to Matson renamed Mauna Loa, 1942 Sunk by Japanese bomber at Darwin, Australia.	5,435
Maunalei (1)	1921	ex- Mount Clinton, United American Lines. 1925 purchased by Matson renamed Maunalei, 1948 sold to Piaggio & Rovano, Italy. Renamed Santa Maria.	7,159
Maunalei (2)		see Hawaiian Queen.
Maunawili (1)	1921	ex- Mount Carroll, United American Lines. 1925 purchased by Matson renamed Maunawili, 1946 sold to Uruguaya renamed Socrates.	7,409
Maunawili (2)		see Hawaiian Monarch.
Mohican	1875	wood barque, 1909 purchased by Matson from Planters Line, converted to barge to take two 57-ton guns to Pearl Harbor. 1913 used as molasses barge, 1919 sold to state of California to store vegetable oil.	852
Mokihana	1921	ex- West Prospect. 1928 renamed Golden Sun. 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Mokihana, 1948 sold to Panama renamed Frixos.	7,460
Monterey	1878	4 mast iron ship, ex-Cypromene. 1903 damaged in storm at Salina Cruz, Mexico, 1904 purchased by Matson, 1905 sold to National Oil Transport as barge. 1919 Refitted as 5 mast barquentine, 1934 scrapped at Los Angeles.	1,854
Olopana	1920	ex- Bearport, 1928 renamed Golden Mountain. 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Olopana. 1942 Torpedoed by German aircraft in Barents Sea near Novaya Zemlya, en route to Murmansk.	6,069
Onomea	1917	ex- West Haven. 1929 renamed Marian Otis Chandler. 1935 transferred to Matson, 1938 renamed Onomea, 1940 sold to British Ministry of War Transport renamed Empire Leopard.	5,510
R. P. Rithet	1892	steel barque, 1908 purchased by Matson from C. Brewer & Co., 1916 installed auxiliary diesel engines, 1917 burned and sank in North Pacific.	1,080
Roderick Dhu	1874	iron ship, 1896 purchased by Matson, 1900 installed first electric plant in a sailing vessel, 1906 Sold to Associated Oil as tanker. 1909 Wrecked off Monterey, Calif.	1,534
Rosecrans	1883	ex- Methven Castle, then Columbia, Castle Line. 1902 purchased by Matson renamed Rosecrans, converted to tanker, 1906 sold to Associated Oil Co.	2,681
S. G. Wilder	1887	wood barquentine, 1909 purchased by Matson, 1911 sold to J. P. Baetje.	604
Sanford B. Dole	1967	tug, 1969 Transferred to Matson Services Co.	89
Santiago	1885	steel barque, 1894 purchased by Matson, 1906 sold to Associated Oil Co., later converted to barge.	979
Sierra		see Hawaiian Banker (1)
Sonoma		see Oceanic SS Co. Sonoma (3)
St. Katherine	1890	wood barque. 1908 purchased by Matson from Planters Line, 1910 sold to Red Salmon Canning Co.	1,264
Sumatra	1856	wood bark, 1894 purchased by Matson, 1895 sold to Wilder SS Co. and broken up at Honolulu.	1,060
Timberman	1918	ex- Corsicana. 1935 purchased by Matson renamed Timberman, 1936 sold to Schafer Bros. SS Lines. Renamed Margaret Schafer.	2,059
Transchamplain	1944	ex- U.S.S. Mascona (AO-83). 1966 renamed Seatrain Oregon 1974. chartered to Matson renamed Transchamplain, 1979 returned to C.I.T. Corporation.	7,674
Transoneida	1944	ex- U.S.S. Cohocton (AO-101). 1974 chartered to Matson as Transoneida, 1979 returned to CIT Corporation.	7,666
Transontario	1944	ex- Mission Soledad (tanker). 1966 Renamed Seatrain California. 1974 chartered by Matson as Transontario, 1979 returned to Greyhound Leasing Corporation.	7,435
Ventura		see Oceanic SS Co. Ventura (3)
W. H. Marston	1901	5 mast wood schooner. 1908 purchased by Matson. Suffered accident at sea, abandoned, then towed to port. 1912 Sold to Charles Nelson.	1,164
Waimea	1919	ex- West Sequana. 1928 renamed Golden Cloud. 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Waimea,1946 sold to Panama renamed Marmar.	5,670
Waipio	1919	ex- West Elcajon. 1928 renamed Golden Kauri. 1937 purchased by Matson renamed Waipio, 1946 sold to Panama, renamed Paralos II.	5,548
Wilhelmina	1909	1940 sold to Lochinever, Ltd. (British Ministry of Shipping). 1940 torpedoed and sunk.	5,974
Yale	1906	passenger ship, 1931 transferred to Matson. 1941 Sold for construction company floating barracks, returned to navy next year for Alaska troop carrier. Scrapped 1949.	3,818

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