1937 Parker Edwards Dole Pineapple Map of Hawaii

One of the most iconic pictorial maps of Hawaii from its territorial period, this 1937 pictorial map of the Hawaiian Archipelago drawn by Parker Edwards and issued by the Dole Pineapple Company represents an early attempt to highlight the archipelago's wonders and attract tourists. Depicting the Hawaiian Islands of Hawaii, Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau, pictorial vignettes decorate each island and relate scenes of daily life, tourist 'attractions,' and Hawaiian history. On Hawaii, for example, each of the volcanoes is labeled, and their elevations are provided. The lava flows from the many eruptions are illustrated as well. Boats and Clipper aircraft are included. Pearl Harbor is labeled. Several aspects of Dole's operation in the islands, including pineapple plantations, Dole canneries, etc. also are depicted. The upper border includes drawings of Hawaiian flora. In contrast, the lower border highlights sea life native to the archipelago.

Publication History and Census

This map was printed in 1937 by the Independent Pressroom of San Francisco and stands as one of the most iconic maps of Hawaii published in the 20th century. It was widely appreciated and inspired Dole to contract a second map of Hawaii in the same style in 1950. Two examples are cataloged in OCLC and are part of the institutional collections at Harvard College and the David Rumsey Map Collection at Stanford University.