Sikorsky S-38 at Maalaea Airfield 1929


© 2004, Alvin F. Kanda

This is Inter-Island Airways S-38 no. 2 "Maui" taxiing to the beach end of the dirt runway at Maalaea which was oriented parallel to the prevailing trade winds. It will make a 180 deg. turn and take off into the trades. Kahului harbor was the backup "field" which was used on at least two occasions when the Maalea strip was too muddy. The fact that the S-38 was an amphibian helped the public to accept air travel as safe. The airline took delivery of their fourth and final S-38 in mid-1931.


Detail of the Pratt & Whitney "Wasp" engine used in the aircraft. It is pictured in Hangar 1 at John Rodgers Airport in Honolulu, 1934. Enlarge

References

  1. Sikorsky 3-View factory drawing of S-38B-S-38BH
  2. Cohen, "Hawaiian Airlines", Pictorial Histories Publishing Co., Pages 16-30.
  3. Thiele, "Kennedy's Hawaiian Air"
  4. Contemporary photograph of West Maui mountains at Maalea

Inter-Island Airways Schedule, 1929

Inter-Island Airways Schedule and Fares, 1933

Page revised 9/28/19 by Maui MeshWorks