Hawaii officially became a U.S. Territory in 1900. In 1903, the Joint Tourist Committee was formed to market Hawaii to travelers. The Waikiki Aquarium opened in 1904. In 1909, the Northwest Hawaiian Islands were designated as the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge by President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1911 Duke Kahanamoku swims the 100-yard freestyle in 55.4 seconds, a world record. In 1912, Duke goes on to become Hawaii's first Olympic champion, winning a gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle at Stockholm Olympics in 1912.
The Hawaiian archipelago is the most isolated island chain in the world. At the turn of the 20th century, immigration and tourism were encouraged and steamship travel made the passage to Hawaii an easy one. How exotic these islands must have seemed to all who stepped ashore.
Hawaiian fish were quite a novelty for the traveler to Hawaii. The colors and shapes were unlike anything most people could even dream of. Postcards were the perfect way to remember these beautiful fish, and to share with family and friends back home.
