Interesting, when I was a kid I had the good fortune to travel between Hawaii and the Mainland on both the Lurline and her sister ship, the Matsonia. (Also once on the P&O liner, the Oronsay.) Back then it was not that unusual. They had airline flights, but back then it was either turbo-prop or maybe early jets, and it was a pretty uncomfortable and long plane trip. (Plus of course everyone dressed up in suits and nice dresses to travel in those days!)
If you are ever in the Bay Area, Filoli is worth a tour. It is a little-known architectural gem with gorgeous gardens around it.