At Lakedale, we’re all about celebrating the unique charm of the Pacific Northwest, where rugged beauty and rich maritime history intertwine.
Few stories embody this connection more than that of Motor Vessel (MV) Kalakala. Sleek, silver, and ahead of her time, this legendary ferry was more than just a way to cross Puget Sound—she was a floating symbol of innovation and pride for generations of Washingtonians.
MV Kalakala Sets Sail
As America grappled with the Great Depression, MV Kalakala’s bold, art deco design immediately turned heads in her 1935 debut. Named after the Chinook Jargon word for “flying bird,” Kalakala was both the largest and the fastest ferry on Puget Sound in her heyday, slicing through the water with ease thanks to a 3,000-horsepower diesel engine.
Aside from being a mode of transportation, however, the Kalakala ferry was also a testament to the ingenuity and spirit of the era, blending the cutting-edge technology and glamour of the 1930s. A central fixture of the Washington State Ferries system, Kalakala served equal parts function and flair to workers, tourists, and partygoers alike.
Her interior was just as impressive as her futuristic-looking shell, highlighted by a double horseshoe-shaped lunch counter and open-air rooms decorated with cane furniture. Separate lounges for men and women, along with several large observation decks, ensured the elegant Kalakala stood out from the crowd.
A Seattle Staple for Decades
MV Kalakala lived a lot of life during her 32-year run. Through times of war and peace (and across five U.S. presidential administrations), Kalakala was a constant presence on Puget Sound. In her first six years alone, over a million riders boarded Kalakala annually, stats that quickly cemented her standing as Washington’s most beloved ferry.
And yet, as advances in manufacturing and technology took off, Kalakala’s unique design became her eventual downfall. In her early years, the ferry could accommodate 110 automobiles, but by the mid-1960s, that number dwindled to just 60. With fewer passengers boarding, the ferry’s operating costs skyrocketed, and the sleek, streamlined shape that was so celebrated in the 30s began to raise serious sightline and safety concerns.
MV Kalakala’s Move to Kodiak, Alaska
An estimated 30 million passengers rode Kalakala before she sailed off into retirement in 1967. After her final voyage, the ferry was sold and relocated to Kodiak, Alaska, where she embarked on an entirely new chapter as a floating fish processor. (Not exactly glamorous, but certainly unique!)
In the early 1970s, and facing the need for expensive repairs, Kalakala was beached and repurposed as a cannery. Despite efforts to restore her to her former glory, this treasured piece of PNW history was scrapped in 2015, marking the end of a storied journey.
Kalakala’s Lasting Impact
MV Kalakala’s legacy will far outlast her dismantling. For so many in Seattle and beyond, Kalakala wasn’t just a ferry, but rather an icon of Washington state. Even today, Kalakala is a reminder of Seattle’s dynamic history—a prime example of the city’s innovation and creativity (and resiliency).
Talk about influential: she even has her own social media presence!
Nearly a century after her maiden voyage, Kalakala still captivates us—and why wouldn’t she? The love for this iconic ferry goes beyond her unique design and longevity. MV Kalakala is central to the personal history of generations of people, kept alive in stories from grandparents or memories of family trips across Puget Sound.
As Washingtonians, Kalakala holds a special place in our hearts. She’s a cherished piece of maritime history that feels distinctly Pacific Northwest, and we were certainly lucky to have claimed her as our own.
What about you? Did you ever ride on Kalakala or know someone who did? We’d love to hear your stories!
