The Dole Air Race was organized to encourage advancements in aviation technology and establish faster transpacific air routes. Pilots competed for a prize offered by James Dole, who hoped to stimulate interest in air travel to Hawaii, which was becoming a popular tourist destination. The race began from Oakland, California, slated as a challenging flight of approximately 2,400 miles across the Pacific Ocean to the island of Oahu. It symbolized the growing ambition of the aviation industry in the late 1920s, as interest in long-distance flights surged following Charles Lindbergh's successful transatlantic flight in 1927.

As the race unfolded, the challenges of navigation over open water became evident. The competitors were subjected to mechanical failures, adverse weather conditions, and limited experience on such lengthy flights, many untested in a race context. Tragically, only two of the eight aircraft, the 'Bird of Paradise' and the 'Hawaii', managed to reach their destination safely, while the remaining six planes crashed or vanished without a trace, accentuating the dangers of early aviation.

This race had a profound impact on the perception of aviation safety and technology development. Despite its high casualty rate, the race highlighted risks associated with long-distance air travel, prompting further investments in aviation safety protocols and aircraft design. The tragic outcomes served as a catalyst for regulatory changes and better training for pilots, laying foundational work for the aviation industry's future advancements.