This is one of only two theatrically-released cartoons to feature all five of the so called "Fab Five": the collective group name for Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. The only other such film is Mickey patine (1935).
The first Mickey Mouse Cartoon and Disney film over all distributed by RKO Radio Pictures ending a long contract with United Artists.
This short was studied for its watercolor backgrounds of Hawaii when Lilo & Stitch (2002), also set in Hawaii, was in pre-production.
This cartoon is the origin of "goofy footed" which is the technical term for a right foot forward stance on a surf board, skate board, or snowboard. In this cartoon, Goofy rides with his right foot forward.
Film Daily, Friday, October 15, 1937: Hawaiian Holiday, a Walt Disney Mickey Mouse short, released by RKO Radio Pictures has won the prize for best short subject offered by the International Film Exhibition in Venice, Italy. This is the fourth consecutive time that a Disney subject has won this award.