UPDATE: NO MORE SUPERFERRY :(
Despite some major problems on both Kauai (due to local protesters on surfboards) and Maui (a temporary restraining order from the Hawaii Supreme Court, prohibiting entry into Maui's Kahului Harbor), the new Hawaii Interisland Superferry made its first scheduled passenger voyage this past Sunday. Passengers anticipating a pleasant 3 hour trip from Oahu to Kauai ended up spending at least an extra hour or so at sea, while the US Coast Guard assisted the boat with docking at Nawiliwili Harbor.
Based in Honolulu and departing from Honolulu Pier, downtown, the Superferry has planned to take passengers between three Hawaiian islands - Oahu, Kauai & Maui - with one round trip daily from Oahu to each Maui and Kauai. But Maui service was temporarily suspended with the Hawaii Supreme Court's order, which stated that the Department of Transportation made a mistake in allowing the Superferry to operate without environmental impact studies. A hearing on this matter will be held tomorrow. Kauai service was not suspended, however, and Superferry officials say that this service will continue uninterrupted.
If the Superferry service is not enjoined and if it survives the scrutiny of the environmental impact studies (which could take months or years to complete), this service will give Hawaii residents, businesses and tourists another alternative when planning interisland travel. The Superferry will compete for business with the inter-island airlines, which to this point, have been primary way most people travel around the Hawaiian islands and the interisland shipping companies. Despite the fact that the Superferry takes longer and could be costlier for travel than air travel (of course, all depending upon specials and promotions offered by both), autos are permitted on the Superferry, which makes it nice for both vacationers and business commuters who do not wish to rent a car at their destination. People moving from one island to another will also be able to pack up their car and move much more easily and inexpensively. The Superferry also offers local business-friendly features, such as high-ceilinged vehicle decks, to accommodate delivery trucks, and power outlets for refrigerated produce and dairy trucks, which can enable expansion of local businesses to multi-island markets.
The Superferry, named the Alakai, is an air-conditioned vessel, 350 feet long, with food service, a premium lounge area, a childrens' area and other comfortable areas to eat, relax, watch TV. The company plans to expand service with another vessel, in 2009, to include travel to and from the Big Island of Hawaii, and another round trip to Maui.
Currently, the schedule for service is as follows and special $5 one way fares are being offered, through September 5.
Check http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com/ for most current information, schedules and pricing:
Oahu/Kauai Service (daily)
Departs Honolulu, Oahu (to Kauai) at 3:00 PM
Arrives Nawiliwili Harbor at 6:00 PM
Departs Nawiliwili Harbor (to Oahu) at 7:00 PM
Oahu/Maui Service (daily)
Departs Honolulu, Oahu (to Maui) at 6:30AM
Arrive Kahului, Maui at 9:30AM
Departs Kahului, Maui (to Oahu) at 11:00AM.
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