The Alakai Hawaii Superferry’s first vessel serving the islands of
Maui, Kauai and Oahu recently departed Los Angeles Harbor after
refueling and is on the last leg of her journey home.
When the Alakai arrives in Hawaii, Oahu residents will have the
opportunity to view her from shore as she approaches Honolulu
Harbor. Prior to the start of service, the crew will conduct route
familiarization and training voyages for certification by the U.S.
Coast Guard. The community will also have the opportunity to board
the Alakai during free community preview events while she’s in port
on the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii.
Hawaii Superferry will offer daily service between Maui and Oahu
and between Kauai and Oahu six days a week (Sunday-Friday). The
travel time for the routes is three hours each way. A second ferry
is scheduled for 2009, with service between the Island of Hawaii
and Oahu, a four-hour and 15-minute voyage, and a second daily
Oahu-Maui roundtrip will be offered.
The vessel was christened with the name “Alakai,” which in Hawaiian
translates as “ocean path,” in honor of Hawaii’s rich history of
navigation and marine travel. Hawaii Superferry aims to connect the
islands, communities and people by providing an affordable and
convenient interisland travel and transportation alternative.
From hula halau to sports teams, people can travel with their gear,
work equipment, pets, and even horses, in their own cars, vans or
trucks.
Hawaii Superferry’s environmentally friendly, energy-efficient,
specially designed catamarans meet or exceed government standards
for protecting Hawaii’s islands and the ocean, according to
officials.
www.hawaiisuperferry.
