In recent months the Hawaii Superferry was met with heavy resistance by environmental groups and local citizens. Last year we saw a launch, a halt due to protests, a relaunch and cancellations due to rough surf. Despite a rough start, the Superferry added second voyages four days per week between Oahu and Maui, starting May 9, 2008. Passenger numbers appearto be up this summer on the 350-foot-long Alakai have seen a slow but steady “upwardincline,” according to Superferry officials.
DestinationVillas.com editor, Tori Milan states “the increase in Superferry riders is due to the loss of airline service, the economy and calmer seas in the spring and summer months. With the loss of service from Aloha and ATA Airlines, the Superferryhas become a reasonable inter-island travel alternative for locals and Hawaii tourists alike."
The 350-foot long Superferry offers passage between Hawaiian islands for up to 836 passengers. It is built for speed and comfort. Best of all, there is plenty of room to move about freely throughout the vessel. Passengers are invited to walk around, go exploring, shop or dine. An upscale décor enhances the mood and environment in which to enjoy your voyage. The Superferry is modern and confortable and offers:
Upscale Seating
Choose relaxing leather sofas, comfortable reclining armchairs, or restaurant-typedining seats. Armchairs along the sides and quiet nooks are also available forcomputer-users who want to take the time to catch up on work. Open seating.
Freedom to take your vehicle
Travel with us - you can bring your car, eliminating the need to check-in your luggage. Travel with the confidence that your valued items are not lost or mishandled. Whether it’s an extended stay or a day trip, we can accommodate avariety of passenger and commercial vehicles. Passengers drive their vehicles on and off the ferry and remain onboard during the voyage.
Dining
The Galley at the mid section of the vessel features dishes created with the finestlocal ingredients. An assortment of salads, sandwiches, soups, and sushi are afew of the items available. Surf Break Lanai is in the aft section of thevessel, where guests can enjoy a cold beverage and a selection of food choicesand entertainment on flat screen televisions featuring sports and localprogramming. The Hahalua Lounge, available for a $20 upgrade, offers extraspacious comfortable leather seating, as well as a complimentary welcome beverage, food item and newspaper.
Movies and Television
Thereare 34 wide-screen TVs for viewing movies, sports, and educational programming.A favorite gathering place is the Surf Break Lanai at the aft of the vessel.
Kids play area and arcade
There’s a play area for kids as well. The Manta Cove Playroom is a safe, contained area where children can enjoy activities under the supervision of their parents. The play room has highly durable foam pieces for toddler to climb over or sit onwhile they enjoy appropriate themed movies. There’s fun for the older kids aswell in the Video Game Room.
Shopping
The Calabash is a unique gift shop at sea that bridges the islands by offering a collection of exquisite items such as logo wear, spices, home ware, purses, lotions, soaps and toiletries that are "made in Hawaii." The shop is also stocked with newspapers, fresh fruits, snacks, and sundries.
Tourists visiting Hawaii can now travel between Maui and Honolulu on the Superferry, take their rental car and return back to their hotel or Hawaii vacation rental with ease.