Hawaii Superferry gains popularity

The Hawaii Superferry sails past Diamond Head at 6:30 a.m.

The Hawaii Superferry was introduced to our state in 2007.  Oahu residents were generally excited about the new mode of transportation for the islands.  Residents of the outer islands (Kauai, Maui and the Big Island) were not all so enthusiastic.  It's not that every outer island resident disliked the Superferry, but when a new cause came around and gave residents an opportunity to band together, they went for it.

History of the Hawaii Superferry

The Superferry idea was conceived around the year 2001 by a group of investors with Hawaii roots.  The plan was to offer affordable interisland transit that allowed residents to take their personal vehicles between the islands.

The Alakai Superferry was constructed and arrived in Hawaii on June 30, 2007.  Inaugural voyages from Honolulu to Maui and Kauai were scheduled to begin in August.  Protesters went to court, asking why the State of Hawaii did not require an Environmental Assessment for the Superferry.  Along with that were questions about politics, the "old boy network" supporting the Superferry, etc.

Service to Maui began on August 26, 2007.  On August 27, a Maui judge blocked further service until a determination would be made as to whether an Environmental Assessment would be conducted.

The Kauai voyage turned out even worse.  When the Superferry arrived at Nawiliwili Harbor on August 28, 2007, hundreds of protesters in boats, on surfboards and swimming in the water met them with the intent of preventing the Superferry from docking.  After nearly three hours, the Coast Guard told the Superferry captain that they could not guarantee safe passage to Nawiliwili Harbor.  The Superferry turned around and went back to Honolulu.  The Superferry returned the following day and was again forced to turn around due to angry protests.  Superferry officials suspended service to Kauai and now a year later, the Superferry still has not returned to Kauai.

The State Legislature held a special session and in late October 2007 approved a bill allowing large capacity ferry vessels to operate between ports.  On November 14, 2007 the injunction was listed and the Hawaii Superferry restarted operations between Oahu and Maui.

Recent developments affect the Superferry

We all know where the price of fuel has gone since 2007.  In March 2008, Aloha Airlines ceased passenger operations in Hawaii.  At that time, many people were blaming upstart go! airlines for the failure.  The problem was more likely the cost of fuel. 

Interisland airfares are now back where they were before go! entered the Hawaii market, around $150 per roundtrip.  Airfare increase plus surcharges for luggage have driven many new customers to the Hawaii Superferry.  Business is better now than ever before.

Try the Superferry

I haven't had the opportunity to ride the Superferry yet.  It takes a few hours to get between Oahu and Maui, this is not the most efficient way to make a roundtrip in a day.  If you're heading to or from Maui for the weekend, it makes more sense as you won't need to rent a car. 

The current cost of a roundtrip for two adults and a car is around $400, comparable to the cost of airfares and a rental car.  Add the benefit of hauling personal items in the car, avoiding costly rental car insurance plus the scenery between the islands and it makes for a great deal!  Several customers moving to and from Maui have hauled furniture and personal belongings on the Superferry with satisfaction.  Check it out sometime!

Call Mike Bates for Hawaii homes

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