Hawaii Vacation Island-hopping
A Ferry Provides Inter-island Service for Maui, Oahu, and Kauai
Aug 8, 2007
Vacations in the Hawaiian islands typically entail staying on one island, be it Maui, Kauai, or Oahu. Island hopping has always been harder than it sounds. Sure, a family can air travel between islands - it takes less than an hour to get from the Big Island to Kauai, and those are the two that are the most far apart in the island chain. But who wants to deal with the annoyances of air travel in the middle of a tropical vacation? It can really dampen a mood. Another option recently available is the Hawaii Superferry. Connecting three islands - Oahu, Maui, and Kauai - the Hawaii Superferry allows for overnights on different islands from the vacation "home base."
The Hawaii Superferry has one high speed catamaran, and plans to have another by 2009, that will service Hawaii's Big Island. In the meantime, the ferry runs between Oahu and Maui in the morning, and Oahu and Kauai in the afternoon. With base fares starting at $44 each way (plus variable fuel surcharge), the three-hour trips don't save much money and definitely take more time than island hopping by plane. However, the ride is scenic and lovely, and there is incidental whale-watching during the winter. Travelers usually have to pay extra for that sort of experience. Also, the play area for children and game room for teens ensure that kids can entertain themselves on board, and the four large flat-screen TVs go a long way for everyone, if the weather's bad.
Hawaii Superferry Details:
- The catamaran is 350 feet long and can carry 866 passengers.
- There is a bar and cafe, with tables and chairs
- The game room has a video arcade
- For an extra $20, premium guests get more comfortable seats in the bow, at the Hahalua Lounge.
- Premium guests also get a complimentary snack and drink.
- Non-premium passengers can avail themselves of the Surfbreak Lounge at the stern, which also has the Hawaii Superferry's outdoor deck.
- There is room on the ferry for up to 282 cars.
- The crew of 12 includes captains, the chief mate, engineer and cook.
- This is a high-speed ferry, cruising at 35 knots.
Ports of Call:
- The Honolulu Ferry Terminal in Oahu
- The Kahului Ferry Terminal in Maui
- The Nawiliwili Ferry Terminal in Kauai
Now, this ferry, being a catamaran, has no exposed propellers. This makes it safe for seals, whales, and other marine mammals that can sustain serious injuries from boat propellers. The Hawaii Superferry also doesn't use ballast tanks (small marine animals can unintentionally hitch rides in ballast water, allowing them to spread invasively between islands). The commitment to sustaining Hawaii's unique environment is admirable for a new business venture.
The Hawaii Superferry is a comfortable ship, and the three-hour trip between islands can be as relaxing or exciting as a traveler desires. This ferry helps expand the Hawaii vacation experience: Stay on Maui, which is considered the best tropical island vacation spot in the world, but spend an overnight in Oahu for the shopping, or overnight on Kauai to try out its award-winning golf courses. Hawaii has never looked better.
UPDATE: The Hawaii Superferry has recently had trouble with protesters.
UPDATE: Hawaii Superferry Legal Woes
Related, on Suite 101:
Luxury Family Vacations in Hawaii
Best Hotels and Resorts in Maui
Airports and Ports of Call in Maui
Copyright Jennifer Miner and Suite 101. All rights reserved.
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