The Hawaii Superferry Alakai Arrives
Aloha,
If you’ve been keeping up with news in the Islands, you may be aware that the new Superferry, the Alakai, arrived at its dock at Pier 19 in Honolulu on June 30th. This is the first time ever that vessel service has been offered among the Islands. Initial service is between Oahu – Maui and Oahu – Kauai with future service to the Big Island. Huge controversy surrounded, and still surrounds the arrival of this vessel and this type of transportation. Opponents were upset due to the lack of an environmental impact study, others felt it will carry invasive species throughout the Islands and still others fear that our roads and beaches will simply become overcrowded as passengers disembark from the Ferry heading for all the favorite surf spots. Those in favor welcome an alternative form of transportation which will enable them to travel to other Islands with their vehicles, if desired.
The purpose of this post is not to discuss or present the pros and cons, but rather to simply inform you of the Alakai’s arrival. The Alakai, which means ocean path, will service Oahu and Maui daily and Oahu and Kauai every day but Saturday with an estimated travel time of 3 hours.
Just for fun, I logged on to the website and inquired about travel from Kauai to Oahu. Unfortunately, the vessel departs from Kauai at 7 PM arriving on Oahu at 10 PM. The return was a little more pleasant, departing at 3 PM and arriving at 6 PM. Round trip fare is $268.10 with my car. An energy surcharge which is calculated monthly based on the price of fuel is added to both the passenger and vehicle fare. It will be interesting to see how the Alakai fits into the transportation scheme of things and how it impacts the Islands. For information on the Superferry click here. www.hawaiisuperferry.com.
A hui ho!
Aloha,
Elaine Schaefer
sold@hawaii.rr.com
808 639 2935
www.kauauiforsale.com
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