A huge car ferry is about to bring the Hawaiian Islands closer.
When it starts service next month, the Hawaii Superferry will run daily three-hour voyages between Maui and Oahu, while connecting Kauai and Oahu six times per week. A second ferry, to start in 2009, will link the Island of Hawaii with Oahu, a trip of four hours and fifteen minutes, and offer a second daily Oahu-Maui roundtrip.
Named Alakai, a Hawaiian word that means ocean path, the ferry can carry people, pets and even horses plus their own vehicles, from cars to trucks.
The energy-efficient catamaran is about to complete its 7,600-mile maiden voyage from Mobile, Ala. to Hawaii via the Panama Canal. After refueling in Los Angeles, it will make the final leg of its historic voyage.
The initial crew included 12 Hawaii Superferry officers and crew, including seven Hawaii residents. Also on board were the companys director of marine operations, three Honolulu-based maintenance staff, three engine manufacturer representatives, and a cook.
All received extensive training prior to sailing for Hawaii.
Public tours of the Alakai will be offered when the ferry is in port this summer on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii.
Before the advent of the Hawaii Superferry, inter-island transportation around the seven major islands of the 50th state was most often made by plane.
