Back in the 1970s, Hawaiians enjoyed SeaFlite, a ferry service that offered slow service, long delays, and ample opportunity to be seasick in Hawaii’s notoriously choppy channels. Since 1978, when SeaFlite closed, there has been no regular inter-island service among Hawaii’s islands. Until now.
Beginning July 1, Hawaii Superferry promises to zoom passengers in style aboard its 340-foot-long and 80-foot-wide catamaran-styled ferries. Capable of traveling up to 48 miles per hour, the Superferry can transport up to 900 people, 200 cars, and 15 trucks from Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. In 2009, the service will expand to the island of Hawaii.
While onboard, passengers can enjoy fine dining, a coffee/juice bar, live satellite TV (including Japanese programming), a video arcade, a children’s play area with a padded jungle gym, a business center (with free WiFi), a gift shop, and more. Throw some private rooms in there, and the SuperFerry is pretty much a destination unto itself.