The day we have been waiting for is here. Our new ship the Alakai arrived this afternoon in Honolulu Harbor with an entourage of helicopters, coast guard vessels, and a fireboat with water cannons blazing.
I and a few 100 of the local faithful waited at Sand Island State Park next to the entrance of Honolulu Harbor to see the arrival of our long awaited inter-island ferry. Cameras and tripods were at the ready. It was a beautiful day to get the perfect pictures. If I was a better photographer I may have gotten them. We will have to settle for the few decent shots I got.
With helicopters overhead the Alakai entered Honolulu Harbor, passing a large cruise liner and Aloha Tower and finally making it to its new home at Pier 19.
The Alakai will still be undergoing coast guard trials and inspections for the next few weeks. It will begin operations between, Oahu, Kauai and Maui the end of the summer.
For more information on the Hawaii SuperFerry check out their website: http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com/
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Those pictures were pretty cool! I think I want to try the interisland thing .....
Sally - I can't wait. I will be taking the car with us.
Nice pics I like the Fireboat shot. This sure will help the islands economy. I think more people will travel easier between islands.
Randy! Fantastic shots! Love the Coast Guard Helicopter one the best! I wish they would have had this ferry when I was there, I may have seen more. How cool. Thanks for going to greet her and sharing with us.
I can't get over all the cranes in the background for building, that area was pretty full when I left in 87..
Agreed. The photos are great. I bet alot of people will find this post when they look for it. Have you thought of including the fares and contact phone number?
Nice photos Randy...good piece for localism. I wonder if it is like the ferry from NY to NJ...when I lived in NY all the commuters to the city rode on the ferry. When I was a kid...we used to ride on the Circle line...no idea if it is still in existence.
Jay - It will definitely help the economy and provide additional emergency response between the islands it is servicing. We can send people and equipment and quickly.
Lysa - I have been looking forward to her arrival. I wouldn't have missed it.
Chris - I have posted them on other posts. I may make a new one to updater everyone. They are now selling tickets.
Neal - This is much high tech compared to anything back then. This ship is made for traveling over open water at high speed and will be extremely luxurious inside.
Randy, great photos. Just curious... do you have ferry pricing already? Seems like a much more fun way to travel between the islands.
I cant wait! The competition is good between the inter island air carriers and I hope this will help to keep the airfares at their current low prices. Did you notice any outriggers on the ferry? I figured maybe I could get in some fishing on the way to the big island!
Yes, I saw this on the news! I think it's a great thing, despite some of the controversy. I think it will keep rental car prices competitive if less people will rent, and keep airlines fares low (although they have been pretty low lately!) Nice pictures Randy.
Randy, Looking forward to your first trip aboard and the photos :) Do you have an idea when you'll be cruising? Let Neal know the Circle Line is still going in NYC!
Irina - Here are the rates:
Passengers (all fares are one-way and per passenger)*
Vehicles are charged separately, see next section for Vehicle rates.
(off-peak, peak)
Off-peak days: Tuesdays through Thursdays
Peak days: Friday through Monday
Vehicles (all rates are one-way)*
Passengers are charged separately, see above section for Passenger fares.
(off-peak, peak)
(less than 17' long, 8' high)
(less than 20' long, 8' high)
Off-peak days: Tuesdays through Thursdays
Peak days: Friday through Monday
Walk-on Passenger Baggage (all rates are one-way)*
David - I think it will be moving a little too fast to keep the bait in the water.
Pete - I think it is great for the islands and I am looking forward to riding it.
Lysa - It will not be sailing between the islands until the end of summer. They will still be doing Coast Guard approvals until them.
Pretty cool looking boat....
How fast does it go? I couldn't find any info on that. Looks like it scoots pretty good though!!
Randy, you are going to have to do a blog about your first ride on the new SuperFerry. I am sure that it will be a great experience.
Randy, this remember me New York, I Have had very good time there, :) thanks for sharing this info :P
My guess is this will make transportation much nicer for a lot of people - thanks for sharing these great photos
Tom - I do not know the top speed, but it is supposed to be really fast.
George - I am looking forward to it.
Ray - You will need to visit Hawaii and take a ride on this ship.
Thesa - The sports teams are looking forward to bringing all of their gear with them. Our canoe and motorcycle clubs will be regulars also. I have a couple of friends in the Corvette Club. They will be bringing a bunch of Vettes on the first voyage.
Randy,
As others have said, great photos. This does look like it will provide a pretty cool ride! Another thing to do while in Hawaii? One day I will get there but in the interim your posts keep me in the know!
Randy, thanks for the prices... This makes it so much more easier and fun travelling between islands. Thanks again!!!
Hi Randy - I love these pictures, and that boat is a lot bigger than it looked in the first pictures. I would think inter-island travel would definitely increase with a boat like that. Thanks for sharing the pictures you took!
Ann
Gary - I will do another post later in the summer, when I get to ride it.
Irina - It will be fun for sure.
Ann - I think especially for the locals, who want to bring their vehicle and gear.
Cool pics - the water looks inviting (this from a longtime diver).
Jeff - I gave up diving when I had a big barracuda encounter followed by a Hammerhead Shark the size of a whale.
Randy--Don't knock your skills as a photographer...Your pictures were beautiful!
Teri - Thank you
Looks like it since your state probably has very hi tech equipment for the military..since you guys have a lot of military relos there and bases located close by.
Neal - This is strictly a private enterprise, but it is the state of the art.
Randy.... not only was it a nice day, but that is one SUPER BIG ferry.... wow... thanks for sharing this.
Jeff - You are welcome
Cool photos. Thanks. Haven't commented on your work in a while... so we're subscribing to make sure we're more consistent with you. Have enjoyed what you've had to say before.
Gary - That is very nice of you. Thank you.
Randy, the only time I was in Hawaii (and of course I never wanted to leave!), we took a plane; how much more fun will the ferry be! Very cool, the photos are wonderful.
Carole - I am really looking forward to riding it. I agree it will be a lot of fun.
Randy, It will be amazing :) one day not so far, I will be there and call you to get a the super ferry
Ray - You should plan on January for the CRS Sell-a-bration. I will be putting together an Active Rain gathering during the same time.