Hawaii Superferry to Sail on December 1st Despite Protests From Residents

If you plan to travel in Hawaii, whether you're a resident or visitor to the islands, there is some good news today, according to the Honolulu Advertiser. The happy note, at least to some, is that the Hawaii Superferry, held back from operating due to environmental impact concerns and public protests, will commence operations on Dec 1 with service to Maui. Superferry officials will offer a $29 one-way fare for travel to and from Maui from December 1 through the 21st. The cost to take a passenger vehicle each way is $55. The cost to ship a motorcycles or mopeds is $35. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Superferry website.

One-way fares for passengers will increase to $39 after 12/21.Vehicle shipping costs will remain the same. According to the Advertiser, the Superferry can carry up to 866 passengers and 282 vehicles. Company officials say they expect an average sail to have 400 passengers and 100 vehicles. The Ferry will set sail from Honolulu at 6:30 a.m. daily, arriving on Maui three hours later. The return sail to Honolulu departs Maui at 11 a.m.

Unless protesters prevail, the Superferry also will eventually service the island of Kauai. However, no date has been set for sailings to begin there. According to the Superferry website, the company is "working with the community on Kauai and listening to their concerns." For anyone interested, the potential negative impact of the Superferry on the island of Kauai is discussed at this site.

If you are a local resident traveling with a companion and contemplating the travel costs of a trip to Maui (hotel costs not included), consider the following. With the introductory rate of $29, the two of you to travel from Oahu to Maui for a three-day stay with your own automobile before 12/21 will pay $254.00 in total for the round trip. After 12/21, when the rates increase, you'll pay $296 for the round trip with your vehicle.

In comparison for the same three-day stay on Maui, if you take one of the local airlines (Hawaiian, Aloha, or Go!) you will pay $179 for for roundtrip airfare. Add to that $140 for three days of car rental fees (based on the lowest rate available on a search at expedia.com), and the total cost will run $319.

Note that if you are a local traveler taking your own vehicle and plan to stay longer than a few days, your out-of-pocket costs drop by taking the Super Ferry due to less money being spent for ground transport.

If you are a visitor to the islands and have to rent a car, your best bet money- and time-wise is to fly.

In any case, consider the pros and cons of the Superferry. On my next trip to Maui, which could be prior to 12/21, my wife and I may try the Superferry. We'll see how it goes and I'll report about our trip here.