Alakai riding in style

The Superferry Alakai impressed potential riders in its debut

By Brittany P. Yap / byap@starbulletin.com

About 4,000 people got a chance to walk the decks, sit in lounge chairs and contemplate whether traveling to the neighbor islands would be better by sea on the new Hawaii Superferry Alakai or by airplane.

Jaymi Nakashima from Honolulu said she was impressed with the design of the ferry and the comfortable atmosphere.

"It's nice and really roomy," said Nakashima. "It's more of a lounge feel. They have a skylight too."

No date has been set yet for the first commercial ferry trips between Honolulu and Maui and Honolulu and Kauai. But the company gave the general public its first preview of the new vessel yesterday.

Many people snapped pictures and took video of the inside of the ship to show family and friends.

Compared to air travel, the ferry will be more expensive and will take longer.

An advance-purchase one-way airline ticket between Honolulu and Maui costs $45, including tax, and the flight takes about a half-hour.

With a 30.8 percent fuel surcharge, one-way advan ce-purchase passage on the Superferry will cost $59. Bringing a car along will add about $75 each way. An interisland trip will take about three hours.

Potential passenger Fred Duennebier said it isn't worth using the ferry for a day trip or weekend. However, if a person wants to stay for a week and bring their own car, it may save money, he said.

"Too bad the prices for the Superferry are a lot higher than (the airline prices) right now," Duennebier said.

"There are a lot of open spaces for walking," said Fred's wife Terri. "Very comfortable and well laid out."

The couple tested out the premium seats and said that they would pay the extra $20 for the first-class view. They were excited to hear that passengers riding in the Hahalua Lounge also receive a free drink and food item.

There are two snack bars and a main dinning area for passengers to get local foods like musubi and manapua, as well as salads and sandwiches. Soda, juice, water, beer and wine will also be available.

The ship also boasts more than 35 flat-screen TVs to pass the time during the voyage.

Passengers can also get a little sun on the open-air aft deck. There is also a play area for children, a gaming arcade for teens, and a gift shop.

"I think it would be fun (to ride on)," said Andrew Box, a UH student who said he will use the ferry to take his car and go camping on the neighbor islands. "You can get a great view of the other islands."

For Paul Rogers, 69, who is hooked up to an oxygen tank, the ferry offers a more reliable way of getting around.

Rogers said he used to fly to the Big Island every three months to see his doctor, but sometimes pilots wouldn't allow his air tank onboard.

"(The Superferry) will be easier because it can accommodate the need for oxygen," he said.