What’s the controversy about Hawaii Superferry (HSF)? Is this a must-do or something to avoid on your upcoming Hawaiian vacation?
This week HSF announced a second daily trip from Oahu to Maui. When their second ship arrives in 2009, they will attempt to restart Kauai service and to add the Big Island. As a side-note, it was reported today that there were only between 25 and 35 cars (282 car capacity) on the ferry, which does not bode well for its financial viability.
Background and the controversy. Most Hawaii residents were excited when first learning of the Superferry several years ago. At that time, airfares were almost double the current $49. Since then, however, Go! Airlines came on the scene, which increased service and reduced prices.
Many people also feel that HSF made serious mistakes, including questionable deals with the administration to avoid doing an environmental impact study and a purported covert military link. HSF also failed to communicate with residents and to take other measures to allay valid fears that include:
• Injury to our beloved humpback whales.
• Introduction of invasive species (including Coqui frogs, etc.).
• Transportation security.
• Damage to the environment by over-fishing and removal of other natural resources.
It’s not hard to see why HSF has been met with such problems on Maui and Kauai. Protesters and concerned citizen groups turned back the ferry, and got the courts to order an all-too-late environmental impact study, which is now underway.
Superferry Positives:
• Introductory price: $39/person and $55/car until June 5, for tickets purchased through March 31.
• Experience an inter-island boat trip.
Superferry Negatives:
• Time for the crossing to Maui is 3 hours vs. 22 minutes by air.
• Limited and less convenient timing.
• Car rental issues. Only some car rental companies permit Superferry transport, as well as pickup/drop-off issues and extra charges. Be sure to prearrange.
• Discomfort (many passengers have reported seasickness in the rough crossing).
• Not green: HSF uses 3x more fuel per person than flying.
Does Hawaii Superferry present a viable alternative to inter-island air travel for visitors? As it appears to us, perhaps not at this time.
