May 09 2008
Hawaii Superferry: Best Deal For Summer Travel
If you’ve followed Beat of Hawaii, sit down for this one.
So much has changed in travel since our January 5 and subsequent posts in which we could not support Superferry as a viable alternative to inter-island air travel. Here are our current updates and recommendations:
1. $49 summer fare. With Superferry’s announcement today of a reduced $49 fare valid through September 30, and no added fuel surcharge, it’s now the undisputed low cost option for summer travel between Oahu and Maui. The total round-trip is $108/pp.
2. Second departure added. Superferry sails once daily in each direction, with an added afternoon/evening sailing on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
3. Fly instead? If you prefer to fly, Hawaiian and Go! are still offering a $54 fare (total round-trip of $120/pp). Keep in mind that while that is the lowest fare, pricing for many departures is significantly higher. If your times are flexible, you should have no problem getting the $54 fare, but be sure to book early.
4. Bring your rental car. If you want to bring a car on Superferry, that will add $146 total round-trip. While that may not make sense financially, it’s fantastic in terms of vacation convenience. The car rental companies which permit you to take a car onboard include Hertz, Alamo/National and Thrifty/Dollar. Check with each company on their rules.
5. Calmer ocean conditions during summer. Another big plus is that ocean swells during the summer months are typically much less, so you are not as likely to encounter the “vomit barge” we saw during the winter.
6. Oahu to Maui only. Superferry has no plans to resume operations to Kauai at this time.
7. Environmental issues. The Superferry continues to consume massive amounts of fuel in comparison with flying. But chances are at least for the summer, they’ll be sailing with or without you, so it may not matter. Lastly, our humpback whales have headed north to Alaska for the summer, and there is no danger of the Superferry harming them due to its high speed.
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