Regent’s full-scale Viceroy Seaglider prototype is entering a new phase, with actual crewed sea trials scheduled in the next 90 days. Traveling at speeds of up to 180 mph, this innovative electric vessel is poised to reshape interisland travel. Hawaiian Airlines and other airline partners have already placed significant orders for Seagliders, marking a major step toward eco-friendly, faster transport options for the islands.
Seaglider plans to transform interisland travel.
Hawaii Travel is uniquely positioned to benefit from the Seaglider. As we highlighted in previous articles, such as “New Maui Ferry Plans + Upcoming Seaglider: Double Boost to Hawaii Travel?“, this technology promises to reduce emissions, cut down travel time, and offer a greener alternative to existing ferry and air services.
Comments from our recent articles have expressed excitement about this development. In “Hawaii Seaglider Flies Forward with Major Airline Partners and State Support,” readers like Mary-Frances commented, “Wow, can’t wait to try it!” This excitement is shared across Hawaii’s community, as the Seaglider promises a breakthrough in sustainable transportation.
The Viceroy is Regent’s smaller vehicle, designed to carry up to 12 passengers. It serves as the precursor to its larger Monarch sibling, which will feature a capacity of about 100 passengers and is slated to follow the Viceroy’s sea trials. The Monarch will target higher-demand routes, similar to what Interisland flights currently do, offering expanded capacity while still maintaining Seaglider’s eco-friendly and high-speed ability.
Environmental concerns remain among key issues.
Despite the overwhelming enthusiasm, significant concerns persist. In the same article, Lorrie warned, “Please do marine life safety studies before we kill even more marine animals.” These concerns echo past anxieties similar to the Hawaii Superferry project, and highlight the need for robust environmental impact studies to ensure marine ecosystems remain protected.
In our article “Japan Airlines Joins Hawaiian Airlines: $7 Billion REGENT Seaglider Fleet,” readers like John W. pointed out the potential hazard to migrating whales and swimmers: “Any vessel traveling at high speed can be said to be a hazard.” These concerns must be addressed for the project to succeed in Hawaii’s delicate marine environment.
2024: A pivotal year for Hawaii travel innovation.
Looking ahead, the end of 2024 could be a watershed moment for Hawaii’s global and interisland travel. In tandem with the Seaglider’s sea trials, Boom Supersonic is also preparing for its first supersonic flights. With both advancements converging, Hawaii travel is positioned at the forefront of a revolution that may include faster, greener solutions. As we look forward to these developments together, it’s clear that Hawaii’s transportation future is on the brink of being redefined.
For more information on Regent’s progress, check their full press release here.
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I remember the super ferry. This probably would take more than 1 hour. Looking at 3 to 5 hours from Honolulu to Kaua’i. I know this is an athletic state. So I can say it. The way to advertise this is to keep voting for failure athletic politicians like we have now. The new Aloha stadium. And place these failures all over Hawai’i then have people think. Do we really want a new travel means. If it’s favorable, place the travel into law. Allowed to make money like that for Hawai’i only. This will be a big thing for locals only. A better way of traveling interislands. 2028 is up. The Aloha Stadium games. The locals will like this. So choose your “failures in sports”, and this i think will happen. Good? You decide? Profits. I’d run with it. And advertise it. Skies the limit when you know sales. Thanks!
Unless SW separates boarding and bagged claims from the existing processes, those processes will add twice the flight time to the total travel times.
Here we go again (remember the Hawaii Superferry’s failure to do an EIS). This BOH article points out that this new airline service is expected to begin sooon. However, there is no indication that an adequate environmental impact statement has been prepared or is even being proposed.
An EIS is Required because there will be changes to the state’s harbors, among other potential environmental triggers. There will be concerns about parking for the air passengers, transportation facilities (taxis, rent-a-cars, access roads) from the harbor to where people may want to go, interference with other harbor facilities, etc.
It would be nice to know where on Maui the plane will land. Kahului Harbor is full of ships, surfers, canoe clubs, etc. That is why an EIS is essential.
Exactly! I can’t see this working in Kona at all. Kailua Bay is an extremely busy place with all sorts of watersport activities. Kona Pier would have to be seriously reconfigured unless they plan to shuttle passengers to/from by zodiac. Also, where to land during Northwest winter swells? The lack of more substantial information is frustrating.
I still don’t understand how sea gliders will serve islands where there are few sheltered harbors.
It sounds amazing, but more questions than answers. Will these flights be affordable for locals – did someone say $30? Lol. Interisland travel is getting more expensive by the day.
I think it’s about time we diversity interisland travel. Hawaiian Airlines getting involved may be a good sign. I hope it works out because I’d rather a Seaglider than deal with airports any day!
Has anyone addressed the safety concerns yet? High-speed vessels like these could be a hazard — starting with marine life. And how will they handle the unpredictable weather and sometimes high seas between islands?
I hope this doesn’t end up like the Superferry. It’s a cool idea, but I vividly remember the backlash and environmental concerns from that.
I have my doubts about this. Technologies like eVTOL aircraft are developing quickly and can land just about anywhere. Seagliders sound great for now, but are they going to be outdated before they start?
Interesting development, but where exactly will these Seagliders take off and land? They’re not using airports, so I assume marinas or ports will be involved. Have there been any discussions about building the necessary infrastructure?
While the idea is exciting, I’m really concerned about the impact on marine life, especially whales. We’ve seen what happened with the Superferry, and I hope Regent is taking marine safety seriously with proper studies before anything moves forward.
Can someone explain how a vehicle large enough to carry 100 passengers traveling 100 + mph on the surface of the ocean can avoid hitting sea mammals, turtles etc.? Its source of power doesn’t matter. It’s Ballistic (look it up if you don’t understand the meaning ) and will have enough kinetic energy to destroy whatever it touches.
Using Long Beach CA as a hub, travelers could visit San Diego in an hour or Catalina in 30 minutes.
Trips to Monterey or San Francisco might be only two hours.
And the views would be spectacular.
Please do not let this happen, the seas do not belong to us.
Haven’t we messed up their (everything that depends on the sea) environment.
We hear all kinds of “talk” from politicians about respect for the ocean and people. But money always talks and the oceans and the people suffer the consequences.
As Greg Kaufman would say “save the whales”.
Mahalo,
Tom & Beth
I am all for progress, but….. The video of the Regent Seaglider is almost unnerving. I will not be an early adapter, but you two can be the guinea pigs. Yes, could be an inter-island game changer – but I am thinking about the infrastructure that will need to come with it. Unless they can integrate into existing airports (along the water) they will need custom docks , TSA checkpoints, baggage systems, rental cars. Using existing ports (Kahului, for instance) that also means ground transportation to OGG terminal. Time waster.