New Hawaii Submarine Shuttle Tale Sparks Massive Internet Buzz

Last week, we got alerted to a Facebook post that alleged a new interisland submarine was being launched that would be connecting Maui and Oahu. Crazy idea, right? Or perhaps an early April Fool’s. Well, since then, the notion has gotten a whole lot of notoriety, and today, it went even further.

The post from a fan page entitled The State of Hawaii announced that a “Submarine Shuttle Service Launched Between Oahu and Maui: A Revolutionary Underwater Journey.” It was popular enough to have garnered 10k reactions, 9k shares, and 2,600 comments since it was published. At first, it looks real, but then look at the state seal attached that says, “We Go Surf.”

The post said Subsea Transit Inc. was launching a “submarine shuttle service” between Oahu and Maui. Who wouldn’t be at least curious about the idea? It caught our attention.

What it reported would be a “unique and cost-effective alternative to traditional air and sea travel, while providing an unforgettable underwater experience” turned out to be nothing more than a spoof. In that regard, Snopes, which calls itself the “Definitive Internet reference source for researching urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation,” also just chimed in.

The now obviously fake “state-of-the-art submarine,” the “Aqua Voyager,” was said to be preparing to begin service for up to 100 passengers per voyage while providing comfort and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

In a further entertainment move, the page announced that the company’s CEO, “Dr. Marina Deepwater,” said the company would provide the 115-mile underwater journey in four hours. The Facebook page said pricing for the submarine service would be “on par with high-end ferry services.”

Hawaii is, however, truly starved for alternative transportation.

Hawaii faces severe interisland transportation challenges due to its geography and infrastructure limitations. The distance between islands and the high cost of developing and maintaining infrastructure pose significant obstacles to the development of alternative interisland transportation. So it comes as no surprise that this page and post, apparently entirely designed to entertain, caught tens of thousands of people by surprise.

Hawaii’s existing transportation system via air travel has long been entrenched. It is “the bus” for those of us who live here. Its ease, familiarity, and relatively low cost make for a less urgent need for alternative transportation solutions. And yet, there is still a need and a desire for something different.

Don’t rock the Hawaii interisland flight boat.

What is indeed on the horizon, however, is the Seaglider Initiative. If successful, which remains to be seen for many reasons, it would be a complete disruptor to interisland transportation. That project, which is being supported by the airlines, including both Hawaiian and Southwest, is due to launch by the end of the decade.

While there have long been discussions, proposals, and attempts to achieve alternative interisland transportation, including the Superferry, these initiatives have all faced many obstacles, from financial to environmental and resistance from residents and existing transport providers. It isn’t clear whether Seaglider will meet the same fate, especially given its airline and multi-industry backing.

In conclusion, it’s no wonder that this spoof would have garnered so much interest despite it being entirely false and misleading. That being said, Hawaii’s challenges to establishing alternative interisland transportation options due to unique geography, entrenched transportation systems, economic considerations, and infrastructure continue to cause great interest in potential developments.

Snopes take on Hawaii submarine.

In its investigation, here’s what Snopes had to say: Our research uncovered no company named SubSea Transit Inc. — certainly, at least, there is no company with that name that has successfully launched a submarine shuttle service in Hawaii. Because the post comes from an entertainment page pretending to be associated with the state of Hawaii, Snopes rates the announcement ‘False.'”

Furthermore, it’s interesting, if not strange, that Facebook allows the page to exist, given that it also spoofs the official State of Hawaii Facebook page.

Do you want alternatives to interisland flights?

Lead image: Facebook.