Review of the Hawaii Super Ferry!
August 8th, 2008 categories: Rants & Riffs
Two weeks ago my family took a weekend trip on the Hawaii Super Ferry. It was a refreshing way to travel as we could load our car with all of the things we needed or wanted for the weekend. I even loaded my cappuccino machine (and probably saved $20 by making my own latte’s) because as you know from my previous post, I make the best latte’s on the island (at least in my opinion). We showed up about an hour before departure and found the staff to be pleasing and helpful. After checking in we lounged in our car waiting to board. Once loaded there is a very nice enclosed upper deck that has two eateries, a gift shop and lots of comfortable seating with tables to spread out on. I saw people working on computers and I am told that have wireless Internet access too. Three outside viewing areas are available with one on each side, allowing standing only, and a rear viewing area has seating. There is a first class available, but I did not wonder up to check it out.
To me this form of travel harkens back to a time when things were a little less harried. My family and I were able to sit comfortably, chat, play games, sleep and generally relax. In addition, we all met a few very nice fellow travelers. I have not taken an inter-island cruise, however, the Super Ferry offers perspectives of Oahu, Lanai, Molokai and Maui without having to commit to a weeklong cruise. Upon arriving in Kahalui, we were on our way to Lahaina within 5 minutes of docking. In a weird sense, driving my own car made the trip to Maui feel like I was at home (in a good way) and made the trip much more relaxing and pleasant.
One of the great things about going this way is the amount of stuff you can bring is limited only by the size of your car. If I wanted, I could have brought my surfboard, diving gear, fishing gear and just about anything else I desired. There are not worries that your liquid containers are too big, or if your heirloom finger nail clippers are at risk. No extra charges for bags or having to walk through a metal detector.
What are the downsides? As I see it there are three.
1. If you’re prone to sea sickness, be sure to come prepared with remedies, as some of those who didn’t plan appeared not to feel well.
2. I suggest that you travel during day light hours. We returned on the late run and found that the darkness took away our ability to fix our sight on the horizon. With the constant motion of the ship, the lack of a horizon could make it more difficult to fight off seasickness.
3. If you need to get to Maui fast…fly. It took us a pleasant 5 hours each way. So this mode of transport might not be best for a day excursion.
So how does this effect Honolulu real estate? I am hopeful that the Ferry succeeds, because it gives us a truly alternative way to get to Maui. One of my fundamental beliefs is that alternatives add value to real estate. Directly or indirectly I believe the Super Ferry adds value to living in Honolulu and therefore to Honolulu real estate. If anything, it give Honolulu-ites another way to get to Maui to buy Krispy Crème donuts!
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no, no, Keahi, should be “gives Honolulu-ites a chance to buy” Komoda’s, not Krispy Kreme – hey! Makes me crazy on the plane all the time, Maui has become known for something that is so NOT MAUI!
and all those people standing in line at the new Zippy’s in Kahului should just get on the Superferry and go to the Zippy’s on Nimitz!
I haven’t tried the ferry yey as I’m one of those who gets very seasick, yeah, even tho’ I was born living on a sailboat.