The Alakai

A New Seagoing Tradition for Hawai‘i

Graceful and bold, yet practical and sure--those are the qualities that marked the double-hulled canoes in which Polynesian adventurers crossed the Pacific centuries ago. And those are the qualities we've engineered into the Alakai, the catamaran-style ferry with which we are renewing those legendary marine highways. Hawai‘i was discovered and settled by maritime adventurers, and Hawaii Superferry’s new vessel draws its inspiration from this proud heritage. The ship has been carefully designed with respect to Hawai‘i's weather, ocean conditions and unique natural resources. Island residents, businesses, and visitors will all appreciate a new form of interisland transportation that’s both efficient and environmentally friendly. The Alakai incorporates the most up-to-date technologies, and it uses those to restore a freedom of interisland travel that’s hundreds of years old.

Construction

Hawaii Superferry’s vessels are designed and built by Austal USA, a subsidiary of Austal, an Australian company that’s one of the world’s largest builders of fast ferries. The Alakai incorporates the advanced marine technology and safety standards required of any vessel that serves in U.S. waters. The basic design, which has a superb record for safety and reliability, was adapted for Hawaii Superferry to best serve our passengers in Hawai‘i's unique environment. The Alakai enters service in 2007; the Alakai’s sister ship will launch in 2009.

One of the most important features is the ferry’s catamaran design – inspired by Polynesian double-hulled canoes – which enables family-friendly, high-speed transport over Hawai‘i's open ocean waters. Modern catamarans have revolutionized high-speed sea transport along European shores, linking Great Britain to Ireland and joining isolated communities along the Norwegian coast, and our ships will accomplish the same here.

The Alakai has satellite navigation systems that track the vessel’s position at all times. Automatic fire control systems are situated throughout, and all passenger and crew spaces incorporate fireproof and fire-resistant materials. The vessel’s two catamaran hulls include eight watertight compartments, and the Alakai has the most advanced evacuation and life-raft systems available.

Environmental Features

Hawaii Superferry is committed to serving Hawai‘i as an environmentally friendly seagoing operator and is mindful of its responsibility to all ocean life and each island’s unique ecosystem. The vessel’s design incorporates the latest in environmentally responsible maritime technology.

The ferry’s waterjet propulsion system has no exposed propellers, thus vastly increasing protection for marine mammals such as whales and Hawaiian seals.

The ferry will not discharge wastewater or any trash or other solid waste – these will all be carefully disposed of while the ship is docked in Honolulu. The hull features a unique non-toxic, specially slick paint that will keep unwanted aquatic hitchhikers from traveling across Hawai‘i's waters. Unlike conventional ships, the catamaran design does not require ballast tanks in which invasive species can catch a ride between our Islands.

Business-Friendly Features

Hawai‘i's small and medium-sized businesses are key to our state’s economy, and Hawaii Superferry is excited to provide opportunities for these enterprises to serve new interisland markets. The ferry’s business-friendly design includes high-ceilinged vehicle decks to accommodate large commercial vans and trucks, as well as power outlets for refrigerated produce and dairy trucks (at no extra charge).

Passenger Experience

The following amenities enhance the ease and economy of interisland travel aboard Hawaii Superferry:

• Panoramic vistas from our specially engineered passenger deck, which has a higher center section that offers a clear view, even from the middle of the ferry, through large floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Family seating that includes numerous inviting leather sofas paired with coffee tables, offering each family a separate seating section.
• Big-screen entertainment such as newly released movies, educational and Hawaiian-themed programming and live TV on four giant screens.
• Video games catering to the entertainment needs of young adults.
• Low-E glass that allows light in while moderating heat, keeping passengers cool and comfortable and shielding them from harmful UV rays.