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The busy life of Cha Thompson |
| She started dancing at age 6 and continued performing through the birth of her last child at age 32. Now, she co-manages Tihati, an entertainment empire that presents Polynesian dance revues at major hotels throughout the islands and across the Pacific. But, that’s not all she does. She lends her organizational skills and personality to major charities. However, she much prefers the company of her 11 grandchildren. |
The new cosmetic surgery |
| Think laser instead of scalpel for many procedures. Honolulu cosmetic surgeons discuss the latest techniques and give advice on how to find the right doctor for your needs. |
COLUMN:
Hawaii Superferry offers new way to travel inter-island
By Dianne Glei
Want to take in all the Aloha Festival activities on each island this fall and be able to drive your own vehicle while there? Starting in July, Hawai‘i residents get a new option for travel to the neighbor islands. It’s the Hawaii Superferry.
The initial service will be from Oahu to Maui and Kauai, with the Big Island added as a second ferry comes into service in 2009. This will make going to the Merrie Monarch Festival easier for halaus and spectators alike.
The Alakai, the first 350-foot Superferry, gives Hawai‘i residents the ability to take their vehicles with them to a neighbor island, saving the cost of renting a car and allowing them to drive off the ferry and head right to their destination without stopping at a rental car counter. And, they can load their vehicle with the family pet, a surfboard or a kayak on a roof rack for no additional charge.
Of
course, you also can just walk aboard and take the ferry to visit
family or friends on a neighbor island. As the Superferry Web site
promotes: “Whether you’re a family of four loaded down
with gifts for Auntie; a canoe club en route to a regatta; a farmer
bringing island specialties to a new market; or a solo passenger eager
for freedom of movement, brisk salt air and gorgeous views …
a Hawaii Superferry voyage will bring a fresh adventure.”
Onboard, passengers have a choice of comfortable reclining chairs, dining areas with café-style seating or the open-air aft deck. There also are areas to watch TV or movies, a play area for keiki, a gaming arcade and a gift shop. Those who must stay connected, can as the entire ship is equipped with Wi-Fi and cell phones work onboard, too.
And, for those who need special assistance, the Superferry is wheelchair accessible, but passengers must bring their own wheelchair. So, it also will be accessible to those who need help walking, too.
What does this cost? There are a variety of fares including a senior rate. Vehicles are charged separately. The basic advance purchase Web fare for a walk-on passenger is $42 off peak and $52 peak one way. Peak travel days are Friday through Monday.
Departures will be at 6:30 a.m. every day from Honolulu to Kahului, Maui. Travel time is three hours. Return trip departs Maui at 11 a.m., arriving Honolulu at 2 p.m. Then, the Superferry leaves at 3 p.m. for Nawiliwili, Kauai, arriving at 6 p.m. and departs for return to Honolulu at 7 p.m.
When the second ferry arrives a second Oahu-Maui roundtrip will be added to the service between Honolulu and the Big Island.
Hawaii
Superferry touts its design, noting that “one of the most crucial
features is the ferry’s catamaran design, inspired by Polynesian
double-hulled canoes, which will more smoothly navigate Hawai‘i’s
ocean waters.” It also has an independent waterjet-propulsion
system with “no exposed propellers for increased safety and
protection of marine mammals.”
The Superferry, because of its catamaran design, also does not use ballast tanks that may transport invasive species between islands.
Seeking to help small and medium-size businesses transport their products between islands, the Superferry’s design includes high vehicle decks to accommodate large commercial vans and trucks as well as refrigerator truck power outlets for fresh produce and dairy trucks at no extra charge.
Superferry Passenger Fares
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Of course, like any mode of transportation in this post-911 world, there are security necessities. All passengers age 18 and older must have a government-issued photo ID as do minors traveling alone. All luggage and vehicles are subject to screening and search.
So, there’s no escaping the security screening lines at check
in, but once on board the travel experience will be different. And,
you’ll arrive at your destination, more relaxed and rested.
For more information, visit www.hawaiisuperferry.com.