I Took the Hawaii Superferry
I was on Maui a couple of weeks ago working with a corporate group that was having their annual symposium. Thanks to them, I spent 6 nights at the always fabulous Fairmont Kea Lani. This resort is not only beautiful, the staff is incredible. It’s so nice to come up to the front desk or even the valet desk and hear “Hello, Ms. Young, how are you today? How may I help you.” And of course, when you first arrive they have a lei, cold towel and juice for you. I love it there!
I decided to go over to Honolulu at the end of the trip to see my best friend, Lisa. I debated about whether to fly or try the ferry, and decided on the Superferry. I’m glad I did.
Inside of Superferry
Although it takes 3 hours, it is a pleasant trip. It was incredible seeing Maui as we left – you don’t realize how big the islands are when you are there.
Leaving Maui on the Superferry
Maui from the Superferry
Then we passed by Molokai – I really didn’t realize how big it is. I will have to plan a day trip there on my next visit.
Molokai from the Superferry
The best part was coming into Honolulu. You come in from the east so you get to see Diamondhead from the opposite side from what you see from Waikiki.
Diamondhead from the Superferry
Then you pass by all the hotels – I loved seeing the pink of the Royal Hawaiian in the middle. Unfortunately, my camera batteries died during the trip so I don’t have as many pictures as I wish.
You can purchase food and beverages onboard for a very reasonable price. A good size soda was $1.50, a large fruit cup $3, salads and sandwiches around $5. There is also a gift shop onboard.
The only thing I didn’t like about the ferry was that there is very little outdoor deck space. The weather was beautiful and it would have been nice to be able to sit outside and enjoy the scenery. The only place outside with seating is the back deck. There are also 2 small side decks where you have to stand.
I will give a few pieces of advice if you decide to take the Superferry.
- Don’t take too much carry on luggage. You can check luggage when you check in and they offload it really quickly on the other end. You have to go up about 25 steps from the dock to the ferry, then another 20 or so to the passenger deck once onboard. And down again at the other end.
- Do upgrade to the Premium Lounge. The whole ferry is very nice, with a lot of comfortable seating. However, the Premium Lounge is in the front of the boat and you get a fabulous, panoramic view along with extra plush seating.
- Do take motion sickness medicine. I have never gotten seasick and I have been out in small boats when Puget Sound was pretty rough. I did get a bit nauseous on this boat coming out of Maui. It may have been because I started in the back of the boat where you could smell some exhaust. It was very rough coming out of Maui and again into Honolulu.
- Do arrive when they tell you to. They say they end check in 30 minutes before sailing. This is because they have to shuttle you from the check in building to the boat. If you are late, they will leave without you.
- The car rental companies will shuttle you to and from their lots to the ferry. I had asked one of the car rental companies prior to my trip if there were any car rental lots at the ferry dock. They told me that my clients would have to take a taxi to either the airport lots or one of the hotels. I saw rental shuttles both in Kahului and Honolulu.
Overall, my review is take the Superferry at least once. It is another way to see the beautiful Hawaiian islands.
Tags: Fairmont, Hawaii, Honolulu, Kea Lani, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Superferry
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