A look at what’s being called the future of inter-island transportation is on display from 3-5 p.m. today at Nawiliwili Harbor. A prototype of the “Hawaii Superferry,” an interisland ferry system being planned to begin operating in about Thanksgiving 2006,
A look at what’s being called the future of inter-island transportation is on display from 3-5 p.m. today at Nawiliwili Harbor.
A prototype of the “Hawaii Superferry,” an interisland ferry system being planned to begin operating in about Thanksgiving 2006, is set to be opened to the public during those hours.
The Australian-built catamaran-hulled “Spirit of Ontario” that’s arriving at Nawiliwili is a smaller version of what Honolulu-based entrepreurs hope will become a favorite way for Kaua‘i residents to travel to Honolulu.
Two of the local vessels are planned to be built, and would be 346-foot long, and have a fancier interior than the “Spirt of Ontario,” which is headed for Rochester, New York to be used as a transport across Lake Erie to Ontario.
Local residents will get an idea of what it would be like to travel for three hours aboard a high-tech 21st century ferry that travels at over 40 miles per hour on water.
Kaua‘i passengers could ship their van, car or truck aboard the ferry, and be able to drive the vehicle on and off the vessel. Up to 900 passengers would be able to board the ship for the three-hour passage across the Kaua‘i Channel.
Once aboard, the developers of the project plan to offer travelers a variety of distractions during the crossing including a children’s play area, wireless Internet connections, meeting tables, shopping and other entertainment features.
The prototype ferry is powered by four high-powered Pacific Detroit Diesel-Allison diesel engines.
The prototype ferry was greeted by crowds of the curious at Honolulu Harbor on Friday, and is heading to Maui after the Kaua‘i stop.
