Hawaii: Navigating the neighbor islands
Sailing among the Hawaiian Islands is a time-honored tradition. The ancient
Polynesians are believed to have arrived from the Marquesas and Society Islands via outrigger canoes sometime between 300 and 1,000 A.D. These first residents explored and settled the chain of seven islands and, through the centuries, other seafaring cultures have made Hawaii their home.
This remote archipelago was a welcoming port for centuries of trading ships that would rest here before proceeding across the Pacific Ocean. Luxury cruise lines, including the infamous Lurline, brought vacationers to the islands that were instantly endeared to the spirit and traditions of Aloha and the magnificent
tropical settings of Hawaii.
Pan American’s China Clipper introduced airmail transport to Hawaii in 1935 and by the mid-20th century, air service had replaced the traditional inter-island ocean passenger connection. It’s only in recent time that cruising has returned to Hawaii in a big way. Even the diehard Hawaii vacationer, who year after
year returns to their favorite island, is jumping onboard for an inter-island
sea-going adventure.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of Aloha sails weekly from Honolulu offering seven-, 10- and 11-night itineraries. Its one-week adventure visits Kauai at Nawiliwili; Hawaii at Hilo and Kona; and Maui at Kahului. The longer cruises add a second day at select ports, a stop at Lahaina on Maui, and other features.
Many cruise lines have added Hawaii ports in combined destination itineraries. Princess offers a Hawaii-Tahiti combination and Regent includes three Hawaiian ports in the San Francisco-Auckland leg of an around-the-world itinerary. Other
lines are visiting Hawaii on seasonal repositioning schedules and, in the grand tradition of Matson’s Lurline, many ships arriving from the west coast are greeted in old-style Hawaiian Aloha Spirit and fanfare.
The newest player in island hopping by sea is Hawaii Superferry. This much anticipated passenger/auto ferry service was launched in September offering daily service between Honolulu, O’ahu; and Kahului, Maui; and Sunday-Friday
service between O’ahu and Nawiliwili, Kauai. Passage to/from these ports is about three hours.
The Alakai accommodates 866 passengers and 282 automobiles. It has four decks: the lower two are for vehicles, the third level for passengers, and a top Bridge Deck.
By Elana Anderson
Courtesy of leisuregrouptravel.com
For full article please click here
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