Although its arrival date has been delayed, the much-anticipated Hawaii Superferry is gearing up for its voyage to the Islands. Hawaii Superferry will connect Hawaii's islands with an inter-island travel and transportation alternative to inter-island flights.  Hawaii Superferry's vessel, the Alakai, during sea trials

Christened Alakai, the Hawaii Superferry is the first vessel of its kind being built in the U.S. by ship builder Austal. The delivery date for the vessel has been extended to give Austal time to complete finishing touches on the vessel.

"An important requirement for Alakai's entry into service is the completion of the United States Coast Guard's detailed certification and inspection process, which is in its final stages in Mobile" said John Garibald, Hawaii Superferry's president and CEO.

Due to this extension, Hawaii Superferry has announced that service will begin later this summer, with reservations to commence in early summer. The Alakai's arrival date in Hawaii will be announced once the vessel commences her 16-day delivery voyage from Mobile, AL, through the Panama Canal to Oahu.

Barges, ramps and other equipment are currently being delivered and installed at Nawiliwili, Kahului and HonoluluHarbors, and facility improvements will be completed during the next few months. The Alakai has been developed to be environmentally friendly, with energy-efficient, specially designed catamarans.

Hawaii Superferry will offer daily service between Maui and Oahu and between Kauai and Oahu six days a week (Sunday to Friday). A second ferry is scheduled for 2009 with service between the Island of Hawaii and Oahu, as well as a second daily Maui-Oahu roundtrip.

One-way rates for adult passengers will be $52 off-peak and $62 peak not including a fuel surcharge. There will be reduced fares of $41 off-peak and $51 peak for children (2-12), senior citizens (62 and over), and retired military personnel. Cost for children under 2 will be $17 one-way, any day of travel. Lower fares will be available with advanced purchase from the company's web site, www.hawaiisuperferry.com.