Aloha,

It is a great pleasure to join the Hawaii Superferry ‘ohana at such an important stage of our operations. My experience comes from 35 years of running complex maritime operations in the United States Navy; a skill set that will complement the significant accomplishments to date.

With summer just around the corner, I am pleased to announce that traveling on Hawaii Superferry is even more convenient now that we’ve added a second daily voyage four days a week between Maui and O‘ahu. This is just one of the many ways we are beginning to reach our full potential as a reliable, responsible transportation option and experience for Hawai‘i’s residents, visitors, and businesses.

Reservations for afternoon voyages are now open and are eligible for our promotional $39 one-way passenger fares and $55 one-way passenger vehicle fares available now through June 5. Our summer fares of $49 one-way passenger fares and $65 one-way passenger vehicle fares start June 6 for travel through September 30, 2008.

In this edition of the newsletter we will introduce you to Hawaii Superferry’s Lani Olds, whose continual effort to reach out to the community is serving to strengthen our commitment to the people of Hawai‘i. You will also read about the launch of the Manta Explorers program and how the power of partnerships can create an enriching experience for our island’s most deserving keiki.

As we voyage into this next stage of our company’s future, I will continue carrying out Hawaii Superferry’s maritime mission – to connect Hawai‘i’s ‘ohana and islands by sea. I look forward to welcoming you aboard the Alakai on your next trip.

Mahalo for your continued support,

Tom Fargo
President & Chief Executive Officer

An Educational Adventure for Keiki
Earlier this year, Hawaii Superferry kicked off its Manta Explorers program with an overnight excursion to Bishop Museum for 40 keiki served by the Boys and Girls Club of Maui and seven chaperones. The program offers non-profit organizations an opportunity to voyage to other islands for the purpose of education and exploration.

For the inaugural Manta Explorers program, Hawaii Superferry partnered with the Bishop Museum and Polynesian Adventure Tours, who donated a 57-passenger bus that was taken aboard the Alakai and used to transport participating keiki.

For some participants, it was their first trip to O'ahu and for all, a first-ever trip on Hawaii Superferry. The overnight experience offered something for everyone:  an ocean going experience, lessons about the history of the Hawaiian Islands, a hands-on exploration of the museum’s various exhibits, and a sunrise view from the ocean during the early-morning trip back home.

For more information about the Manta Explorers program, email Hawaii Superferry’s Director of Customer Experience and Community Relations Lani Olds.

Giving Passengers a Taste of Aloha
Giving passengers a taste of "authentic aloha" is what Madeline Mililani "Lani" Olds knows best.  As Director of Customer Experience and Community Relations, Lani brings 20 years of know-how in travel and hospitality management to Hawaii Superferry.

Lani’s role with Hawaii Superferry also includes maintaining and developing relations with key community organizations and business groups throughout the state, and developing programs that benefit the community.

One of the programs Lani oversees is “Hawai‘i First,” a commitment by Hawaii Superferry to carry locally made products onboard the Alakai whenever possible. 

“We have so many great products that are made right here in the islands,” comments Lani. “Supporting products made in the islands fosters a strong local economy, provides fresh goods to our customers, and minimizes Hawai‘i’s dependency on imported goods.”

Lani joined Hawaii Superferry in 2006 as a member of its launch team.  Previously, she was the Director of Hawai‘i Land Services for NCL America.  Her experience also includes serving as Vice President of Club Med's sales and services operations for North America, Passenger Sales Manager for American Airlines, and Airline Marketing and Campaign Manager at MCI.