Hawaii Superferry

Update: Superferry officials have decided to suspend service to Hawaii and lay-off over 200 employees... dealing another blow to Hawaii's economy. On Monday, The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that Act 2, (which allowed the Superferry to operate during the EIS) was unconstitutional and effectively shut down ferry service to the islands.

Original Post: 12/27/08: Here are some pics from my last trip to Maui on the Superferry.


Vehicle hold


Entering the Superferry

Molokai on the left

Passenger seating

As I'm writing this, I'm bobbing up and down as the Superferry crosses the Kaiwi Channel. Sitting in the cabin facing the bow, the large panoramic windows provide a great view of the ocean ahead. The last time I was on the Superferry I was on the boat for 10 hours! (Superferry Trip - Kauai). As much as I enjoy a good boat ride, I'm hoping that the trip goes the regular 3 hours. I took some dramamine just in case.

Sam Sato's

A fixture in Maui, Sam Sato's is one of those family-owned restaurants that serve great food. You may have to wait in line, but its definately worth the wait. Try their famous manju and fried noodles, you'll be back for more. If only the Superferry didn't shut down...

Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens

Kepaniwai was once the site of an ancient Hawaiian battle where Maui Warriors were killed by the invading force of Kamehameha I. So much blood was shed that day that the waters of Iao stream ran red.

Now, Kepaniwai has become a state park that is filled with structures that highlight Maui's various ethnic cultures and the buildings they lived in. Being part Japanese, I was facinated by the Japanese Tea house and gardens.

Tasaka Guri-Guri

Tasaka Guri-Guri and Kitch'n Cook'd chips - Maui favorites!


Mrs Tasaka & a shy granddaughter

One of the things I miss most about Maui is the "grindz". You can have ice cream and potato chips just about anywhere but its just not the same as Maui Guri-Guri and Kitch'n Cook'd chips.

Tasty Crust

After going to Haleakala, we decided to have breakfast at Tasty Crust in Wailuku. As the sign suggested, we ordered a short stack of their world famous pancakes. I also ordered their breakfast special for good measure.

Once again, I forgot to take a picture of the pancakes before eating them. Tasty Crust's pancakes are much thicker than the traditional pancake and have much more flavor. The thing that sets their cakes apart is the "Tasty Crust" that forms on the pancake when it is cooked.

Haleakala

The trip to Haleakala almost never happened. The night before, the forecast was for heavy clouds and rain over the summit. We decided to sleep in the next morning. At 7am, we found that the cloud cover over Haleakala wasn't as bad so we decided to "chance 'um". I'm glad we did! Although the clouds did arrive when got to the summit, the journey was well worth it. I was hoping to see snow at the summit but had to settle for a bunch of clouds.

Today, I see my truck in the garage and have a hard time thinking that a few days ago it was at 10,000 feet. Cool!

Komoda Store

POG and pastries from Komodas - who needs Krispy Kreme?

On 12/9/07, I recieved the following comment from an annonomous blogger: "Just another day in Hawaii North East? izzat it?"

In response, I wanted to start 2009 with my first blog entry featuring the valley isle of MAUI! The Komoda Store is a fixture in the town of Makawao in upcountry Maui. Known for their world famous creme puffs, a friend and I ordered a few boxes to bring back to Oahu. Thank God I brought my truck on the Superferry.