All Episodes

July 16, 2025 11 mins

Did you know you can't travel between Hawaii's islands by ferry, even though they're only 100-150 miles apart?

For many travelers, island hopping in Hawaii seems like it should be as simple as catching a boat, but the reality involves brutal ocean conditions, environmental concerns, and a fascinating history of failed attempts.

👉 Unlock exclusive travel tips and bonus content—join Hawaii's Best Premium today!

If you've ever wondered why planes are your only realistic option for getting between Hawaiian islands or what happened to previous ferry services, this episode is for you. Discover the surprising geographical and logistical challenges that make inter-island boat travel nearly impossible.

In this episode of our travel podcast, we explore the real reasons behind Hawaii's lack of ferry service, from the $178 million Super Ferry disaster to innovative future solutions like hydrofoil sea gliders.

👉In this episode, you will:

  • Discover why Hawaii's ocean channels with names like "the great billow smashing channel" make ferry travel so dangerous and uncomfortable.
  • Learn the complete story behind the Hawaii Super Ferry's spectacular failure and the legal battles that shut it down.
  • Get insights into cutting-edge transportation developments that could revolutionize inter-island travel in the future.

Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to discover the surprising reasons why planes remain your only realistic option for island hopping in Hawaii.

🎧Related episodes:

💻Related blog posts:

🤓Chapters:

  • 1:50 Geographical Challenges of Ferry Services
  • 4:00 Historical Attempts and Failures
  • 6:25 Future Prospects and Innovations
  • 9:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

_
📲Connect


This Hawaii podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a Hawaii vacation to the islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)
Talk Story, Hawaiian Style Band (w/ permission)

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.