For many, Hawaii is known only as an ideal vacation spot, but a recent project by Directions in Design, Inc. made sightseeing an essential part of the initial programming phase of the firm’s design work. Hawaii Superferry commissioned the St. Louis-based firm to design the interiors of its revolutionary new passenger ferries, built for travel between the islands of Maui, Kauai and Oahu. The $170-million dollar project contracted the design firm to plan two ships for the company.

The concept for the first ship is based upon a rich tradition in Hawaiian history of an active use of Pacific Ocean waterways. Hawaii Superferry’s mission in building the ship was to revitalize the tradition of traveling among the Hawaiian islands by boat. The double-hulled catamaran style, inspired by Polynesian adventurers centuries ago, was used in the construction of the more than 17,000-square-foot main deck passenger salons, food service and amenity spaces. Working with Austal Shipyard, DID’s team was faced with the challenge of complying with the International High Speed Craft Code, meeting International Maritime Organization regulations and dealing with weight restrictions, while creating a visually appealing and passenger-friendly vessel.

“This project presented a lot of excitement for us because it was such a revolutionary concept,” saidJeanine Bequette, vice president, Directions in Design. “The historical aspect allowed us to really maximize our creativity with the ship’s design.”

Before project planning began for the ship, Terry White, Hawaii Superferry’s vice president of operations, offered the team an extensive one-week tour of the island, focusing on areas that reflect Hawaii’s true history. The team learned a great deal about the navigational history and the diverse heritage of the original inhabitants. They also traveled to the North Shore to learn about the importance of surfing both to today’s Hawaii and historically.

“We were familiar with Directions in Design’s dedication to projects, based upon their reputation in the marine design field,” said White.

 “We knew that DID’s education concerning the historical and cultural background on this ship would be positively reflected in the ship’s interior.”

White remained involved throughout the initial design process of the Alakai, which is the first USA flagged vessel built to the International High Speed Craft Code. The team employed a combined theme of water and Hawaiian culture throughout the entire project.

The Alakai’s passenger deck is divided into three areas, each with its own bar and seating area. The upscale, forward lounge is accented with a wave patterned carpet and a traditional, formal atmosphere. The mid-level lounge features a fish pattern in its carpeting, and a gift shop for passengers to purchase souvenirs and other items. The aft lounge is the most casual of the three, boasting a local Hawaiian feeling, complete with bubble-patterned carpet.

Each of these areas features a variety of seating options to accommodate the range of groups traveling. Plenty of banquette style seating is available, and families and groups can enjoy comfortable leather sofas in an individually separated space. Each seating option offers a convenient vantage point for enjoying the view, with large floor-to-ceiling windows and raised flooring in the deck’s center. The Alakai’s seating areas are designed to enhance the passenger experience, providing comfort and entertainment to those on board. Passengers enjoy four big-screened televisions which broadcast movies and programming and a video game area.

“From a design perspective the High-Speed Craft Code requirements were more stringent than any we have worked under before and limited the range of materials we could use” said Bequette. “Fortunately we were able to find lightweight and non-flammable carpet, ceilings and laminates that fit what were looking for on this project.”

The ship was completed in July 2007 and began its maiden voyage to Oahu shortly after. Design for Hawaii Superferry’s second ship is underway and, according to Bequette, will share many of the Alakai’s characteristics.