Because of security regulations, all visitors must register in advance. Registration can be done at www.HawaiiSuperferry.com.

While the company has begun taking reservations beginning Sept. 5, the exact date of Alakai’s first commercial voyage is still not certain. President John Garibaldi said the goal is the latter part of August.

During the port call on Aug. 18, visitors will be able to visit both the vehicle and the passenger decks.

The catamaran can handle up to 282 compact cars, or a mix of cars and trucks. For every large truck loaded, about four cars are displaced.

Garibaldi says their marketing studies estimate that an average weekday voyage to Kahului will carry 110 vehicles and about 400 passengers.

Motorcycles can be boarded.

No unescorted vehicles will be accepted. It is not like shipping a vehicle via Young Brothers or Matson barge.

Once a vehicle is driven aboard, the driver and all passengers must go up to the passenger deck. No one will be permitted to stay in a vehicle during the trip, which will take about three hours between Honolulu and Kahului, a bit longer between Honolulu and Nawiliwili.

On the upper deck, passengers will find a variety of activities available including food and beverage service, movies, video games, shopping or watching the waves.

Food prices start at $1.75 for a manapua.

Besides TV and movies, passengers can rent a digEplayer to select their own film. Children will have a games area called Manta Cove.

The rear of the passenger deck will be for fresh-air fiends and will have, Garibaldi said, a sports bar atmosphere.

For $20 over the passenger fare, you can sit forward on leather easy chairs, with a drink, newspaper or board game in Hahalua Lounge.

There is also a gift shop.

Because of harbor security regulations, community preview reservations will not be accepted via e-mail or telephone.

Space is limited for the community preview; registration will be taken first come, first served.

Those wishing to attend must provide the names of all persons in their party upon registration. Name changes or additions will not be permitted on the day of the event.

To facilitate traffic flow and security procedures, a free shuttle service will be provided from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., every 15 minutes from Maui Community College on Kaahumanu Avenue. No parking is available at the Kahului Ferry Terminal at Pier 2, except for handicapped vehicles.

To enter the secure harbor facility, all guests must be listed on the security manifest. Adults (18 years and older) will be required to show a government issued picture identification (such as a driver’s license or passport). Persons under 18 without ID must be accompanied by an adult.

The Alakai will sail for a community preview on Kauai on Aug. 19, and a fourth preview day will be held on the Big Island, although the date has not be set. Hawaii Superferry will not begin sailing to Kawaihae on the Big Island until its second vessel is delivered in 2009.

For reservations and fare information, visit www.Hawaii

Superferry.com or call (877) HI-FERRY (443-3779) between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.

SUPERFERRY VISIT

The Hawaii Superferry, Alakai, will be open for public visits at Kahului Harbor from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 18. Mauians who wish to tour the Alakai can register online at www.HawaiiSuperferry.com.