The Hawai'i Superferry is scheduled to make its long-awaited arrival on O'ahu today just hours after the company begins to book reservations for passengers who want to take a ride on the new interisland transportation alternative.

Travel reservations can be made online or by telephone beginning at 6 a.m. Hawai'i time today. The company has yet to announce the exact starting date it will carry paying passengers. The company initially is taking reservations for travel beginning Sept. 5 and running through Jan. 15, 2008.

The 350-foot specially designed catamaran Alakai is billed by the company as "the largest aluminum ship ever built in the United States." It's been on an 18-day journey from Mobile, Ala., with a refueling stop in Los Angeles.

Terry O'Halloran, director of business development for the Superferry, said the Alakai will be visible from several points on O'ahu as it makes its way into Honolulu Harbor for a small private welcoming ceremony at Pier 19.

It can hold up to 282 cars and 866 passengers.

O'Halloran said boaters and canoe paddlers have asked about arrival plans so he expects the vessel will have an informal welcoming committee in the nearby waters. "It should be quite a sight," he said.

He said the captain expects the ship to be visible between 1:30 and 3 p.m. along East O'ahu's coast. (see box for approximate viewing times and locations).

O'Halloran said daily summer service will start between Maui and O'ahu; and between Kaua'i and O'ahu. He estimates those trips at three hours each way.

After completion of crew and staff training, route familiarization and final U.S. Coast Guard certification, inaugural service will begin earlier, with travel dates beginning in August, he said.

Advance reservations are recommended. For convenience, customers will receive travel documents via e-mail after booking online or through the company's call center.

A second ferry is planned in 2009 with more service.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.