Two passengers aboard the Alakai sleep during the trip to Maui. Superferry launched its maiden voyage two days ahead of schedule due to possible legal action it could face on Monday. Andrew Shimabuku/The Honolulu Advertiser

The Alakai entered Kahului Harbor on time at about 9:30 this morning before returning to Honolulu on schedule at 2 p.m.

"This is not a new plane coming in. It's a whole new way to travel," said John Garibaldi, president and chief executive officer of Hawaii Superferry.

The boat experienced some roughness for about 15 to 20 minutes in the Moloka'i Channel, however. It arrived in Maui waters about 9:30 a.m., and was met by about a dozen protesters, who oppose the vessel's operational for environmental reasons.

Once arriving on Maui, passengers off-loaded, but many returned to the vessel for the return trip to O'ahu. The ferry left Maui at 11 a.m. and was back on O'ahu within three hours.

Passenger reaction was upbeat.

"It was easier than flying. There was no security hassles," said Kihei resident Chris Handlir.