HONOLULU -- The new mode of transportation to travel between islands arrived Saturday.

Hawaii's SuperFerry ended its 7,600-mile journey that started in Alabama, then traveled through the Panama Canal, to California's Long Beach Harbor and finally to the Hawaiian Islands.

KITV's Caroline Sluyter reported that the $85 million SuperFerry will change the way Hawaiians can travel on the islands. Now, drivers will be able to take their cars to neighboring islands.

The SuperFerry is as long as a football field and four stories high.

The new ferry was first spotted off Hanauma Bay Saturday afternoon, before quickly making its way past Diamond Head.

Those involved in the project said they are elated that the voyage is complete.

"Can't really describe it. I was up at 3 o'clock this morning just looking forward for the day. It's really a culmination of a lot of hard work with a great group of people," said SuperFerry worker John Garibaldi.

The SuperFerry is expected to start operations in August, offering daily service between Oahu and Maui and sailings six days a week from Oahu to Kauai.

The vessel can carry 860 passengers and 300 vehicles.

"I think it will be a whole new experience, taking your car on a ferry and going to the outer islands driving around. I think it will be a great experience and great for local families," said Greg Northup.

Initially, there were environmental concerns, but in the end, the company was not required to have an environmental impact statement done.

SuperFerry's CEO said the company is complying with all state and federal regulations.

Garibaldi said he thinks the SuperFerry would be very competitive with the local airlines.

"We're very competitive. I think we're going to see a tremendous value being offered through the Hawaii SuperFerry experience," Garibaldi said.

SuperFerry's CEO said the ship will have public viewings soon, but those exact dates were not yet set. Sluyter said the SuperFerry would travel to Maui or Kauai in about three hours.