Why Only 6 Passengers?

Why can MANA only accommodate 6 passengers maximum?

Our vessels are limited to accommodating up to 6 passengers due to the requirements of the Jones Act and the MARAD Waiver. The vessels all vary in size, but are rated to carry 20 passengers.  All of MANA Cruises’ vessels meet all Hawaii State & Federal regulatory and safety requirements.

The Jones Act is a federal law that regulates maritime commerce in the United States. It requires that any vessel transporting goods or passengers between two points in the United States must be built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

The MARAD Waiver is a program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) that allows foreign-built vessels to be used in the coastwise trade of the United States on a temporary basis, provided that the vessel meets certain requirements and that a waiver is granted by MARAD.

Both the Jones Act and the MARAD Waiver are intended to protect and promote the U.S. maritime industry and the jobs it creates. However, the Jones Act and the MARAD Waiver can also have the effect of limiting the number of passengers that can be accommodated on a vessel, as the vessel must be built in the United States and crewed by U.S. citizens and permanent residents in order to engage in coastwise trade.

Check out our vessels on our Gallery Page to get an idea of each vessel!