By Marlow Harris

For those living in West Seattle, they may remember the the MV Hiyu ferry boat from the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route.  Originally built in 1967 to replace an earlier ferry, it was used on the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route during its early years and often served as a replacement ferry at Fauntleroy. 

The Hiyu was mothballed for 10 years but on July 23rd, 2015, the Hiyu was put in service for the last time, sailing once again on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route, which was otherwise running on a 2-boat schedule due to vessel moves elsewhere in the Washington State Ferry system, which were made to accommodate emergency repairs to the MV Puyallup and the MV Elwha while maintaining reasonable service throughout the WSF system.  

On May 17, 2016, WSDOT announced that the Hiyu had been officially retired and would soon be put up for sale.  

That's where this new story starts for the Hiyu Ferry. Owner Jeff Wilson bought the boat and turned it into an event and party venue - a fully functioning iconic ferry boat that sails on the waters of Lake Union, Lake Washington and Puget Sound. 

As he was planning the inaugural Sunset Cruise for May 18th, 2024, Jeff wanted to tie in the boats West Seattle origins with a West Seattle connection and that's when he decided to get West Seattle's "Tikigraphs" to play on board for the event.  

The Tikigraphs are a local band comprised primarily of residents of West Seattle.  They play exotica, lounge and dance music inspired by the tiki pop culture of the 1950's and 1960's and the members include West Seattle residents Cheryl Serio, Chip and Carrie Doring and Dayton Allemann. 

We wanted West Seattle residents who remember the Hiyu to know about the Sunset Cruise on Saturday, May 18th and come celebrate the ferry boats return to Northwest waters.

The cruise will feature music by The Tikigraphs, two cocktail bars (a tiki bar, The Pau Hana Lounge and the Salish Room, a PNW whiskey bar), a Food Truck that they drive on board and a special cocktail designed for the event by Sierra Kirk.  Dance the night away on this sunset cruise with rich West Seattle history.

Hiyu Ferry website: https://onthehiyu.com/

BOARDING begins at 6pm at South Lake Union Park
DEPARTING at 6:30pm - don't be late, because the HIYU won't wait! An Uber/Lyft is recommended as parking is limited. This event is 21+. The boat returns at 10pm

~ TICKETS: https://app.showslinger.com/e/sunsettiki