 Before the completion of the Admiral Clarey Bridge , access to Ford Island was by ferry . Two diesel @-@ powered ferries , Waa Hele Honoa ( YFB @-@ 83 ) and Moko Holo Hele ( YFB @-@ 87 ) , served the island . The Waa Hele Honoa ( meaning " canoe go to land " ) was purchased in 1959 for $ 274 @,@ 000 , and pressed into service by the Navy on March 3 , 1961 . It is the older and larger of the two ferries , at 181 feet ( 55 m ) , with a capacity of 750 people and 33 vehicles . The other , Moko Holo Hele ( meaning " boat go back and forth " ) was purchased for $ 1 @.@ 1 million on May 25 , 1970 . At 162 feet ( 49 m ) , its capacity was 750 people and 42 vehicles . Both ferries were operated by US Navy personnel , and access to the island was restricted to US military personnel , their dependents and invited guests . In addition to the two car ferries , there were several smaller " foot ferries " allowing pedestrians to travel between Ford Island and alternate landings around Pearl Harbor . 
