Why does Hawaii lack inter-island ferry service when other coastal states like Washington and Alaska successfully operate ferry systems?

Hawaii has attempted large-scale ferry services in the past, but they've all failed due to the archipelago's unique geography and population patterns. The Hawaii Super Ferry of the 2000s was the most serious attempt to establish reliable inter-island transportation, but it ended as a significant failure. Despite having a larger population than Alaska (which operates an extensive ferry system over greater distances), Hawaii's specific geographic challenges have made sustainable ferry service unfeasible. As a result, air travel remains the dominant mode of transportation between Hawaiian islands.