A Life at Sea and a Legacy of Aloha
The maritime world lost a true legend when Captain R.A. “Reg” White passed away peacefully at his home on Whidbey Island in October 2024 at the age of 89. Reg’s legacy is etched not only in the vessels he captained and built but also in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him. His journey was one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering love for the sea.
From Balboa Island to the Open Ocean
Reg’s maritime journey began at just 16 years old when he started working for the Balboa Island Ferry. While pursuing a Drama major at Whittier College, Reg took a pivotal step in his career by obtaining his captain’s license at the age of 21, allowing him to command passenger vessels and start what would become a storied profession.
Alongside his service in the California National Guard, Reg found himself deeply involved in the world of yachting. He sold and outfitted yachts for the California Yacht Company and Hatteras Yachts, while running his own yacht repair business, Mickey Mouse Marine.
A New Chapter in Hawaii
The 1970s saw Reg set sail for Hawaii, where he would leave an indelible mark on the maritime industry. He captained the Sea Flight Hydrofoil “Kamehameha” for inter-island voyages and lent his expertise to Windjammer Cruises. His talents soon took him to the Gulf of Mexico, where he captained Texas Instruments’ “Cecil Green,” exploring for oil.
In 1980, Reg returned to Windjammer, taking on the ambitious task of converting the neglected former ferry “George Washington” into the magnificent four-masted, 1,200-passenger vessel Rella Mae.
Building Dreams on the Water
Reg was not just a captain — he was a visionary. Teaming up with Ron and Mitzi Howard, he helped operate a fleet of sailing vessels on Waikiki excursions. His talents extended to inter-island tugboat operations with P&R Water Taxi, and he later took the helm as General Manager of Paradise Cruises.
In 1990, Reg undertook the design and oversaw construction of the “Star of Honolulu.” Built on Whidbey Island, this state-of-the-art, 1,500-passenger dinner cruise vessel redefined luxury experiences with vastly upgraded capabilities including ADA and restaurant level accommodations, steady ride, and exclusive areas for private charter. Reg saw the project through to completion on time and on budget, and in April 1992, the Star of Honolulu set sail for a new era of ocean tourism in Hawaii.
Reg’s dedication to the success of the “Star of Honolulu” focused always on the core values of Aloha for guests and ‘ohana, paving the way to rewarding long term employees with 100% ownership of the company.
A Life Well Lived
In retirement, Reg found peace on Whidbey Island, indulging in his love of yachting, spending time with his beloved wife Connie, and managing his investments. He also shared precious years with his younger brother Richard “Chip” White, who retired nearby — reuniting after decades apart.
Reg’s impact on the maritime world, Hawaii’s tourism industry, and the lives of those around him will never be forgotten. His legacy sails on in the ships he built, the people he inspired, and the countless journeys he made possible.
Aloha, Captain Reg. Fair winds and following seas.
Memorial Service: Star of Honolulu, Pier 8 Aloha Tower Marketplace
February 1, 2025, Boarding 10:45AM, Cruise 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Whale watching in Hawaii is a magical experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Imagine the thrill of seeing majestic humpback whales breach and play in the warm Pacific waters, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of Hawaii’s islands. If you’re planning a whale watching adventure, there’s no better vessel than the Star of Honolulu. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for an unforgettable whale watching trip, ensure the best sightings, and capture those perfect photos.
Why Choose the Star of Honolulu?
The Star of Honolulu is not just any whale watching boat. As the largest sightseeing vessel in Hawaii, it offers unparalleled amenities and comfort for an exceptional experience. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. Size and Capacity: With a capacity of 1,500 passengers, the Star of Honolulu provides the most outdoor deck space per person for everyone to enjoy rare coastline views and whale sightings without feeling crowded.
2. Observation Deck: The Star of Honolulu offers four panoramic walk-around decks, plus an expansive observation deck offering 360-degree views, giving you the best chance to spot whales from every angle.
3. Smooth Ride: Equipped with high-tech stabilizers, the Star of Honolulu ensures a smooth and comfortable journey, for cruising in Hawaii’s waters. For those prone to motion sickness, complimentary all-natural ginger pills are available, simply request from any crew member at the beginning of the cruise.
4. Whale Watch Guarantee: The Star of Honolulu offers a unique “whale check” guarantee. If you don’t spot a whale during your cruise, you’ll receive a voucher to sail again for free until you do.
When to Go Whale Watching:
The Star of Honolulu’s whale watching tour is offered January 2 to March 20, 2025, during the period where thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves and the possibility of sightings are highest.
What to Wear and Bring:
Comfort and preparedness are key to enjoying your whale watching adventure. Here’s what you should wear and bring:
Clothing:
1. Casual Daytime Attire: is appropriate. Although Hawaii is warm year-round, on cooler days it can get breezy on the water, opt to bring a light jacket.
2. Hat and Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat will protect you from the sun, and polarized sunglasses will reduce glare, making it easier to spot whales.
3. Comfortable Shoes: Non-slip, comfortable shoes are a must. Decks can be wet and slippery, so avoid sandals or flip-flops.
Accessories:
1. Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can be intense. Before your cruise, apply a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin. It is also important to check your sunscreen follows the Hawaii Sunscreen Law, prohibiting the ingredient of oxybenzone and octinoxate
2. Binoculars: While the whales can come quite close to the ship, binoculars will help you get a better view of those that are farther away.
3. Camera: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture those breathtaking moments. A waterproof case or bag is also a good idea to protect your gear.
4. Refreshments: The Star of Honolulu Early Bird Whale Watch includes a tasty homemade pineapple banana read with freshly brewed STAR’s custom Kona blend coffee and tea station. Vegan gluten free breakfast bar option is also available with 24 hours’ notice.
How to Get the Best Sightings:
Maximize your chances of seeing whales with these tips:
Keep Moving: Don’t stay in one spot. Move around the deck to increase your chances of spotting whales from different angles.
Behavior to Watch For: Scan the Horizon for the following
– Blows: Look for spouts of water shooting up from the surface. This is the whale’s blow and is often the first sign you’ll see.
– Breaching: A whale leaping out of the water is one of the most spectacular sights. Keep your camera ready for this awe-inspiring moment.
– Tail Slaps and Flukes: Watch for whales slapping their tails on the water or showing their flukes (tail fins) as they dive.
Tips for Capturing Great Photos
Getting the perfect whale photo requires a mix of patience, timing, and the right equipment. Here are some tips to help you capture those unforgettable moments:
Equipment
1. Camera with Zoom: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a zoom lens (at least 300mm) is ideal. If using a smartphone, consider getting a telephoto lens attachment.
2. Burst Mode: Use burst mode to take multiple shots in quick succession. This increases your chances of capturing the perfect moment.
3. Stabilization: Use a monopod or a camera with good image stabilization to reduce blur from the boat’s movement.
Techniques
1. Anticipate Behavior: Watch for signs that a whale is about to breach, such as a series of shallow dives followed by a deeper dive. This often precedes a dramatic leap.
2. Focus on the Water: When you see a blow, focus your camera on that area. Whales often surface multiple times before diving again.
3. Patience: Be patient and ready. Whales can be unpredictable, and the best shots often come when you least expect them.
Enhancing Your Experience on the Star of Honolulu
The Star of Honolulu offers more than just whale watching. Make the most of your trip with these onboard activities and amenities:
-Panoramic walk-around decks: After the whale program briefings on your deck, feel free to explore the Star’s other decks!
-Observation Deck: The 60’ high vantage is accessible from the stern stairs
-Restrooms: Restroom are located on the first floor
– Wheelchair Access: Features include wide boarding and exit ramps, wide open-air walkaround decks, two elevators, restrooms. Accessible round-trip transportation for your cruise is also available with 24 hours advance notice.
Enjoy whale watching responsibly.
-Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: The Hawaiian Islands are one of the 16 national marine sanctuaries that protect important marine ecosystems in the United States. Hawaii’s mission is to protect humpback whales and its habitat through education and research.
-Help Protect Our Oceans. Do not throw anything overboard. Dispose of rubbish in appropriate receptacles onboard.
-Observing Whales: The Star of Honolulu follows state and federal regulations that prohibit vessels from approaching whales to observe it any closer than 100 yards. If vessels are stationary and a whale approaches it, that is acceptable.
It’s the sea-son for excellent winter whale sightings onboard Star of Honolulu’s Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise! So far, for the first two days of the season, we’ve had great whale sightings!
Join in on the fun and book your tickets as our Whale Cruise runs through March 31, 2024! This two-hour eco-tour comes with a Whale Guarantee, and families can receive our Child FREE Special by calling 808-983-7730 as it cannot be booked online. We also offer optional Waikiki round-trip transportation, and guests can purchase snacks and drinks onboard.
Departing at 8:45AM from Aloha Tower, Hawaii’s largest cruise vessel sails along the south shore of Oahu with scenic views of Diamond Head and other Waikiki landmarks. Guests will enjoy Star of Honolulu’s four open-air decks, offering ample space to photograph and spot humpbacks performing spectacular acrobatic moves, such as these:
- Breach
The most breathtaking move associated with humpbacks! A whale launches itself out of the ocean and lands back on the surface with a huge splash.
- Blow
Whenever humpbacks go above the surface for air, they exhale a cloud of moist air through their blowholes, creating a spout spray. Adults usually surface to breathe every 7-15 minutes, while calves surface every 3-5 minutes.
- Spy Hop or Head Rise
Experts believe humpbacks vertically raise their heads out of the water to scan for activity above the surface.
- Tail Slap
With this behavior, whales lift their tail flukes and slap them repeatedly on the water surface.
- Peduncle Slap
This behavior is similar to a Tail Slap. But instead of their tails, humpbacks slap the water with their peduncles, which connect their flukes to their bodies.
- Pec Slap
Believed to be their way of signaling to other whales, humpbacks simultaneously slap both of their fins on the water.
- Head Lunge
To show competitiveness, a whale raises its head out of the water and lunges forward.
- Fluke Dive Up
A humpback raises and arches its tail above the surface before going underwater.
If you’re lucky enough to capture any of these behaviors, don’t forget to share your photos and videos by tagging us @StarofHonolulu on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
FREE Whale Watch Cruises for Public Schools (Grades 2-5)
The Star of Honolulu is proud to offer fully sponsored, free educational Whale Watching Cruises now through March 31, 2024 for Hawaii schools, grades 2-5 who qualify.
This exciting educational excursion promotes marine awareness to young keiki with an opportunity to search for Humpback whales aboard Hawaii’s largest sight-seeing vessel. The cruise includes a briefing by the Captain, Naturalist demonstration, whale facts narration, a hands-on display and more. The Whale Watch Cruise departs at 8:45AM and returns at 10:45AM from pier 8 Aloha Tower Marketplace. (Regular $49 adult, $29 Child age 3-11). Note: Whale guarantee is not included.
Qualifications:
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- Hawaii’s public school children, grades 2 – 5.
- One or more of your students would not otherwise be able to afford this educational cruise.
- The group is up to 50 per cruise. Space is based on our availability and conditions and may be limited on certain days.
- The group meets 1 Adult for every 5 Students supervision ratio.
How to Apply:
Fill out an application and submit to Star of Honolulu Cruises & Events, 2 weeks in advance of requested cruise date.
Note: Transportation is not included with these programs
To apply click here
Special Whale Watch Rate of $18 per person for Public & Private Schools (Grades 2-5)
For student groups who do not qualify for full sponsorship or for larger group sizes, take advantage of our Special Education Rate. See qualifications below.
Qualifications:
-
-
- Hawaii’s public or private school children, grades 2-5.
- Maximum of 100 per cruise. Space is based on our availability and conditions and may be limited on certain days.
- The group meets 1 Adult for every 5 Students supervision ratio.
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To apply click here
Whale watching season is here! The Star of Honolulu Early Bird Whale Watch Cruise is a must do in the winter for residents and visitors alike. “For the first two days of the season, we’ve had great sightings,” says Star of Honolulu Chief Captain Wade Matsueda. To better prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, it is important to know how to prepare for your morning full of fun.
Departing from Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 8 at 8:45AM, the two-hour cruise offers snacks and drinks that are available for purchase, ranging from Assorted Bagels & Cream Cheese, Macadamia Nut Cookies, Hawaiian Chips, Kona Blend Coffee, Tea, Juice and more.
We also recommend you dress casual for a comfortable and easy experience. Feel free to pack a small bag of essentials to carry on board with you including:
- Light Jacket
Although Hawaii is warm year-round, it can get a little chilly out on the ocean so be sure to pack a light jacket to enjoy and explore Hawaii’s largest vessel comfortably.
- Binoculars
In order to see the whales as close as possible, bring binoculars if you have some! A firsthand look will allow you to spot the humpback whales as they come to the surface.
- Sunglasses
The Star of Honolulu has four walk-around decks to give you a 360-degree view of the Honolulu coastline and world-famous Diamond Head. These unforgettable panoramic views can’t be missed so pack your favorite pair of sunglasses and take advantage of our 60-foot high observation deck.
- Sunscreen
The sun in Hawaii can be strong, be sure to apply sunscreen before sun exposure on your cruise. It is also important to check your sunscreen follows the Hawaii Sunscreen Law, prohibiting the ingredient of oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Camera
You will create amazing memories that you will want to capture forever so don’t forget your camera and share your photos and videos by tagging us at @StarofHonolulu on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The Star of Honolulu has three types of stabilizers to offer the most comfortable ride. If you are prone to motion sickness, feel free to ask one of our friendly crew members for complimentary herbal ginger pills at any time.
The Early Bird Whale Watch Cruise offers the most memorable experience in Hawaii for thousands of guests every winter. Come join us for optimal whale encounters from 8:45AM to 10:45AM, January 2 – March 31, 2024. Our Certified Naturalists Crew will share their whale expertise, while whale demonstrations and hands-on displays are available for you and your children to enjoy and learn.
If no whales are sighted, receive a FREE return Whale Check until a whale is sighted. Our whale watch cruise sells out fast, so book today! Families can also receive our Child FREE Special in which one child (age 3-11) cruises FREE per paid adult. Call (808) 983-7730 to receive this special as it cannot be booked online.
Wow your sweetheart with an unforgettable evening of love and luxury aboard our Valentine’s Day Sunset and Dinner Cruise! Treat your special someone to a romantic restaurant dinner and spectacular views of the sunset, and Honolulu city lights.
Whether you’re looking for a tropical experience or a luxurious escape with your special someone, we’ve got you covered. Choose from four Valentine’s Day cruise packages:
- Pacific Star Dinner & Show
Casual and fun with a Pacific Rim Buffet dinner, Star Signature Mai Tai, Polynesian Journey show, and access to stunning coastline vistas.
- Star Dinner & Show
Casual elegance featuring a 3-Course crab and tenderloin of beef and BBQ Chicken dinner. Plus, enjoy a Star Signature Mai Tai and the new “65 Years of Aloha” show.
- Three Star Dinner & Show
Festive and exciting ocean voyage complete with a 5-Course whole Maine lobster and tenderloin of beef dinner. Also, celebrate with a “champagne” toast, two premium beverages, live jazz and the new “65 Years of Aloha” show.
- Nova Five Star Dinner & Jazz
Signature dining with 360-degree views featuring a romantic 5-Course signature Maine lobster and prime tenderloin of beef dinner at your private table on the exclusive top deck. Plus, savor a “champange” toast and two super-premium beverages, and a live Jazz show.
Make this Valentine’s Day the best one yet when you sail with Star of Honolulu! The cruise departs 5:30PM from Aloha Tower Marketplace on Wednesday, 2/14/24. Can’t make it on Valentine’s? No problem, check cruise availability on other days to suit your schedule.
For more information or to book your cruise today, call (808) 983-STAR (7827) or visit www.StarofHonolulu.com.
Mele Kalikimaka and Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou from Star of Honolulu! We celebrate this season by thanking you for your support and wishing you a joyous holiday, filled with hope, happiness and aloha. May the holiday spirit be with you and your ʻohana today and throughout the New Year!
ロブスター好きなら、ぜひスターオブホノルル号のスリースター・サンセットディナー&ショー・クルーズを予約してくださいね!
スターオブホノルル号では、ノバスコシア沖で最盛期に収穫された1尾1ポンド以上ある天然のメイン州産ロブスターを仕入れています。スターオブホノルル号の厨房で熟練の技術で調理されたロブスターは、とても新鮮で、プリプリした身は甘みがあります。
ロブスターの殻のむき方とおいしい食べ方をご紹介します。
1. まず両手で頭としっぽをひねり、切り離す。
2.しっぽを丁寧にはずす。
3.カクテルフォークを使って、しっぽから身を取り出す。
4. つめはハサミの動く方をねじってはずす。
5.シーフードクラッカーでつめを割る。
6.つめの身をカクテルフォークで取り出す。
7.お好みでロブスターに絞ったレモンをかけて、バターやポン酢をつけてお召し上がりください。
8.ロブスターのミソもいただけます。
9.ロブスターの足や頭の部分にも身があるのをお忘れなく! 丸ごと全部いただきましょう。
ロブスターを余すところなく堪能して、スターオブホノルル号でのスリースター・サンセットディナー&ショー・クルーズを最大限に楽しみましょう!
Our hearts go out to the families affected by the wildfires on Maui.
Thank you for your kind inquiries; we encourage you to donate to the charity of your choice.
Our friends at Rock-A-Hula are joining relief efforts with the Royal Hawaiian Center in donating essential items per the following link: Kāko‘o Maui. Support Maui.
Your compassion and aloha spirit are deeply appreciated.
We are all united with the Spirit of Aloha! As such, the Stars of Paradise ohana would like to share the sights and sounds of Hawaii through a hula video performance by our Star of Honolulu and Rock-A-Hula entertainers.
The video features the song “Kaimana Hila” composed in 1916. It speaks of the iconic Diamond Head, which is seen during our Star of Honolulu cruises and our Royal Star Hawaii Grand Circle Island & Haleiwa Tour. The famous landmark can also be viewed from Waikiki, which is home to our Rock-A-Hula show.
Our Entertainment Director Rebekah Newbold said the musicians and dancers were ecstatic to make this video. “We wanted to create something that would let our guests feel Hawaii’s Aloha,” she said.
To make the video, the musicians recorded the song. Next, the music track was sent to the dancers, who recorded themselves performing from home. Finally, the dancers submitted their clips to complete the video and shared it with our guests worldwide.
“We’re hoping this video gives all of our extended ohana happiness and joy during this time,” said Newbold. “We’re looking forward to performing for them again soon.”