If you cruise with us aboard the Star of Honolulu, you might learn from one of our certified Naturalists about the Humpback whales’ song. Humpbacks are known for their mystical songs, which can travel impressive distances underwater and continue for hours and hours. But how much do people know about how and why these songs are sung?
In the last couple of years, scientists have made great advancements in understanding the mysterious noises that Humpback whales make and how they change over time. Contrary to what many people believe, whales sing a new tune every few years. Scientists have found that, while all of the male Humpbacks in a pod sing the same song, over time they begin to adopt new songs from migrating whales nearby. The Humpback song, then, seems to spread gradually, with Humpbacks learning a new tune in a similar way that humans do!
What remains a mystery: why do Humpback whales make these noises? We may never know!
Learn other fun facts about Humpback whales from our certified Naturalists! To book a whale watch cruise today, call (808) 983-STAR (7827) or visit www.StarofHonolulu.com.
Aerial view of USS Arizona and USS Missouri Memorials at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Step back in time and peer into the history of Pearl Harbor aboard Royal Star Hawaii’s 5-hour Arizona Memorial & City tour!
While access to board the USS Arizona Memorial is temporarily suspended, you can still have the full Pearl Harbor experience, which includes access to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, museums, bookstore and a 20-minute documentary film. Plus, a 30-minute narrated boat tour takes you up close to view the Arizona Memorial and Battleship Row.
Our friendly and professional Royal Star driver will keep you entertained with interesting facts and history while passing through Punchbowl National Cemetery, Downtown Honolulu and notable historic landmarks, including the King Kamehameha Statue, Iolani Palace and more.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the “Royal Star Difference” with the Arizona Memorial & City Tour! Ask about our combo with the USS Missouri.
For more information and booking inquiries, call 808-983-7737 or visit www.RoyalStarHawaii.com/book-a-tour.
There’s only one full month left to climb aboard the Star of Honolulu and experience a whale watching adventure you’ll never forget! From now through April 5, 2019, we’re setting sail aboard Hawaii’s most popular whale watch cruise featuring guaranteed whale sightings, the most viewing space and an exclusive cruise only Child FREE special!
All through whale watch season, we invite visitors and locals alike to climb aboard and enjoy our spacious 60-foot high observation deck and four-walk around decks, offering the most outdoor space of any tour vessel to view Humpbacks. While spotting Humpback whales and soaking in the beautiful ocean and coastline views, guests can learn from our friendly crew of certified Naturalists, who are sure to entertain and educate through informative displays, engaging narration and handouts.
Join us for an Early Bird Whale Watch cruise from 8:45 – 10:45 a.m. If you have morning plans, opt instead for the 12 – 2:30 p.m. Premier Whale Watch cruise, during which you’ll enjoy a variety of Hawaiian cultural activities, such as lei making and hula and ukulele lessons. Guests can also upgrade to enjoy a delicious hot breakfast buffet or Taste of Hawaii Buffet Lunch, depending on the package.
For more information or to book a cruise today, call (808) 983-STAR (7827) or visit www.StarofHonolulu.com.
Today’s the day we’ve all been waiting for—it’s the first day of Star of Honolulu’s whale watch season! We can’t wait to welcome you all aboard as we whisk you away on an unforgettable ocean adventure.
Offering Hawaii’s most popular whale watch cruise, Star of Honolulu treats cruisegoers to breathtaking, 360-degree views of Humpback whales as they frolic and play in Hawaii’s warm waters (and, if you’re very lucky, you might even see them breach). Our professional crew of certified Naturalists will guide your ocean voyage and share their best tips so you can spot these majestic marine mammals.
Equipped with a 60-foot high observation decks, four walk-around decks and the most outdoor space of any Hawaii vessel, the STAR is designed to provide you with an amazing whale watching experience you’ll never forget.
Ask us for more details about our Child FREE special, including the option to upgrade to a hot breakfast buffet or delicious Taste of Hawaii Buffet lunch! For more information or to book your whale watch adventure today, call 808-983-STAR (7827) or visit StarofHonolulu.com.
Whale watch season in Hawaii is just around the corner. From January 2 to April 5, 2019, we’re setting sail aboard Hawaii’s most popular whale watch cruise with an exclusive Child FREE special!
Through the duration of whale watch season, we welcome keiki ages 3 to 11 to cruise FREE with each paying adult aboard the Early Bird Whale Watch or Premier Whale Watch cruise only. Every year, kids have a whale of a time spotting these majestic marine mammals as they frolic and breach in Hawaii’s warm waters. Kids can also engage with our friendly crew of certified Naturalists, who love sharing their knowledge of our favorite ocean visitors through informative displays, narration, creative handouts and a fun keiki program.
Opt for Star of Honolulu’s fin-tastic Child FREE special for a memorable day at sea! For more information or to pre-book your whale watch adventure today, call 808-983-STAR (7827) or visit StarofHonolulu.com.
Star of Honolulu is inviting Hawaii’s teachers and public school keiki to climb aboard for a whale watching excursion they’ll never forget. From January 2 to April 5, 2019, public school students in grades 2 to 5 are invited to cruise FREE aboard Star of Honolulu’s Early Bird Whale Watch cruise!
We’re proud to offer fully sponsored educational cruises in our effort to promote cultural and marine awareness. Aboard Hawaii’s most popular whale watch cruise, public school keiki will have a blast observing Humpback whales as they frolic and wade in our islands’ warm waters. Our friendly crew of certified Naturalists will share their knowledge about these majestic marine mammals through informative displays, engaging narration and handouts for keiki. Students and teachers alike are sure to enjoy a memorable education adventure aboard their new favorite outdoor classroom!
Star of Honolulu offers fully sponsored cruises for student groups that meet the following qualifications:
- Hawaii’s public school children, grades 2-5.
- One or more of the students would not otherwise be able to afford the cruise.
- The group size does not exceed 50 people.
- The group meets 1 Adult for every 5 Students supervision ratio.
Click here to download the special FREE Educational Cruises application, or call 808-983-STAR (7827). We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!
From Humpback whales to Belugas and everything in between, it’s sometimes tough to keep track of these majestic ocean creatures. We’re breaking down some of the more common whale species you might be lucky enough to spot:
- Sperm Whale
Boasting a uniquely angled blow and single blowhole on the left side of their body, these grand toothed whales are easily identified at sea. The magnificent Sperm Whale is also one of the deepest diving mammals in the world, with the ability to dive nearly 3 kilometers deep while holding their breath for up to two hours. - Beluga Whale
“Baby Beluga in the deep blue sea” is a beloved whale for a reason! These marine mammals wear a distinctive, bright white coat and are known as the more vocal of the species. In fact, they can often be heard “singing” from well above the ocean waters! - Fin Whale
The majestic Fin Whale is one of the largest marine animals in existence (second to the enormous Blue Whale). At their most impressive, Fin Whales can measure up to 27 meters long and weigh up to a whopping 120 tons! Mostly residing in the Gulf of California and the Mediterranean, this whale species rarely breaches like Humpbacks. They’re also remarkably fast, and feed mostly on plankton and large schools of fish. - Tube Whale
Also known as the North Atlantic Right Whale, the affectionately named Tube Whale is now regarded as one of the most endangered of the great whales, with a population of fewer than 500. Bearing a giant head that accounts for nearly one quarter of its body length, the Tube Whale is also easily identified by the distinct growths near the top of its head and lip. - Humpback Whale
Of course, no list of whale species would be complete without our personal favorite, the Humpback whale! Also known as Kohola in Hawaiian, these remarkable marine mammals range in size from 40 to 50 feet and weigh up to 45 tons. Every winter, these marine mammals venture from Alaska’s cold waters to Hawaii’s warm ocean, where they breed and nurse their young.
Every winter and spring, we’re fortunate enough to spot Humpback whales aboard the Star of Honolulu! To take part in your own whale watch adventure, call (808) 983-STAR (7827) or visit StarofHonolulu.com.
Are you ready to have a whale of a time? Star of Honolulu sure is! Hawaii’s favorite Humpback whale visitors are returning to our islands’ warm waters, and we’re inviting visitors and kama‘aina alike to climb aboard the STAR for a whale watching adventure they’ll never forget! From January 2 to April 5, 2019, we’re offering Hawaii’s most popular whale watch cruise with guaranteed whale sightings and a “Child FREE” special.
Throughout whale watch season, we’re inviting children ages 3 to 11 to cruise FREE with each paying adult aboard the Premier Whale Watch and Early Bird Whale Watch cruises. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day of spotting these majestic ocean creatures in their ocean home! Then learn from our friendly crew of certified Naturalists, who love sharing their knowledge through informative displays, narration, handouts and a fun kids program.
Equipped with a 60-foot high observation deck, four walk-around decks and three types of stabilizers, the Star of Honolulu is the ultimate tour vessel to view Humpbacks in their natural habitat. Best of all, you’re guaranteed to spot whales during the tour! If you don’t see a whale, you’ll receive a free return “Whale Check” to try again (meal and transportation not included). We can’t wait to welcome you aboard this whale watch season!
The Early Bird Whale Watch cruise departs at 8:45AM and returns at 10:45AM, while the Premier Whale Watch cruise departs at noon and returns at 2:30PM. Guests can opt to add on either a hot breakfast buffet on the morning cruise or the delicious Taste of Hawaii buffet lunch on the afternoon cruise.
For more information or to book your cruise today, call (808) 983-STAR (7827) or visit StarofHonolulu.com.
As 2018 comes to a close, kick off 2019 in style aboard the Star of Honolulu! Step aboard the STAR for a midnight dinner cruise under the dazzling sky of fireworks. This memorable evening features live entertainment, party favors, delectable dinner offerings and spectacular illuminated coastal views.
Guests can choose from three festive packages:
- Celebration Dinner, Show & Fireworks Cruise
This deluxe dining option features a 3-Course dinner with mouthwatering whole Maine lobster and tenderloin of beef. To top off the main entrée, enjoy a premium beverage and a celebratory champagne toast. While you indulge in gourmet food and premium beverages, Star of Honolulu’s brand new “60 Years of Aloha” show will surely “wow” you with fabulous costumes and brilliant choreography. - Romance Dinner, Jazz & Fireworks Cruise
Hosted in our private lounge, the Romance Dinner, Jazz & Fireworks package features a signature 5-Course dinner, a glass of champagne and two super premium beverages of choice served to your private table. Soothing live jazz will fill the lounge as you bask in an ocean view of the fireworks at midnight. Dress code applies. - Admiral’s Dinner, Jazz & Fireworks Cruise
End the year with a bang by choosing our ultimate luxury Admiral’s package. Guests who select the Admiral’s package will be served a gourmet 5-Course dinner of live Maine lobster and prime tenderloin of beef with champagne, two super premium beverages and an after-dinner cart service all in the comfort of our top deck Super Nova Room. Here, you’ll enjoy the best view of the fireworks coupled with beautiful live jazz music. Dress code applies.
If you already have dinner plans scheduled, you can still partake afterwards with cocktails and live Hawaiian entertainment on Dolphin Star’s Cocktail & Fireworks Cruise!
For more information or to book your tickets before they sell out, call (808) 983-STAR (7827) or visit StarofHonolulu.com.
Nothing says “Hawaii” quite like a breathtaking sunset, especially on Oahu. No matter where you drive on the island, you’re sure to come across an amazing sunset that’ll make you smile (and your social media friends jealous!). Here are our five favorite spots on the island for catching that picture-perfect sunset shot.
5. Kakaako Waterfront Park
Nestled in the heart of Honolulu, Kakaako Waterfront Park is the perfect location for watching sunsets with the family. Its grassy hills and sweeping ocean views ensure that no matter where you are in the park, you’ll catch a glimpse of the colorful magic.
4. Kaena Point
This one’s for our friends on or visiting Oahu’s west side! Kaena Point is known for its popular and accessible hiking trail, but did you know it’s also one of the best places to catch the sunset? Here’ you’ll find enchanting blue waters and unique tidepools in the foreground of your perfect sunset photo.
3. Sunset Beach
Who wouldn’t want to watch the sunset at Oahu’s Sunset Beach? As its name implies, Sunset Beach consistently delivers some of the best ocean views as the sun sinks beneath the shoreline. You’ll want to arrive early, because this popular destination gets busy fast!
2. Waikiki Beach
If you’re staying in Waikiki and can’t make the drive elsewhere, don’t worry—Waikiki Beach has got you covered. Here you’ll find one of the most relaxing ways to end your day in paradise, complete with stunning ocean views and sandy shores. Our tip: hit up the beach to watch the sunset, then close out your evening at Rock-A-Hula, where the spirit of Aloha meets the sparkle of Vegas! The rockin’ show starts at 8PM in the 750-seat Royal Hawaiian Theater.
1. Star of Honolulu
Of all the places to watch the sunset, we like this one the best. Join us aboard the STAR for a memorable evening at sea, where you’ll be treated to gourmet food, live entertainment, smooth sailing, and the best sunset and city lights views on the island.
To book your sunset cruise today, call (808) 983-STAR (7827) or visit StarofHonolulu.com. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!