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!
It’s that time of year when the kids are heading back to school! Not only does Stars of Paradise offer fun activities and luxury dinner cruises for visitors, but we also aim to promote cultural and marine awareness in Hawaii through our educational cruises.
If you have a school group heading to the islands this year or next year, Stars of Paradise offers educational programs for Continental U.S. schools through the Star of Honolulu, Dolphin Star, Rock-A-Hula and Royal Star Hawaii starting from $49 per person.
Package options include:
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- Star of Honolulu – Groups will enjoy a fun evening aboard the island’s number one cruise with stunning views of the Hawaiian sunset and city lights! Our Pacific Star Sunset Buffet & Show package features a roast beef buffet, non-alcoholic mai tai and a “Polynesian Journey” show.
- Dolphin Star – Aboard our Wild Dolphin Watch BBQ & Snorkel cruise, school groups will experience an exciting dolphin watch, alongside our Naturalist crew as they cruise up the Waianae coast. Students will also enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch and snorkeling at our secret reef spot!
- Rock-A-Hula – Students are sure to enjoy our Luau Buffet & Show complete with a whole roasted luau pig and herb crusted roast beef, non-alcoholic mai tai and premier seats for Waikiki’s biggest show. Our show features a “Hawaiian Journey” from the 1920s to today through captivating music and performances by tribute artists Elvis and Michael Jackson, Hawaii female talent, hula and fire knife dancers and our band! Groups may also purchase our Rockin’ Show.
- Royal Star Hawaii – We offer an Arizona Memorial & City Tour for school groups to experience historic Hawaii landmarks. Join us in visiting the number ONE attraction on Oahu – the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument with Arizona Memorial. Plus, enjoy the Punchbowl National Cemetery (the “Arlington of the Pacific”) and historic downtown Honolulu sites, including the State Capitol building, King Kamehameha Statue, Iolani Palace and Kawaiahao Church (Hawaii’s Westminster Abbey). Groups may also book the upgraded tour package that includes a visit to the USS Missouri.
School group specials are offered for the Star of Honolulu and Rock-A-Hula. Groups may take advantage of a 10 percent discount with over 30 guests, plus one free chaperone ticket per 50 students. For more information or to fill out an application, visit StarofHonolulu.com/school-groups/.
If you’re seeking a unique event on O‘ahu that captures the essence of Hawaii’s culture, check out the 2018 Aloha Festivals taking place throughout the month of September!
Here’s a schedule of the Aloha Festivals events and activities for you to enjoy.
- Saturday, September 1 – Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony
4:00 p.m. Investiture and 5:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony
The Royal Hawaiian Resort, Royal Grove & Royal Hawaiian Center
To kick off the festivities, the Aloha Festivals Royal Court will be introduced on the grounds of Helumoa, originally home to Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. At the ceremony, the king, queen, prince and princess will take their place on the royal court. The Alii court members are given their royal cloaks, helmets, head feather lei and other symbols of their reign. Accompanying the ceremony will be traditional hula and chants. - Saturday, September 15 – Keiki Ho‘olaule‘a
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pearlridge Center (Uptown)
Celebrate the Festival with two days of free activities, demonstrations, performances and much more for kids and their families. - Saturday, September 22 – 66th Annual Waikiki Ho‘olaule‘a
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Kalākaua Avenue
Experience Hawaii’s largest annual block party – the Waikiki Ho‘olaule‘a! The event highlights local food, crafts, music and entertainment right in the heart of Waikiki. - Saturday, September 29 – 72nd Annual Floral Parade
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Kalākaua Avenue
The Aloha Festivals culminates with the annual floral parade from Ala Moana Beach Park to Kapiolani Park, featuring a colorful procession of horseback riders, performances and floats covered with beautiful Hawaiian flowers.
For more information, visit www.alohafestivals.com.
In May, the event of Hawaii Island’s Kilauea volcano eruption made worldwide news, and our hearts truly go out to those impacted.
While some potential visitors may worry to visit the islands due to the volcanic eruptions on Hawaiʻi Island (also known as the Big Island), the crews of Star of Honolulu and Dolphin Star assure you that we are safe and continue to operate our daily cruises on the island of Oʻahu, which is nearly 200 miles from Big Island.
The impact of the Kilauea eruption is limited to a small corner of the Big Island and you can comfortably and safely travel to Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, Kauaʻi and even Big Island without being impacted by the volcano.
Come and experience the Star of Honolulu and Dolphin Star, Where Fun Begins®!
Didn’t get a chance to experience our Independence Day cruise and view the 4th of July fireworks show? Don’t fret! When you join us aboard Star of Honolulu on Fridays, we stay out on the water for an extra hour to view the spectacular Waikiki fireworks display!
Choose from any of our packages, and you’ll be treated to a delicious dinner, premium beverages, live entertainment, plus breathtaking views of the sunset and Honolulu skyline. End your memorable night with the most unique view of the Friday fireworks off the shores of Waikiki. Our award-winning vessel features a 60-feet high observation sun deck, offering the perfect spot for viewing the amazing views and fireworks show.
To book your Friday Fireworks cruise today, call (808) 983-STAR (7827) or visit StarofHonolulu.com.
Maita’i, which means “good” in the Tahitian language, lends its name to the rum-based drink, Mai Tai. Victor J. Bergeron of Trader Vic’s is said to have invented the drink, and today the Mai Tai is a popular beverage across the islands!
Here’s what you need to make your own basic Mai Tai:
- 1 1/2 oz White rum
- 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz Orange curacao
- 1/2 oz Orgeat syrup
- 3/4 oz Dark rum
Now, shake all ingredients except the dark rum together in a mixer with ice. Strain into a glass over ice, and float the dark rum onto the top. Finally, garnish with lime peel and a pineapple spear, and you’ve got yourself a homemade Mai Tai!
Crafted from premium rums and a hit of fruit, this tropical cocktail has many variations, and you can taste a few of them with us at Stars of Paradise:
- Star of Honolulu – Star Signature Mai Tai
- Dolphin Star – Blue Dolphin
- Rock-A-Hula – E Komo Mai Tai
Heading across the Pacific Ocean this Fourth of July? We’re sharing our top Independence Day picks for the entire family!
1. Aloha Tower – Join Star of Honolulu as we set sail off the shores of Waikiki for incredible ocean views of the best fireworks show on Oahu! Take in the gorgeous Hawaiian sunset and Honolulu city lights and savor a gourmet dinner, all while relaxing to the sounds of our live entertainment on our award-winning vessel.
2. Kewalo Basin – Looking for a more casual and comfortable setting on the Fourth of July? Celebrate red, white and blue with cocktails and fireworks aboard the Dolphin Star island catamaran! Catch 360° views of the spectacular fireworks display from the ocean and enjoy a champagne toast, premium dry snacks and live Hawaiian entertainment.
3. Ala Moana Center – Hawaii’s largest shopping mall has been hosting its Independence celebration for over 25 years! On July 4th at 8:30 p.m. at Ala Moana Beach Park, enjoy the breathtaking fireworks display, which attracts countless visitors and locals each year.
4. Kailua Town – Head to Oahu’s windward side for fun Independence Day festivities! Every year, the quaint town of Kailua celebrates the Fourth of July with a spectacular fireworks show and a unique “twilight air show” performed by local pilots!
Did you know Lei Day is a statewide celebration in Hawaii? On every May 1 since 1928, people in the Aloha State pay homage to Hawaiian culture and the aloha spirit with traditional flower lei. Here’s a list of our top five favorite lei!
- Orchid – While this is the lei most people are familiar with, did you know there are many variations of orchid lei? The most common is the purple orchid, which visitors may receive upon arrival in Hawaii, and they also come in jade and white. ʻOkika (orchid) can be fashioned into different styles of lei including the ‘Butterfly,’ ‘Christina’ and much more!
- Tuberose – The sweet-scented Hawaiian tuberose flower, or kupaloke, is small and white. When strung together, especially with multiple strands or incorporated with small rose buds, they make for a beautiful and especially fragrant lei.
- Pikake – Otherwise known as jasmine, pikake is another flower with a strong yet sweet scent. This fragile, elegant bud was Princess Kaiulani’s favorite flower and is said to have been named after her pet peacocks that lived in her garden!
- Maile – Maile is the lei of choice for men in Hawaii. It is made of maile leaves woven together, and is most commonly worn open-ended. Throughout Hawaiian history, it was known as the “royal” lei because it was traditionally worn by aliʻi (Hawaiian monarchs). Today, it is worn by grooms, kahuna (priests) and even used during blessing ceremonies.
- He’e Berry – This lei style is very durable, and can last for up to four days! Its name translates to ‘octopus’ in Hawaiian, for its tentacle-like appearance in the way it grows on branches. He’e berry lei are typically woven with ti leaves or tuberose for a more unique look.
Show Mom your appreciation for her with a luxurious brunch off the shores of Waikiki by taking her on our exclusive Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Cruise!
We’re celebrating all mothers with a relaxing and family-friendly voyage that will depart from Aloha Tower Marketplace. Your entire ‘ohana (family) will enjoy this scenic cruise, while moms enter to win special door prizes, including cruise and dinner show tickets, chocolates, rose bouquets, and much more. Families will also savor our delicious Taste of Hawaii Buffet, which offers local favorites such as Alaea Sea Salt Roast Beef carved onboard, a dessert and coffee station, complimentary sparkling champagne toast and even a Mother’s Day cake!
In addition, everyone will enjoy our live Hawaiian entertainment and cultural activities like lei making and hula lessons, as well as stunning views of the Honolulu coastline.
For more information, call (808) 983-STAR (7827) or visit https://www.starofhonolulu.com/mothers-day-brunch-cruise-honolulu-booking/.