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/.
Heading to Hawaii this summer? We’ve got your list for top activities to enjoy this season with the whole family! From ship to shore, we have you covered. Check out our list of top 6 activities to do during your summer on Oʻahu.
1. North Shore
About an hour away from Waikīkī is the North Shore, which is home to the quaint town of Haleiwa where visitors can shop and eat like a local. Take a drive along the northern coast and you’ll see some of the best beaches the island has the offer with calm waves that offer perfect swimming conditions during the summer! Take a tour of this scenic coast from the comfort and convenience of a Royal Star Hawaii private luxury SUV.
2. Dolphin Watch
Take the whole family to spot wild dolphins as they jump and play along the Waianae coast. Dolphin Star, O‘ahu’s largest dolphin vessel, offers a great dolphin watch cruise with certified Naturalists who educate guests about Hawaii’s beautiful marine animals.
3. Sunset Cruise
For a fun tropical evening on the water, book a sunset cruise off the shores of Waikīkī ! Star of Honolulu offers various cruise packages, including its Pacific Star Sunset Buffet & Show cruise, which features a buffet dinner with a roast beef carving station, complimentary E Komo Mai Tai and Polynesian show.
4. Pearl Harbor
Explore some of Oahu’s most historic landmarks, including the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument with the Arizona Memorial, Punchbowl National Cemetery and Downtown Honolulu. To explore the Arizona Memorial & downtown Honolulu, Royal Star Hawaii offers a tour for a great value!
5. Luau & Show
For the ultimate Hawaiian experience, dine under the stars in our cabana with an upscale island luau buffet. Guests will be treated to Hawaiian entertainment during the luau. Then, they will enjoy Waikiki’s biggest show, Rock-A-Hula, complete with hula, fire knife dancing and legendary performances! Our premier theater is located at the Royal Hawaiian Center, where our guests can escape in the heart of Waikiki.
6. Iolani Palace
A living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity and registered National Historic Landmark, Iolani Palace is the only official royal residence in the United States. Walk through the halls of the Palace, and get transported back into Hawaiian history when King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, ruled the Kingdom of Hawaii. When you choose to Create Your Own Tour with Royal Star Hawaii, you can personalize your visit of this historic site in one of their luxury vehicles.
Read more about Jennifer’s experience on the Star of Honolulu! For more information or to book a Whale Watch Cruise today, call (808) 983-7827 or visit www.starofhonolulu.com.