Star of Honolulu Cruise

Renowned as one of the most distinguished cruise ships, the Star of Honolulu boasts a legacy that spans decades. Its iconic presence in the Honolulu skyline beckons travelers seeking a premium nautical experience. Join us as we unravel the magic of this maritime gem and help you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your next adventure.

Since its modest inception in 1957, Star of Honolulu Cruises has evolved into a multifaceted entity, setting the standard for premium experiences in Hawaii. Initially operating two small vessels for Pearl Harbor excursions, the company underwent a transformative phase in 1981 when the current management team joined. Faced with a competitive landscape of over 15 companies offering basic dinner cruises, Star of Honolulu Cruises aimed to stand out by introducing the pioneering concept of a high-quality “Experience of Aloha.” This commitment to excellence materialized in 1992 with the launch of the “Royal Sunset” dinner cruise and the construction of the 1,500-passenger “Star of Honolulu,” the largest dinner cruise vessel in Hawaii, featuring A.D.A. compliant facilities, designer interiors, and customizable banquet spaces.

Expanding its scope, the company established Paradise Kitchen in 1996, producing over 500,000 meals annually and ensuring quality across various culinary offerings. In the same year, Royal Star Hawaii Motorcoach Tours & Destination Services was created, securing a reputation for punctuality, safety features, and top-notch visitor experiences, including tours to the Arizona Memorial and USS Battleship Missouri.

Subsequent ventures include the inception of Paradise Imaging in 2004. The launch of Rock-A-Hula in 2011 brought a new dimension to entertainment, with Waikiki’s largest Hawaiian dinner show. In 2017, responding to demand, Paradise To-Go Entertainment was created, offering premium off-site entertainment for private events.

This majestic vessel of grand proportions, spans 232 feet in length and 45 feet in width, comprising four spacious decks that collectively accommodate up to 1,500 passengers. Ensuring utmost safety, the crew is lifeguard-certified, and the ship boasts the distinction of being Hawaii’s only ADA-compliant vessel, equipped with two elevators for accessibility. Beyond safety measures, the Star of Honolulu prioritizes comfort, featuring three types of stabilizers for the smoothest ride—utilizing a deep vee hull, anti-roll chocks, and watts-type stabilizers. With a focus on providing an unparalleled experience, the ship offers the most spacious and panoramic views, boasting a 60-foot high observation deck and four walk-around decks. The vessel houses six exquisitely decorated dining rooms, ballrooms, and lounges, creating the perfect setting for private dining functions. Additionally, the Star of Honolulu sets itself apart with state-of-the-art facilities, including sound systems, bars, and restrooms on all decks, as well as onboard culinary facilities that ensure an exceptional dining experience at sea.

Indulge in an unforgettable dining and entertainment experience aboard the Star of Honolulu Cruise, where you can choose from four distinct options tailored to your preferences. The Five Star Dinner offers a luxurious 5-course gourmet feast featuring lobster and USDA Prime tenderloin of beef, accompanied by a welcome reception, hula performance, live jazz, and a private table in the exclusive Nova Room. The Three Star Dinner offers a 5-course package with whole Maine lobster and tenderloin, while the Star Dinner offers a casual 3-course package with Canadian snow crab legs, beef tenderloin, and BBQ chicken. The Pacific Star Package offers a Pacific Rim buffet dinner with a roast beef carving station, a Mai Tai welcome, and an authentic Polynesian performance. Add-ons like the Celebration Plan or Reception Plan can elevate the experience, ensuring cherished memories during the cruise.

Traveler’s Note: Please note that cruise packages are subject to change without prior notice. For the latest information on available packages and schedules, check our tour page.

Star of Honolulu offers themed cruises for special occasions, including Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and New Year’s Eve.

For Valentine’s Day, choose from Pacific Star, Star, Three Star, or Nova Five Star cruises, each featuring a gourmet dinner and premium live entertainment. Enjoy menus like Alaea Salt Crusted USDA Prime Roast Beef and Fish of the Day with Coconut Curry Sauce. Enjoy casual Cocktail Sunset and music Cruise or luxurious Nova Five Star and Celebration cruises during the Fourth of July with breathtaking views and Hawaiian entertainment. For Mother’s Day, treat your loved ones to the Champagne Star Sunset Dinner Cruise, featuring a 3-course meal and exclusive enhancements. For Father’s Day, enjoy the Sunset Buffet Cruise with a bountiful Pacific Rim Dinner. Finally, ring in the New Year with style on the Cocktail New Year’s Eve Cruise, featuring champagne toast, live Hawaiian entertainment, and fireworks views.

Cruise aboard Hawaii’s largest vessel, designed for optimal whale encounters with high-tech stabilizers, four walk-around decks, and a 60-foot high observation deck. The experienced captains and knowledgeable naturalists provide fascinating insights into Humpback whales and Hawaii’s marine wildlife. Departing from Aloha Tower Marketplace, just 15 minutes from Waikiki, the Whale Watch runs from January through March 2024. A whale sighting is guaranteed during this season, or you’ll cruise again (optional transportation available). For early risers, the Early Bird Whale Watch Cruise offers the best value, allowing families to bring kids for free. The cruise runs from 8:45 AM to 10:45 AM, ensuring an extraordinary morning filled with whale sightings. Enhance your experience with optional add-ons, such as onboard snacks and drinks, round-trip transportation from Waikiki, or a memory photo to commemorate this unique adventure.

• Exceptional Service: The Star of Honolulu prides itself on its professional and courteous crew, ensuring a pleasant and memorable experience for all guests.
• Variety of Packages: With a range of cruise packages, the Star of Honolulu caters to a variety of preferences, budgets, and special occasions.
• Spectacular Views: Arguably the cruise’s biggest draw is the unrivaled opportunity to witness Hawaii’s stunning coastal scenery and unforgettable sunsets.

• Cost: While the Star of Honolulu offers a truly unique experience, it may not suit those on a tight budget due to the relatively high ticket prices.
• Limited Destinations: The cruise operates exclusively around Honolulu, which might be a drawback for those desiring a broader exploration of the Hawaiian archipelago.
• Weather-Dependent: As an outdoor activity, the cruise experience can be significantly influenced by the weather, which can be unpredictable at times.

One of the most compelling ways to gauge the magnificence of the Star of Honolulu Cruise is to hear directly from those who have experienced it first-hand. In this section, we present a collection of customer reviews and testimonials. These reviews offer insights into what makes the Star of Honolulu Cruise a must-do for any Hawaiian vacation.

“Professional, courteous, clean, and food was a great experience of a lifetime. good. Entertainment and everything above and beyond approach.” – Reviewed by: Robert Riggin, 2023/11/25

“The perfect sunset cruise! Beautiful view of Honolulu. Great buffet and a great crew. Great live music and Luau performance. Nice experience to share with family and friends. Dinner food was superb also, you get a free drink (Mai Tai) in the house. The top deck is a great spot for pictures and videos of sunset and Waikiki Beach. We had such a great time.” – Reviewed by: Juan Alvarado, 2023/10/22

“The food, service, and entertainment were very good. The trip was organized well. Very clean facility and the experience was so enjoyable. We loved the sunset and fireworks while onboard. We’d take friends along on another cruise in the future. This is a great idea for special occasions.” – Reviewed by: K.F.E., 2023/08/27

See More: Star of Honolulu Sunset Dinner Cruise Reviews

Embrace the warm hospitality and vibrant culture that make the islands unique. Relish the gourmet cuisine, indulge in exciting onboard activities, or simply unwind, soaking in the scenic beauty that unfolds around you. The cruise epitomizes the spirit of the islands, providing an immersive experience that lingers long after the journey ends. Star of Honolulu Cruise promises a voyage filled with discovery, relaxation, and unparalleled enjoyment. Allow us to set the stage for your unforgettable Hawaiian adventure!