Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., Royal Star Hawaii, part of Stars of Paradise Tours & Attractions, took delivery of six MCI coaches in November with the remainder of the 12-bus order planned for the first quarter of 2019.

The first delivery includes two 2019 MCI J4500’s with a 60-passenger seating capacity, wheelchair lifts, enhanced sound systems, and an on board lavatory. The other four coaches are 2019 D4505 coaches in the 63-passenger seating configuration including one wheelchair lift. All vehicles are equipped the Cummins/Allison B500 powertrain.

Royal Star uses the J4500 for its deluxe Gold service and the D4505 to offer "smart money” Silver service to provide choice to all Hawaii market segments. The gold and silver service is distinguished through the distinctively different interior and exterior coach colors, including its custom Amaya seats, made-to-order fabric selections, as well as driver uniforms, and for its gold service, they offer guaranteed lavatory on board, mints, and hand towels.

As a subsidiary of Stars of Paradise Tours & Attractions, Royal Star is the leading transportation provider to its parent’s popular tour and entertainment venues including the Star of Honolulu, a 1,500 passenger excursion and sunset dinner cruise vessel, far and away the leader in the Hawaii cruise industry.

Royal Star has recently constructed a modern $2 million maintenance facility at its new Honolulu complex, where MCI provides expert technical assistance and training, keeping Royal Star’s maintenance technicians up-to-date to meet Royal Star’s safety and reliability goals.

Known for its “Aloha on Wheels®” slogan, Royal Star has served Hawaii since 1996 from its headquarters in Honolulu. It claims many firsts, including the state’s first 100% seat-belted fleet, 100% Drive Cam fleet, wheelchair lift services, and guaranteed equipment booking by category with one-hour minimums and clear pricing. About half of the company’s passengers are inbound from Asia, with the rest coming from the mainland U.S., Canada, Europe, and Oceania, as well as local residents.

Stars of Paradise celebrated its 60th anniversary in Honolulu in 2017. In addition to the Star of Honolulu and its Paradise To Go services, Stars of Paradise also operates Dolphin Star cruises and the Island’s popular Rock-A-Hula dinner and show at the Royal Hawaiian Center in the heart of Waikiki. All have been recognized with Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence.