Keep Reading: New GILLIG Battery Electric Buses Arrive Across Hawaiian Islands
Royal Star Hawaii Invests Over $4 Million in New Vehicles
Ahead of a milestone anniversary, see how the company is scaling up capacity and amenities to keep pace with a growing customer base.
December 4, 2025
Royal Star Hawaii aims to uphold high standards in the state’s transportation industry as it celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.
Photo: Royal Star Hawaii
2 min to read
In a move to expand its transportation services in Hawai‘i, Royal Star Hawaii recently announced a $4 million investment in 10 brand-new vehicles. Serving the Aloha State since 1996, the company offers a 100% seat-belted, REI five-point onboard video/GPS fleet.
The brand-new vehicles, which are scheduled for delivery by January 2026, include:
Six MCI motorcoaches.
Two Temsa motorcoaches.
Two Ford 14-passenger vans.
The new additions bring Royal Star Hawaii’s fleet to 57 vehicles, which, according to a company release, is the “largest and newest on Oahu.”
“We’re excited and honored to see such strong demand,” said Rodney Schultz, general manager of Royal Star Hawaii. “It’s a testament to our team’s dedication to delivering ‘Aloha on Wheels’ and the loyalty of our customers.”
Expanding Fleet for Premium and Group Travel
The investment responds to steadily increasing demand for Royal Star Hawaii’s popular Silver and Deluxe Gold service categories, offering transportation for school and sports groups, wedding parties, airport shuttles, and special events. The Deluxe Gold category caters to guests seeking a “premium travel experience, offering enhanced comfort and amenities.”
The new additions bring Royal Star Hawaii’s fleet to 57 vehicles.
Photo: Royal Star Hawaii
According to Ron Howard, president of Royal Star Hawaii, the new 65-seat MCI motor coaches are specially designed for the "Silver" category, focused on cost-effective shuttle and group movements, "hence the larger capacity."
The 34-seat TEMSA equipment is custom designed for the "Gold" category with custom interior, on-board restroom, and all amenities. "This category is in very high demand due to the unique motorcoach experience for smaller groups, which is unique on Oahu," Howard said.
The Ford vans are a niche market for Royal Star, complimenting the company's global full-service product line and fleet to "comprehensively meet client needs."
Royal Star Hawaii aims to uphold high standards in the state’s transportation industry as it celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.
"As we enter our 30th year, Royal Star has revolutionized the Hawai‘i transportation business with transparent pricing, on-time guarantee, newest, best equipment, 'Aloha Driven' stellar drivers and clear categories of service," Howard said.
More Management
FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide
See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets
In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit
The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Read More →
Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program
Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone
NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →
California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
Read More →