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
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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:
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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."
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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.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.