From Alaska to Aloha: Welcoming the Humpbacks to Maui

January 21, 2026

  The winter air on Maui carries a certain magic this time of year. If you look closely at the horizon, you’ll see the telltale mist of a spout or the sudden, magnificent splash of a breach. Whale season has officially arrived, and with Island Star, we are honored to share our front-row seats with you.

The Incredible Journey

  Every year, the North Pacific Humpback whales (koholā) travel over 3,000 miles of open ocean to reach us. They leave their nutrient-rich feeding grounds in Alaska to spend their winters in the warm, shallow, and protected waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Maui Nui, the waters surrounding Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, serves as a primary sanctuary. Here, they mate, give birth, and nurse their young calves, teaching them the skills they need before the long journey back north.

When to See Them

While the first scouts often arrive in November, the season truly flourishes from December through April.

  • Peak Season: February and March offer the highest density of sightings.
  • The Departure: By May, most of our giant friends have begun their trek back to Alaskan waters to feed.


A Maritime Perspective

   There is no better way to experience the scale and grace of these 40-ton wonders than from the deck of a luxury sailing yacht. Away from the crowds of larger tour boats, the Island Star offers a quiet, intimate environment. Because we are a sailing vessel, we can often glide through the water with minimal engine noise, allowing you to truly hear the whales breathe and, if the conditions are right, hear their haunting songs through the hull.

*Header image courtesy of J. Moore/NOAA; captured under NOAA permit #14682.

Ghostly Warriors of Hawaiʻi: The Legend of the Night Marchers

October 18, 2025
Halloween is just around the corner, and as the veil between worlds grows thin, it’s the perfect time to explore one of Hawaiʻi’s most haunting legends. The islands are rich with moʻolelo, traditional stories that blend history, spirituality, and mystery. Among the many spooky tales whispered across Hawaiʻi, none capture the imagination quite like the legend of the Night Marchers, or Huakaʻi Pō. Who Are the Night Marchers? According to legend, the Night Marchers are the restless spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors. On certain moonlit nights, they march along old pathways from mountain ridges to coastal plains, escorting the spirits of aliʻi (chiefs) or reenacting ancient processions. Witnesses describe the eerie beat of drums, the flicker of torches through the mist, and rhythmic chanting carried on the wind. Island Variations Each island carries its own version of the legend. On Oʻahu, the marchers are said to travel through valleys like Nuʻuanu and Mānoa. On Kauaʻi, stories tell of torchlit lines crossing cliffs and ridges. On Hawaiʻi Island, the processions are often tied to lava fields and ancient battle sites. Even Maui has whispers of its own trails where drums might echo on still nights. These variations show how the legend is rooted in the land itself, shaped by local geography and memory. What To Do If You Encounter Them If you happen upon the Night Marchers, the only safe response is to lie face down, eyes to the ground, and remain still. It’s not fear that keeps people cautious, but respect. These spirits are considered powerful and sacred—embodiments of Hawaiʻi’s deep connection to ancestry and place. Their stories remind us that the past still walks beside us, especially on nights when the moonlight and the mana feel strong. Explore More Hawaiian Ghost Stories If this story sparks your curiosity for Hawaiʻi’s spooky side, there are many books and collections that share tales like this—equal parts ghost story and cultural treasure. Here are a few to check out: Hawaiian Legends of Ghosts and Ghost-Gods by W. D. Westervelt The Legend of Morgan’s Corner and Other Ghost Stories of Hawaiʻi by Lopaka Kapanui Haunted Hawaiian Nights by Lopaka Kapanui The Secret Obake Casebook: Tales from the Dark Side of the Cabinet by Glen Grant Obake: Ghost Stories in Hawaiʻi by Glen Grant Mahalo for supporting local! As Halloween approaches and the trades carry a chill through the palms, remember to tread lightly, listen closely, and show respect for the stories that have lived here far longer than any of us.

Why Dry Dock Matters: A Maui Sailboat in Kona

September 30, 2025
Every so often, even the most seaworthy vessel needs a little time ashore. This fall, Island Star made the trip over to Kona for two weeks of dry dock. It’s a chance to give her some love, keep her safe, and make sure she’s ready for many more miles under sail. Led by our main captain, Bryan, the crew rolled up their sleeves and got to work.