Mystery solved: Who owns the $350M superyacht spotted around Hawaii?

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A large, luxury yacht owned by a Japanese billionaire has been traveling around the islands over the past few days, leaving a trail of curiosity in its wake.

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“I’d be curious to see what they’re doing here,” visitor Ted Reddy said after seeing the ship in waters off Maili Tuesday.

Ewa Beach resident Dustin Caulk, who was at the same beach as Reddy, added, “Just noticed it not that long ago and was wondering why it’s here.”

After the vessel was seen in Waikiki Monday, many wondered where the yacht has been and who it belongs to.

“At first, I thought it was a military vehicle,” Reddy said.

Multiple boating websites reported the vessel is the 375-foot German-made yacht Nausicaa, owned by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, a fashion entrepreneur and art collector.

The Nausicaa is one of the largest yachts in the world, with a price tag rumored at upwards of $350 million.

The giant in the water is outfitted with nine cabins, an infinity pool and jacuzzi on its aft deck, as well as a helipad on the bridge deck.

Before the vessel headed to Oahu, Molokai residents spotted the Nausicaa off Kamiloloa on Sunday morning.

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“My wife woke me up. She was like, ‘Oh, you need to come outside and see this,’” Molokai resident Kenny Adachi said.

Several on the Friendly Isle were concerned the boat could pose a threat for the island’s fragile marine life.

“We’ll get defensive about it because there’s a lot of people here who still live off of the land, off of the ocean,” Adachi added.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources told Hawaii News Now: “At the time of this report, the DLNR is not aware of any reports of the vessel conducting charters or breaking any state regulations.”

Reddy and Caulk admired the vessel from shore.

“I’d like to take a ride on it,” Reddy said.

Caulk said, “Not really sure why it’s here or what it’s doing, but I think it’s a nice boat.”

The boat remains on the move, traveling through Hawaii waters without staying in one area for long.

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