Clarke's unbeaten 101 from 66 balls on Friday at the MCG, with nine fours and four sixes, is also the first ton of the 12th BBL season.
He passed his previous BBL best of 85 with a towering six off Nathan Ellis and belted another six off Ellis in the last over to move to 99, reaching his century on the next delivery.
The English import made the Hurricanes pay dearly for dropping him in the opening over, when Shadab Khan grassed a hot chance at short third man off Joel Paris' bowling when Clarke had made just one run.
The Stars used their first home game of the season to honour their key foundation player Shane Warne.
The cricketing legend, whose favourite number was 23, was given a standing ovation after the 23rd ball of the game.
The Stars have also retired his No.23 shirt.
After winning the toss in their season-opening game, the Hurricanes were on the back foot for much of the Stars innings and lacked polish in the field.
Clarke and Tom Rogers (20) gave the Stars a quick start with 54 in 5.4 overs and Melbourne were 1-82 halfway through the innings.
Beau Webster's cameo knock of 24 featured a monster six that reached the third tier of the grandstand at square leg.
But when he was dismissed and Paddy Dooley bowled big-hitting allrounder Marcus Stoinis for a duck in the 13th over, the Stars were stalling at 3-106.
Clarke and Hilton Cartwright (17) then put on a quick-fire 57 that ensured the Hurricanes would have a big run chase.
Captain and wicketkeeper Matthew Wade ran out Nick Larkin with a sharp throw in the last over.
Riley Meredith took 2-38 from his four overs.
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