LGBTQ Hawaii Travel Guide
Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Honolulu Hawaii - the "Pink Palace of the Pacific"
LGBTQ Honolulu Travel Guide
Pan Am's Honolulu service commenced in 1935
Amazing views can be enjoyed at the legendary LGBTQ institution Hulas, one of America's oldest gay bars.
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A Guide to Gay Honolulu Warm and welcoming, the Hawaiian Islands are the perfect destination for LGBTQ travelers. It's the ultimate spot for an unforgettable gay honeymoon. Spectacular scenery and breathtaking sunsets set the mood for romance.
If you're looking to hit the beach or some sites during the day, and indulge in some nightlife after, definitely base yourself in the Waikiki section of Honolulu. A stay here is more affordable than you might think do the the wide range of hotels here. There's plenty of history, Hawaiian and American, to check out in Honolulu. Most prominent are Pearl Harbor and the Iolani Palace, home of the Hawaiian monarchy. A very hot dining scene has evolved in hip Honolulu as of late. The food is reflective of the confluence of cultures that call Hawaii home, with a dash of Cali or Asia tossed in. Creative young chefs have opened restaurants along side the established icons of Pacific cuisine. Even local restaurants serve up exciting combinations sure to tease your palate. And you'll find them in all price ranges. When the sun goes down, Honolulu can definitely hold its own in the gay nightlife department. Waikiki is home to Hula's, one of Americas oldest gay bars. Open at Noon, the breezy setting affords great views of Diamond Head and the beach. Hula's also sponsors an LGBTQ catamaran sailing each Saturday afternoon. A great way to meet fellow gay travelers. (tickets here) Honolulu's welcoming Aloha Bears social group also sponsor all sorts of fun outdoor activities. They also operate a monthly Bear Catamaran Cruise that books early. Chinatown is a must visit for creative dining and nightlife. The travel site TripSavvy.com wrote and excellent article on Chinatown which you can read HERE. If you can time your vacation accordingly, don't miss First Fridays in Chinatown. It's a very popular art walk and street party that brings out lot's of Honolulu locals. Officially it runs from 5 until 9 PM, though partying goes much longer in the local bars. Come weekends you can find drag royalty at Scarlet's on Friday and Saturday nights (show dates and times here), Also popular on weekends are gay club nights, and lively LGBTQ pool parties at various hotels. The definitive sources for everything LGBTQ in Honolulu and gay pool party tickets is the GayIslandGuide.com , |
LGBTQ Oahu Travel Guide
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Oahu island geography can get confusing for first time visitors.
So just remember this: Waikiki is a district, in the city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. Oahu is home to some jaw dropping scenery, and you should definitely spend a few days checking it out. Many choose to spend their enyire Hawaiian vacation here. Due to expensive parking issues and the availability of a great bus system and ride shares., you definetely don't need a car rental in Honolulu.
When it's time to check out the increduble countryside there are tours of all types, or you can easily rent a car in Honolulu for a couple days. |
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The Ultimate LGBTQ Family Oahu Vacation at Disney's AunlaniThere's some great resorts out on Oahu, but none is more gay friendly than Disney's Aulani. The resort is located 45 minutes
west of Honolulu. Aulani is the ultimate gay family Oahu resort vacation. While Mickey, Minnie, and crew are in residence, the real emphasis is on learning Hawaiian culture. As one would expect from Disney, all of the entertainment is fabulous, and it is included! Keep that in mind when comparing costs. The Aulani Hawaiian resort has one of the best children's programs in the islands, giving parents time to chill at the adults pool. or enjoy a massage at the Aiulani spa. Fun fact, Aulani has a teen's spa. The waterpark here at Aulani is outrageous! Te resort is built facing a protected cove in the Ko Olina complex. Note that you can't buy a day pass here to the waterpark here. Accommodations at Aulani on Oahu consist of hotel rooms or villas, which is Disney speak for 1,2, or 3 bedroom condos equiped with kitchens. If you're planning to spend a lot of time in Honolulu or the eastern shore, you might want to switch to a Waikiki hotel for those days as Honolulu traffic can be a hot mess. Let me plan every detail for a flawless gay family vacation on the exotic island of Oahu! I'll coordinate everything - you just shop for bathing suits! Check out my 5 star reviews here! |
Gay Dads take their kids to Disney's fabulous Aulani Resort on Oahu
45 minutes west of Honolulu |
LGBTQ Maui Travel Guide
While you will find many LGBTQ residents, you don't go to Maui for the nightlife. Maui is the ideal destination for a gay honeymoon. And its perfect for an intimate toes in the sand wedding for just the two of you.
Maui is divided into two parts, West Maui and South Maui. UPDATE 5/26/2024 - Undamaged sections of West Maui are now open to tourism. In fact Maui needs travelers sensitive to recent events. Don not ask residents questions such as were they affected by the fire. Expect staff shortages in small businesses as they ramp up their enterprises. Travel gently.
Know that there is an accute housing shortage in the areas surrounding where the wildfires took place. Many displaced families are living in rentals paid for by the state of Hawaii that would otherwise be occupied by tourists. Rebuilding affordable housing willl take a long time. There is some tension in this section of Maui concerning the importance of the tourism industry vs. the immediate needs of the people who call those lands home.
Most LGBTQ visitors head for South Maui, staying in the towns of Kihei and luxurious Wailea. Kihei is home to lot's of condo complexes in various levels of comfort and décor. Some properties and units are managed far better that others. This is when the experience of a seasoned travel advisor such as myself is invaluable. South Maui was unaffected by fires.
Just below Kihei is one of the world's most stunning luxury resort areas, Wailea. Think manicured lawns and outrageous displays of tropical foliage and flowers. Wailea is paradise for a honeymoon or romantic gateway. While there are no all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii, Maui's sole adult's only resort is located here.
Foodies will love it here. Many top name chefs have outposts in Wailea.. You'll find a wide range of delectable cuisines served in dramatic unforgettable settings. Most resorts provide transportation around Wailea, as the resorts, while not all that far apart, can be a challenge in heals after a few potent mai tai's.
Maui is divided into two parts, West Maui and South Maui. UPDATE 5/26/2024 - Undamaged sections of West Maui are now open to tourism. In fact Maui needs travelers sensitive to recent events. Don not ask residents questions such as were they affected by the fire. Expect staff shortages in small businesses as they ramp up their enterprises. Travel gently.
Know that there is an accute housing shortage in the areas surrounding where the wildfires took place. Many displaced families are living in rentals paid for by the state of Hawaii that would otherwise be occupied by tourists. Rebuilding affordable housing willl take a long time. There is some tension in this section of Maui concerning the importance of the tourism industry vs. the immediate needs of the people who call those lands home.
Most LGBTQ visitors head for South Maui, staying in the towns of Kihei and luxurious Wailea. Kihei is home to lot's of condo complexes in various levels of comfort and décor. Some properties and units are managed far better that others. This is when the experience of a seasoned travel advisor such as myself is invaluable. South Maui was unaffected by fires.
Just below Kihei is one of the world's most stunning luxury resort areas, Wailea. Think manicured lawns and outrageous displays of tropical foliage and flowers. Wailea is paradise for a honeymoon or romantic gateway. While there are no all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii, Maui's sole adult's only resort is located here.
Foodies will love it here. Many top name chefs have outposts in Wailea.. You'll find a wide range of delectable cuisines served in dramatic unforgettable settings. Most resorts provide transportation around Wailea, as the resorts, while not all that far apart, can be a challenge in heals after a few potent mai tai's.
Calming cascading infinity pools are a highlight of the Andaz Maui, just perfect for an LGBTQ honeymoon.
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High up on a hill with splendid views of the Pacific. the adult's only Hotel Wailea is the ultimate romantic Maui resort.
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LGBTQ Kauai Treavel Guide
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Things start up early on Kauai, and businesses and restaurants tend to close earlier than the other Hawaiian out islands. Nightlife revolves around dinner out, or hotel bars where travelers share the tales of their remarkable experiences during their day on Kauai.
While you'll encounter LGBTQ brothers and sisters who have chosen to make this verdant island their home, there are no gay bars here. Kauai's total population only totals around 73,000 residents.. This smallness accounts for much of Kauai's charm. You'll definitely want to get out and check out the jaw dropping scenery unique to Kauai. It only a takes short drive for the geographical variations unfold. Trust me, you'll go on some magical rides. Much of the island is inaccessible by road, There are amazing sightseeing opportunities on a helicopter, plane, or by boat. I have great contacts at the best of them, and can arrange days on Kauai you'll never forget. Advance reservations are a must! Travel worry free. I'll coordinate everything! |
If you only take one helicopter ride in you life.......... |
LGBTQ Big Island Travel Guide (also known as Hawaii Island)
The Big Island is a special place, quite popular with LGBTQ travelers. The Hawaiians have a great deal of respect for the lands and the stars here. Recently the Kilauea volcanoes has been active, which is a sight to see.
Accommodations come in all price ranges, including some of the most luxurious resorts in the Hawaiian Islands for those looking to splurge on a special occasion such as an LGBTQ honeymoon. More reasonable digs can be found in Kailua-Kona, where you'll also find the island's only gay bars. The Mask-Querade and the LGBTQ welcoming. The Royal Kona is a nice 3 star choice, especially if your spring for one of the seafront rooms with the crashing surf a stones throw away. While the Big Island generally requires a car rental, hence the name Big Island, you could base yourself in Kailua-Kona and take some well chosen sightseeing tours, Shameless plug: Paul @ Rainbow Voyages is your go to guy for this (215) 462-2222.
Accommodations come in all price ranges, including some of the most luxurious resorts in the Hawaiian Islands for those looking to splurge on a special occasion such as an LGBTQ honeymoon. More reasonable digs can be found in Kailua-Kona, where you'll also find the island's only gay bars. The Mask-Querade and the LGBTQ welcoming. The Royal Kona is a nice 3 star choice, especially if your spring for one of the seafront rooms with the crashing surf a stones throw away. While the Big Island generally requires a car rental, hence the name Big Island, you could base yourself in Kailua-Kona and take some well chosen sightseeing tours, Shameless plug: Paul @ Rainbow Voyages is your go to guy for this (215) 462-2222.
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Kona Village - a Rosewood Resort - new on the Big Island
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If your seeking luxury and authenticity, the newly openned Kona Villa, a Rosewood Resort, is a hard act to beat in the Hawaiian Islands.
The Kona Village was heavily damaged in the 2011 tsunami. Rosewood did a fantastic job with the restoration. There really is nothing else like it in the Hawaiian Islands. Book with Rainbow Voyages for the best rates and perks. Perfect for an unforgettable honeymoon! |
