What's it really like?
Hawaii is on top of many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. Stunning beaches, warm, welcoming, and very handsome locals, and tropical temperatures make this destination a must-visit.
Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the capital of Hawaii and home to Waikiki. As the heart of gay Honolulu, the city offers a laid-back yet vibrant gay scene where Hawaiian people warmly embrace all lifestyles.
Lazing around by the pool or on the beach is a favorite pastime for many visitors. The aptly named Queens Surf Beach at the far east of Waikiki Beach is the unofficial gay beach and a popular hotspot in gay Honolulu.
For those who want activities, gay Hawaii has something for everyone. Mountain hikes and bush walks are plentiful for the nature buffs. Honolulu is also a destination for people wishing to visit famous monuments like the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbour.
The gay Honolulu scene isn’t as vibrant as, say, San Francisco or New York, but there are gay bars scattered around the city. From casual meeting places to nightclubs, bars with drag shows, or late-night karaoke, there’s something to cater to everyone’s taste.
Gay-themed events light up the year, with Paradise Pride being the highlight every October in Honolulu. This three-day celebration features epic opening and closing parties, a massive Saturday street parade, and a Sunday pool party. For film lovers, the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival in March is a must-see.
Honolulu has six gay venues catering to all tastes. Whether you’re looking for drag shows, karaoke, underwear parties, or hot guys, wherever you turn, you’ll find it here.
Five of the bars are located in the downtown Waikiki area, and there’s one—Scarlet Honolulu—in Chinatown.
Cover charges are standard in Waikiki, and the average is $20. In Hawaii, you need to be over 21 to go to a bar, and IDs will be checked, especially if you still look twinkly enough. Happy hours are generous, and some last 8 hours.
Honolulu doesn’t have specific gay hotels, but every hotel welcomes travelers of all demographics, and they all respect the value of the ‘pink dollar.’ There’s something for every level of traveler, from shared hostel dorms (a massive market in the USA) right up to luxury absolute beachfront properties.
If you’re heading to gay Honolulu, take advantage of the stunning location and upgrade to a Pacific Ocean view room—it’ll elevate your once-in-a-lifetime stay tenfold.
Unlike other gay bucket-list destinations like Phuket, Bali, or Gran Canaria, most gay Honolulu hotels come with hefty price tags, so plan accordingly. With Waikiki hotels boasting some of the highest year-round occupancy rates in the world, booking well in advance is key to securing your dream stay.
Tours.
Gays and the Law
Same-sex relationships have been a part of Hawaiian culture for centuries. There’s even a term for us called ‘Aikāne.’ Another term, ‘Mahu,’ is the word for the third gender, neither male nor female. Gay Honolulu proudly embraces this rich cultural history, making it a truly inclusive destination.
The laws that cover the rest of the United States apply here. Hawaii was one of the first states to legalize same-sex activities back in 1973. Same-sex marriage was legalized here in 2013. Imagine getting married on Waikiki Beach in the heart of gay Honolulu—now that’s a brilliant idea!
Getting Tested
HIV rates in Hawaii are considerably lower than most states in the US mainland, with an average of 50 new cases a year. While HIV levels are down, other STIs — chlamydia in particular — are up, so be mindful of that if you’re planning to make some new friends while you’re here.
The Diamond Head Health Centre offers free STI/HIV testing in a non-discriminatory environment; all nationalities are welcome, and bookings are essential. If, for whatever reason, you may need PEP, any hospital emergency department can take care of you.
Local Neighhorhoods
Gay Honolulu Areas: The Waikiki district of Honolulu is where most hotels, restaurants, and bars are. At two miles long and half a mile wide, you could walk around the entire neighborhood in under 2 hours. The major attractions are just outside this area, and jumping in a taxi and sightseeing is easy.
The main drag of Waikiki, Kuhio Avenue, is just over 1 mile long, and most of the nightlife happens around the International Marketplace on this road. Bar-hopping is a popular pastime, and you could visit all of them in one (long) night.
Downtown gay Honolulu is the business district, but it’s also home to Scarlet Honolulu, voted the best LGBTQIA+ bar in Hawaii. Think tacky tiki with a gay frat boy vibe.
As we mentioned, the unofficial gay beach in gay Honolulu is the Queens Surf Beach. It’s at the east end of Waikiki Beach, at the base of the Diamond Head crater and next door to the Waikiki Aquarium. Named after the Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani, it’s a more secluded section of the main beach and is frequented by speedo-wearing like-minded sun worshippers.
If you feel like a cocktail pre or post-sunbathing, Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand is a Waikiki institution that’s been serving the gay community for over 45 years. It’s conveniently located across the road from the north-east corner of the zoo. Late afternoon is the best time to visit; the view over Diamond Head is spectacular.
Wang Chung’s is another well-known gay bar. It’s unpretentious, the drink prices are cheaper than other bars, and the waiters wear such tight clothes you can see their abs. If karaoke with a neon-anime sounds like your kind of night, you’ll fit right in here.
Currently, there are no saunas or bathhouses in Honolulu. There’s a business opportunity right there!
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