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. While slightly more laid back than the mainland, there is a gay scene here, and Hawaiian people embrace people from 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.
For those who want activities, 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 scene in Honolulu 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.
There are gay-themed events throughout the year, but Paradise Pride is the most significant, held in Honolulu every October. It runs for a three-day weekend, including opening and closing parties, a giant street parade on Saturday, and a pool party on Sunday. For the gay cinema lovers out there, the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival is held every March.
Honolulu doesn’t have specific gay-friendly hotels per se, 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 going to fly all the way to Hawaii, take advantage of the location and upgrade to a Pacific Ocean view room. This decision will increase your once-in-a-lifetime stay ten-fold.
Unlike other gay bucket-list destinations like Phuket, Bali, or Gran Canaria, almost all the Honolulu hotels come with hefty price tags, so prepare for that in advance. Waikiki hotels also have some of the highest occupancy rates in the world, year-round, so our advice is to book well ahead to avoid disappointment.
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.
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 — that’s a brilliant idea!
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.
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 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 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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