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| Gay Neighbourhoods |
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No one area of Honolulu could be called a gay neighbourhood. However most gay nightlife and activities are at the east end of Waikiki, toward Queen Kapiolani Park. |
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| Events |
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| Best Known For |
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Mahalo, or hang-loose, a laidback Polynesian attitude |
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Beaches, rugged mountains and coral reefs |
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World class surfing |
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| Three Must Dos |
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Enjoy a sunset cocktail hour at Hula’s. |
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Go native – attend a luau, learn to hula or take Hawaiian language lessons. |
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Get wet – go snorkelling, swimming or surfing. |
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| More Local Info |
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| Tips |
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Expect prices, from toothpaste to dining out, to be at least 25% higher than on the mainland. Keep costs down by choosing accommodations with kitchen facilities and visiting the grocery store. |
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The Hawaiian language uses only 12 letters and most place names are in Hawaiian. To avoid confusion with names that sound the same, write down addresses and directions before heading out. |
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Locals enjoy reduced "kama'aina" rates at many establishments and attractions, but you won’t. |
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How To Get There
By Plane
All flights arrive at Honolulu International Airport (airport code HNL) located about 12km southeast of the main tourist area of Waikiki.
Unless you are planning to travel outside Waikiki, you won't need to rent a car. (For a short trip to sights in Honolulu outside Waikiki you can either use public transportation or taxi.) Taxis are available outside the arrivals level of the terminal and it will cost about $40 to get to Waikiki.
The Airport Waikiki Express, the official shuttle to any of the Waikiki hotels, cost $9 one way or $15 round trip. Service is frequent or you can pre-arrange your pickup.
"The Bus" public transit operates from the airport to Waikiki for only $2 and is an option if you're not in any rush to get into town and if you aren't carrying any large bags or backpacks.
By Cruise Ship
Cruises pull into the Honolulu Cruise Terminal at near the Aloha Tower Marketplace in downtown Hawaii. Taxi to Waikiki hotels will cost about $20..
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Gay and Lesbian Options
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This gay owned and operated small hotel is a bit off the beaten path but still close to the beach and the bars. (2551 Cartwright Road) |
Gay Friendly Options
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Aqua Coconut Plaza Hotel - boutique hotel convenient to the Ala Wai Golf Course (450 Lewers Street) |
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Aqua Palms & Spa - boutique property with 3 diamond rating (1850 Ala Moana Boulevard) |
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Breakers Hotel - moderate hotel with kitchenettes, located in revitalized Beachwalk area (250 Beachwalk) |
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Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio - newly renovated superior hotel with modern amenities (2500 Kuhio Avenue) |
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Ilima Hotel - a tourist hotel offering full kitchens and spacious lanais, overlooking Ala Wai Canal (445 Nohonani Street) |
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New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel - located between Waikiki and Diamond Head, this upscale property offers a quiet beachfront setting (2863 Kalakaua Avenue) |
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This condo-style hotel with spacious living, sleeping and kitchen areas is just a block from the heart of Waikiki Beach and close to nightlife. (201 Ohua Avenue) |
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A well-located, boutique hotel with large rooms and private in-room jet spas. A continental breakfast is included. (320 Lewers Street) |
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Pacific Beach Hotel - full-service property with two towers and enormous lobby aquarium (2490 Kalakaua Avenue) |
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Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa - up-market chain property, Hawaiian elegance with full business facilities (2552 Kalakaua Avenue) |
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Waikiki Grand Hotel - formally an Aston, this budget property is the home of Hula’s Bar (134 Kapahulu Avenue) |
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Westin Moana Surfrider - "The First Lady of Waikiki" is a 1901 beachfront landmark that's a luxury option. (2365 Kalakaua Avenue) |
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Cha, Cha, Cha - Mexican food with a Caribbean flair. (342 Seaside Avenue) |
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La Cucaracha - excellent, economical Mexican fare. (2310 Kuhio Avenue) |
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Duke’s - named for surfing legend Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, casual surf and turf, beachfront at Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. (2335 Kalakaua Avenue) |
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Paniolo Grill - up-market concession stand at Queen’s Surf Beach. (2701 Kalakaua Avenue) |
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Rock Island Café - American diner; light meals and Hawaiian memorabilia. (131 Kaiulani Avenue) |
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Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar - all-you-can-eat salad bar and grill-your-own hand-carved steaks and fresh fish, beachfront at Outrigger Reef Hotel (2169 Kalia Road) |
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Tapa’s Restaurant & Lanai Bar - a gay choice, featureing light entrées, salads, sandwiches and, of course, tapas. (407 Seaside Avenue) |
Men
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Angles Waikiki - alternative to Hula’s, overlooking a noisy, busy street (2256 Kuhio Avenue, second floor) |
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Hula’s - Waikiki’s favourite watering hole; views of ocean and Diamond Head (134 Kapahulu Avene, second floor) |
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In Between - small karaoke bar popular with locals (2155 Lau’ula Street, off Kalakaua) |
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Fusion Waikiki - the only real disco in town; opens late (2260 Kuhio Avenue, second floor) |
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Tapa’s Backdoor - karaoke, darts and pool table (407 Seaside Avenue) |
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Venus Nightclub & Lounge - mixed crowd, drag reviews (1349 Kapiolani Boulevard; located just outside of Waikiki proper) |
Women
| Unfortunately there are no women's bars in Honolulu; however Hula's is especially welcoming of lesbians. |
Gay Men
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Backseat Betty’s,- mainstream adult shop with gay section; active video booths (1687 Kapiolani Boulevard) |
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Divine Pleasures - Hawaii’s only adult theater (55 S. Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa) |
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Max’s Gym - fitness equipment, sauna, steam, lockers and private rooms (438 Hobron Lane, fourth floor) |
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Velvet Video - mainstream with gay section; active video booths (2155 Lau’ula St, 2nd floor) |
Other Stuff For Your "To Do" List | |
History and Culture |
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Founded by Charles Bishop upon his wife’s, Princess Bernice Pauahi, death in 1884, the Bishop Museum showcases the finest collection of Polynesian artefacts in the world. You can also learn much about Hawaiian history, including the story of Hawaiian royalty and its European associations. |
A Touch of Royalty |
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The only royal residence on American soil, the Iolani Palace combines Polynesian style with European stately manors. Almost lost due to American attempts to erase all memory of the Hawaiian monarchy, decades of dedicated effort have restored the structure to its former grandeur. Queen Emma’s Summer Palace is a Victorian "cottage" operated by the monarchist Daughters of Hawaii. |
Getting Religion |
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Visit the Mission Houses Museum in Honolulu with three of the oldest preserved buildings in the state. The Mormon Laie Temple on the northeast coast is one of two in the islands; beware efforts to be introduced to the book of Mormon. The neighbouring church-owned Polynesian Cultural Center, with its Disneyesque depictions of island life, is more spectacle than educational. |
Fitness |
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If you’re not getting enough exercise by swimming, surfing and shopping, you can still hit the gym. Max’s Gym (444 Hobron Lane), which is also a bath house, has decent equipment. For a full workout opt for 24 Hour Fitness with at their Waikiki location. |
Beach |
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Head for Queen’s Surf Beach, located toward Diamond Head and opposite Queen Kapiolani Park. You’re away from the crowds of Waikiki proper and there are both public showers and a better than average food concession. To surf head to any of a number of beaches on the north shore of the island. |
Nude Beach |
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Hawaii state law does not permit clothing optional beaches so be prepared to cover up at the first sign of officialdom. Lighthouse Beach is an easy walk beyond Queen's Surf Beach. It's located off Diamond Head Road just below and to the left of the lighthouse.
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Gay Shopping |
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80% Straight has T-shirts, swimsuits, toys and porn. OverEasy/DownUnder has the clothes but not the toys and porn. If you’re looking for a memento of your visit that includes hints of rainbow, this beats the phalanx of shops elsewhere along the Waikiki strip. |
Souvenir Shopping |
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ABC Stores are everywhere in Waikiki and are a great option for quick snacks, suntan lotion and a six-pack. Save your receipts to redeem for souvenirs. The best scrounging can be had in the International Market Place. For a Hawaiiana extravaganza, Hilo Hattie allows you to outfit the entire crew in matching Aloha shirts or muu muus. . |
Hanauma Bay |
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The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a natural cove, formed from a collapsed volcanic crater, and is home to an incredible variety of tropical sea life. About a half hour drive east from Waikiki, try to arrive early to avoid the crowds. Packaged day trips are available locally, but may not include the $5 entry fee |
Whale Watching |
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Moving up the food chain, Humpback whales come to warm Hawaiian waters to give birth. Whale watching tours operate throughout the islands from September to May, but best viewing is in the winter months. Nearly hunted to extinction, these aquatic goliaths are commemorated at the Great Maui Whale Festival and in the murals of Wayland. |
Eat Like a Local |
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No matter how tacky, everyone should experience a luau. Experiment with poi, try succulent kalua pig (pork cooked in a traditional earth pit oven) and lau lau (beef, pork, chicken or fish steamed in ti leaves). If your taste in kane (men) and wahine (women) tends toward smooth and dark, the floorshow is both athletic and erotic. Go with the flow, and swallow your pride, if you’re invited onstage to demonstrate the hula. |
The Pacific Theatre |
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Hawaii is dotted with physical reminders of war and geopolitical struggle. The greatest of these was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, remembered at the USS Arizona Memorial. The Punchbowl Cemetery, in its peaceful setting overlooking the city, is the final resting place of over 33,000 military personnel. Little remains of Fort DeRussy in Waikiki, except a public park of the same name and the US Army Museum. |
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