A gay paradise in the Pacific
Gay Neighbourhood
- 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.
Events
- Aloha White Party - February
- Honolulu Pride - June
Best Known For
- Mahalo, or hang-loose, a laidback Polynesian attitude
- Beaches, rugged mountains and coral reefs
- World class surfing
Three Must Dos
- Enjoy a sunset cocktail hour at Hula's.
- Go native - attend a luau, learn to hula or take Hawaiian language lessons.
- Get wet - go snorkelling, swimming or surfing.
More Local Info
- Odyssey Magazine
- Gay Hawaii
- Visit Oahu
- Hawaii Tourism
Tips
- 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.
- 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.
- Locals enjoy reduced "kama'aina" rates at many establishments and attractions, but you won't.
What else do you want to know about Honolulu?
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 transportationor 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.
Where To Stay
Gay and Lesbian Options
- The Cabana at Waikiki -
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
- Aqua Palms & Spa - boutique property with 3 diamond rating (1850 Ala Moana Boulevard)
- Breakers Hotel - moderate hotel with kitchenettes, located in revitalized Beachwalk area (250 Beachwalk)
- Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio - newly renovated superior hotel with modern amenities (2500 Kuhio Avenue)
- Ilima Hotel - a tourist hotel offering full kitchens and spacious lanais, overlooking Ala Wai Canal (445 Nohonani Street)
- New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel - located between Waikiki and Diamond Head, this upscale property offers a quiet beachfront setting (2863 Kalakaua Avenue)
- ResortQuest at the Waikiki Banyan -
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)
- ResortQuest Waikiki Circle Hotel - modest retro property overlooking Waikiki beach (2464 Kalakaua Avenue)
- ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Resort- strong Hawaiian themed midrange property with unique pool deck continental breakfast (2570 Kalakaua Avenue)
- Pacific Beach Hotel - full-service property with two towers and enormous lobby aquarium (2490 Kalakaua Avenue)
- Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa - up-market chain property, Hawaiian elegance with full business facilities (2552 Kalakaua Avenue)
- Waikiki Grand Hotel - formally an Aston, this budget property is the home of Hula's Bar (134 Kapahulu Avenue)
- Westin Moana Surfrider - "The First Lady of Waikiki" is a 1901 beachfront landmark that's a luxury option. (2365 Kalakaua Avenue)