Gay Hawaii – Ultimate Travel Guide, Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Activities (Updated 2024)
Gay Friendly Travel Guides 11th Apr, 2023
Gay Hawaii is a U.S. state in the Western United States. It is the only state outside North America, the only state made up completely of islands, and the only state in the tropics.
Gay Hawaii is a popular destination for gay couples wanting to explore and enjoy their intimate times.
Enjoying the beachfront view as well as the water activities with your partner is a great time to do while you are on this island.
You can enjoy gay-friendly nightlife, clubs, bars, resorts, accommodations, and a lot more.
Traveling to Gay Hawaii as a gay couple isn’t a problem as same-sex activity has been legalised since 1973 and Hawaii is also one of the first six states to legalise it.
You might also want to consider marrying in Gay Hawaii, as same-sex marriage has been approved, and the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act, passed in November 2013, allows same-sex couples to marry.
The state has always been recognized for its open-minded attitude and strong family ties, so it’s no wonder that the LGBT community thrives there.
Gay Hawaii will captivate you and your partner with its stunning scenery, delectable cuisine, and welcoming people, and you will not be disappointed with your time spent here.
If you are thinking about going somewhere else you can try other Gay Travel Guides.
Remember to always check out the latest rules and restrictions before you leave.
Gay Scene in Hawaii
Since same-sex activity has been legalized in Hawaii, gay couples will never have a problem traveling in this state as locals are overwhelmingly open-minded and have fully embraced the LGBTQ+ community.
Just like any other couple, gay couples will not have any problem wandering in this state that’s why Hawaii has become an increasingly appealing destination for gay travelers.
Honolulu, capital of Hawaii, is considered as one of the best towns for LGBTQ+ community. The town hosts festivals and events all year long to promote gay pride and inclusion.
Honolulu is even recognized for its gay wedding officiants and planners.
Honolulu is located on the island of Oahu, and as you wander around the town, you’ll see a few gay clubs and gay pubs, as well as drag shows and other special events for the LGBTQ+ community.
This area is frequently used by the LGBTQ+ community as well as tourists for their meeting point.
Oahu has no shortage of romantic things to do and you’ll for sure enjoy several activities with your partner.
Hawaii Safety
The majority of visitors consistently rate Hawaii’s safety and security as excellent and since the state is overwhelmingly open-minded and has embraced the LGBTQ+ community, it is an absolutely safe place for gay couples to explore.
Just like any other place in any other part of the world, there’s still a possibility of petty crimes therefore, precautions should still be taken to avoid unpleasant situations.
With the ongoing pandemic, make sure you are informed of the Safe Travels Hawaii entry requirements prior to your departure. You may also click this link for travel guidelines.
Best Time to Visit
There isn’t a bad time to travel to Gay Hawaiii and you can definitely explore Hawaii any time of the year but if you’d want the best time to visit Hawaii, the best time to visit is in May.
Around this month, many snowbirds have retreated and you can expect pleasant weather without worrying about the possible threats of hurricanes and excessive rainfall.
May also marks the end of the humpback whale-watching season.
You may also want to visit between September and October when you can still experience enjoyable weather conditions and since it is off-peak season it means that prices are more affordable plus you can check out Aloha festivals.
Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Gay Hawaii
Volcano Men’s Retreat Hawaii
Volcano Men’s Retreat is a beautiful gay Bed and Breakfast located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The B&B offers a luxurious, safe, and liberal environment for visitors seeking a special vacation experience.
The resort features a beautiful collection of Hawaiian and Polynesian decor, with bamboo wood exteriors that exude a comfortable holiday vibe.
The retreat is equipped with a luxurious spa, spacious lounge, full-stack entertainment room, and beach access that offers relaxation and serenity. Visitors can enjoy a tranquil environment with great amenities and services.
| Activities | Pool Spa Dining |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Volcano Men’s Retreat Hawaii 11-2888 Hibiscus Street Mountain View, Hawaii 96771 |
| Contact | Call 1-808-987-5498 No Email |
| Website | Volcano Men’s Retreat | Luxurious Eco-Friendly Clothing-Optional Men’s Retreat / Bed & Breakfast on the Big Island of Hawai’i (wordpress.com) |
Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
Indulge in the warm and inviting atmosphere of Hawaiian hospitality and immerse yourself in the ultimate oceanfront retreat you’ve always dreamed of.
Set amidst 25 acres of tropical greenery on Kauai’s Garden Isle, this property offers a central location between the island’s North and South shores, making it an ideal base for endless island explorations.
With only a few minutes drive from the airport, the resort offers a secluded escape, nestled amidst stunning natural landscapes that provide a breathtaking backdrop for your stay. Discover your own slice of paradise at this idyllic Hawaiian getaway.
| Activities | Swimming Boating Fishing Canoeing Trails Picnic Spa |
| Price | $$$-$$$$ |
| Location | Kauai Beach Resort & Spa 4331 Kauai Beach Drive Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766 |
| Contact | Call (808) 245-1955 info@kauaibeachresortandspa.com |
| Website | Kauai Beach Resort & Spa™ Kauai Beachfront Resort near Lihue Airport (kauaibeachresortandspa.com) |
Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, has a rich history dating back to 1927 when it first opened its doors. This iconic resort in Hawaii introduced a new level of luxury for resort travel.
The Royal Hawaiian is ideally located on Waikiki Beach, the most sought-after spot in Hawaii. Guests can enjoy private cabanas on the beach or indulge in luxurious guest rooms that provide unparalleled panoramic views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the Pacific Ocean.
The resort offers the most majestic and unforgettable experiences that Hawaii has to offer.
| Activities | Swimming Spa Hula Lesson Floral Lei Making Storytelling Dining |
| Price | $$$-$$$$ |
| Location | The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki 2259 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 USA |
| Contact | Call +1 (808) 923-7311 No Email |
| Website | Hotels in Honolulu Hawaii | The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort (marriott.com) |
Halekulani Hotel
Halekulani is a historic beachfront hotel in Gay Hawaii, renowned for its top-tier service and luxury amenities. With over a century of welcoming guests to its tranquil grounds, this hotel is one of the first and finest in Hawaii.
Guests can expect award-winning cuisine, unique amenities, and an unparalleled level of service. Halekulani is committed to anticipating and exceeding guests’ needs, ensuring they have a memorable and enjoyable stay.
The hotel prides itself on creating an experience that is truly “befitting heaven” for all guests who stay with them.
| Activities | Spa Dining Swimming Boating Fishing Canoeing |
| Price | $$$-$$$$ |
| Location | Halekulani Hotel 2199 Kalia Road Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| Contact | Call +1 (800) 367-2343 info@halekulani.com |
| Website | Luxury Waikiki Oceanfront Accommodations | Halekulani Hotel |
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Gay-friendly Dining in Hawaii
Hawaii’s dining options include a diverse selection of dining experiences as well as delicious local food. You might be wondering what are the best gay-friendly dining in this state.
We got you covered. Here are some of the lists of awesome dining places in Hawaii.
1. Betty’s Beach Café
This café can be found at the South end of Lahaina’s historic front street in Maui. You can enjoy local and international cuisines.
You can enjoy their hand-crafted cocktails, burgers and main plates, and a lot more.
| Types of Food | Chicken, Salad, Ceviche, Sandwiches, Burgers |
| Price | $-$$ |
| Location | 505 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761 |
| More Information | Betty’s Beach Cafe – Lahaina, Maui (bettysbeachcafe.com) |
2. The Shrimp Station
It’s a traditional Kauai eatery that serves a variety of cuisines, including fish, local food, and fast food. Their menu features a wide range of shrimp dishes, ranging from sweet and spicy to hot and spicy.
| Types of Food | Fries, Seafood, Tacos |
| Price | $-$$ |
| Location | 9652 Kamuali’i Highway, Waimea, HI 96796 |
| More Information | The Shrimp Station – Waimea |
3. RumFire Waikiki
This restaurant is located in Honolulu, the capital of Gay Hawaii. RumFire’s Waikiki all-day and all-night stopover. This dining offers a blend of Pacific Rim and contemporary-style cuisine that you and your partner can enjoy.
You can enjoy enticingly creative cuisines while sipping your beverage and watching the sunset.
| Types of Food | Seafood, Salad, Sandwiches, Burgers |
| Price | $-$$ |
| Location | 2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| More Information | Waikiki, Honolulu Restaurants | RumFire Waikiki |
4. Gaylord Restaurant
Gaylord Restaurant is located in Lihue, Kauai. It offers one of Kauai’s most beautiful locations for lunch, dinner, or happy hour.
Gaylord’s Restaurant opened in 1986 and offers a diverse menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Soups and salads are among the appetizers available at the restaurant.
| Types of Food | Salad, Fries, Seafood, Vegetables, Meat |
| Price | $-$$ |
| Location | 3 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766 |
| More Information | The Plantation House by Gaylords (kilohanakauai.com) |
5. Three’s Bar Grill
Located in Kihei, Three’s Bar Grills is a gay-friendly dining. This restaurant is known and is popular with its Asian fusion menu, sushi, breakfast & brunch.
Their menu has incorporated three cuisines –Hawaiian, Southwestern, and Pacific Rim.
| Types of Food | Seafood, Salad, Sandwiches, Sushis, Specialty Rolls |
| Price | $-$$ |
| Location | 1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753 |
| More Information | Three’s Bar and Grill — Maui’s Award-Winning restaurant near South Maui beaches (threesbarandgrill.com) |
Gay-Friendly Bars in Hawaii
If you are ever wondering where you and your partner should go to enjoy the nightlife in Gay Hawaii, we got you covered here. When it comes to LGBTQ+ pubs, clubs, and other venues, Hawaii has a lot more to offer.
Gay Hawaii is a popular vacation spot for individuals of all ages, and the nightlife culture caters to all preferences.
1. Vibe Bar Nightclub
Vibe Bar Nightclub is a gay-friendly nightclub located in Kihei that was established in 2007.
Vibe Bar Nightclub has steadily grown in popularity by bringing a touch of sophistication and excitement, delivering something a little different from the others.
This club is known for its cocktails and great dance music. This place is also famous for good martinis and delicious beer.
| Price | $$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 1913 S Kihei Rd Ste H, Kihei, HI 96753 |
| Contact | +1 808-891-1011 |
| Website | No Website |
2. Scarlet Honolulu
Scarlet Honolulu is one of the largest gay bars and nightclubs on the island of Oahu. It is regarded as the best entertainment venue/drag palace in Gay Hawaii.
They showcase drag shows, men in Speedos dancing in cages, and some of the best booty-shaking dance beats.
| Price | $$ |
| Food and Drinks | Not Indicated |
| Location | 80 S Pauahi St, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
| Contact | +1 808-200-0910 |
| Website | Home to the World Famous Pineapple Stage | Scarlet Honolulu |
3. Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand
Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand is a bar and lounge inside Waikiki Grand Hotel. Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand is widely known as Hula’s around the world, this place has become a legend not only among LGBTQ+ but for everyone.
This place features amazing drag shows, male dancers, and drinks. Hula’s been providing excellent services and is serving Hawaii for 46 years.
| Price | $$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 134 Kapahulu Ave Ste 2, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| Contact | +1 808-923-0669 |
| Website | Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand | Gay Bar, Beach View Dining, Dance Party. (hulas.com) |
4. Bacchus Waikiki
Bacchus Waikiki is the hottest gay bar that has a friendly and accommodating staff, classic cocktails, craft beer. If you’d want to meet local gays from Hawaii, you might want to check out this place.
It features daily drink specials and live DJs on weekends.
This place is perfect for a casual night out with your partner during your stay in Gay Hawaii.
| Price | $$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 408 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| Contact | +1 808-926-4167 |
| Website | BACCHUS WAIKIKI (bacchus-waikiki.com) |
5. In Between Waikiki
In Between Waikiki is a gay-friendly neighborhood bar that offers tasty cocktails, locally crafted beers, nightly drink specials, and karaoke.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just a visitor or a local, In Between is definitely a must place to visit.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 2155 Lauula St, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| Contact | +1 808-926-7060 |
| Website | Welcome to In Between Waikiki – Karaoke Bar |
6. Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar
This well-known neighborhood hangout provides the ideal night out, complete with singing, tasty food, and beverages.
You will also be able to enjoy excellent service with their friendly staff and bartender.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 2424 Koa Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| Contact | +1 808-201-6369 |
| Website | Wang Chung’s | 2424 Koa Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Inside the Stay Hotel. (808) 201-6369 (wangchungs.com) |
Hawaii Gay-Friendly Activities
There should be no shortage of activities to enjoy with your partner when visiting Gay Hawaii. No matter where you go, you will definitely find a taste of paradise.
Hawaii’s six main islands offer several activities that you and your partner can enjoy and have an absolute gay time.
You can unwind and take advantage of the island’s beautiful white sand beaches and you can also choose to plan an outdoor activity such as enjoying the stunning scenery, strolling in a local store, food tour, and stopping by a popular local venue.
1. Maui
Gay weddings, vacations, and honeymoons are all common in this location. Surfing and exploring national parks are both options.
You can get a sense of the strong Hawaiian culture by visiting this Maui.
If you visit in September-October, you may also want to partake in Maui Pride which is held annually on the first weekend of October.
| Activities | Swimming, Surfing, Sightseeing, Watersport Activities, Pride Parade |
| Location | Maui |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Maui Official Travel Site: Find Vacation & Travel Information | Go Hawaii |
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2. Surfing
Surfing originated in Hawaii, and it is profoundly intertwined with the state’s history and culture. There’s no better place to learn how to surf and genuinely communicate with the ocean than here.
You can learn about the history of surfing in Gay Hawaii and you can also watch pro surfers with your partner and also have a surfing lesson.
You can enjoy the powerful winter waves of Makaha on Oahu’s west shore and Waimea Bay on the north shore.
| Activities | Surfing |
| Location | Makaha and Waimea Bay |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Surfing in Hawaii | Go Hawaii |
3. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Two of the most popular water activities on the island are snorkeling and scuba diving.
You can enjoy these water activities on the south shore of Molokai, home to Hawaii’s longest barrier reef, Shark’s Coves on the north of Oahu, Lydgate Beach Park, the world-class snorkeling and diving just off the shore of Maui, Molokini Crater, tide pools near Hulopoe Bay and in Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay on the Kona Coast.
| Activities | Snorkeling, Scuba Diving |
| Location | Molokai, Oahu, Maui, Hulopoe Bay, and Hunaunau Bay |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Hawaii | Go Hawaii |
4. Mountain Tubing
You can explore canals, tunnels, and flumes in this amazing activity. This mountain tubing adventure is offered exclusively by Kauai Backcountry Adventures.
Mountain tubing is extremely popular, so make your reservation at least one week in advance, since Kauai Backcountry Adventures frequently sells out.
This mountain tubing adventure is offered exclusively by Kauai Backcountry Adventures.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Tunnels, and Canals Exploration |
| Location | Lihue, Hawaii |
| Price | $$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Kaua’i Backcountry Adventures | Tubing & Zipline Tours in Hawaii (kauaibackcountry.com) |
5. Waikiki Sunset Sailing Catamaran
Get away from the crowded streets of Waikiki and enjoy fresh air on a 2-hour sunset sail with your partner.
You can enjoy the fresh island breeze as you sail along in the calm waters off Waikiki.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Sailing |
| Location | Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Price | $$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Sunset Cruise Waikiki | Mana Kai Catamaran (waikikisailing.com) |
6. Parasail High Above Waikiki
If you and your partner are looking for some speed, heights, and an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
You will definitely be thrilled being strapped into the harness and hooked up to the parasailing chute, you’ll be able to enjoy the perfect views of Diamond Head and the Ko’olau Mountain Range from Oahu’s south shore.
| Activities | Parasailing, Sightseeing |
| Location | Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Price | $$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Parasail High Above Waikiki – Adventure Tours Hawaii (adventuretourshi.com) |
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How to get to Hawaii?
From Canada
You can be easily captivated by Hawaii’s pretty places. If you are from Canada and desire to visit Hawaii, air travel is the best alternative to get there, Air Canada offers a flight, and you may book a plane ticket from Montreal to Hawaii.
This flight will leave at Montreal -Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and departs at Honolulu International Airport or any nearby.
From the United Kingdom
For British nationals who wish to visit Hawaii, taking a plane is the most and quickest way. Multiple Airlines provides a two-stop flight from London to Honolulu.
This trip will originate from London Gatwick Airport and take off at Honolulu International Airport.
From Australia
As for Australian citizens who wish to explore and visit Hawaii, taking a plane is the best choice to go with since it is a long trip and tiring also.
A non-stop flight is offered by Jetstar Airways, you may book a flight from Sydney to Honolulu. The flight will commence at Sydney International Airport and depart at Honolulu International Airport.
From Italy
For Italian nationals who really want to visit Hawaii, taking a plane is the best decision to go with. Delta Airlines offer a one-stop flight that takes 23 hours and 5 minutes, you may book a ticket at Fiumicino-Leonardo da Vinci International Airport from Rome to Honolulu, this flight will depart at Honolulu International Airport.
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