Travel ::

DESTINATION: Hawaii
Where to shop, eat, sleep and play

by Catherine Plato

Beyond beautiful beaches, perfect weather and a unique culture, Hawaii offers LGBT visitors a welcoming atmosphere unlike many other Pacific Islands – or even American states. Since 1997, same-sex couples in Hawaii, regardless of state residency or even U.S. citizenship, have been offered domestic partnerships. And while the state constitution does outlaw lesbian marriage at this time, locals describe the islands as generally gay-friendly and liberal, where a “live-and-let-live” attitude trumps social conservatism. Known as one of the world’s great melting pots, Hawaii tends to make all its visitors feel at home.

Though you may not run into the nightlife like you’d expect in Key West, Palm Springs, Chelsea or the Castro, gay life in Hawaii has a long and rich tradition.

Pre-Westernization, homosexual male relations were honorable and common, particularly among royalty, and there was a tradition of women priests and warriors. The word mahu, taken from local mythology, is still used to mean gay man or drag queen. The community is perhaps most vibrant in Waikiki (a neighborhood of Honolulu), though locals swear that the entire state is generally accepting of diversity.

The Islands
The state of Hawaii is an archipelago consisting of eight islands formed by volcanic eruptions. Hawaii is the only state that is entirely in the tropics, and the only state that is continuing to grow due to active extrusive lava flows. Hawaii is home to many endemic flora and fauna, and one of the greatest concentrations of endangered
species in the country. Most tourism is centered on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Oahu. The closest continental point is San Francisco.

The largest of the islands, Hawaii (often referred to as “the Big Island” in order to distinguish it from the state) is home to the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, as well as incredible ecological diversity and extremely limited gay nightlife. Nature nuts will love exploring its black sand and white sand beaches, deserts, rainforests and even snow-capped mountains. The second largest island, Maui, also has limited nightlife options but is a favorite for surfers, whale-watchers and hikers: The view at the top of the 10,000-foot Mt. Haleakala can’t be beat. The island’s best dining and shopping options are in Lahaina and Wailuku.

Kauai, nicknamed the “Garden Island,” is less populated, with a very limited gay social scene, but plenty of natural attractions, including the breathtaking Waimea Canyon. But Oahu, the state’s most populated island and home to the capital city, is where lesbians should head if they’re looking for a variety of nightlife. Waikiki is Hawaii’s answer to South Beach and has the state’s greatest concentration of gay and lesbian bars, clubs and businesses. continued...

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