Gay Hawaii:

SOMETHING FOR EVERY BODY

Although not nearly as vibrant as one would expect for the land of the mahu and Capital Of Oceania, Hawaii’s gay community is nonetheless quite alive and kicking, with the most vibrant scene, predictably, being in Honolulu.

Honolulu’s gay community was fragmented by the turn-of-the-millenium bulldozing of the gay Kuhio District for the the redevelopment of The “New” Waikiki. From the 1970s thru the 1990s dozens of gay and gay-friendly businesses thrived and a lively street scene pulsated in the much-missed Kuhio District— Honolulu’s gay community of today no longer has such a distinctive a neighborhood to call their own. The effect on Oahu’s gay community is comparable to NYC losing the east Village, or San Francisco losing The Castro.

However, a thriving gay community on Oahu supports diverse businesses and special events throughout the year that keep the rainbow glowing. The Diamond Head End of Waikiki, Kapahulu Ave. adjacent to Kapiolani Park, is the new transplanted gay neighborhood, with world-class gay Queen’s Beach located just a two minute stroll down the boardwalk, and HULA’S Bar and Lei Stand the classic favorite hangout, transplanted from the Kuhio District, and located right across from the park on the second floor of the Grand Hotel on Kapahulu Ave..

Read the latest issue of Hawaii’s ODYSSEY Magazine here, or pick up a paper copy in Hawaii at most any gay establishment to find out what’s happenning during your visit.

Neighbor Islands of Maui, Kauai, Molokai and Hawaii all have their own gay communities, but like in all rural areas, the gay scene is a lot more laid back and subdued. Gays and lesbians who settle here do so precisely for the quiet atmosphere, and plenty of refugees from mainland urban centers can be found creating a new kind of life for themselves on each of the Hawaiian Islands.

Click on the island link of your choice, above.