State Name: Hawaii
State Nickname: The Aloha State
Capital City: Honolulu
Population: 1,262,840
Average Temperature:
April- November: 75˚-88˚ F.
December- March: 68˚-80˚ F.
Average water temperature: 74˚ F.
Hawaii is the home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, beautiful beaches, nice weather and a slower pace in general. It is the birthplace of surfing and the hula. Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the world and the youngest state of the union. But perhaps Hawaii’s most unique feature is its Aloha Spirit: The warmth of the people of Hawaii that wonderfully complements the Islands’ perfect temperatures. It is also perhaps one of the most gay-friendly places in the United States to visit. It is not expensive to travel there and once you arrive, there is enough to do that it is relatively an affordable vacation on any budget.
The island of Oahu and its famous Waikiki Beach is located just outside of Honolulu and is a popular tourist destination for LGBT tourists. You will love walking in Waikiki during the morning, day and evenings. Kalakaua is a wonder strip that lines the beach of Waikiki and it lights up at night with street vendors and merchants and street performs. The entire area has countless hotels and restaurants and most of the gay and lesbian clubs are located in and round Waikiki. The main beach area to hang out on is Queens Beach, located in Waikiki. During the day, the beaches around the islands and a drive to the North Shore bring you breathtaking views of the coast lines and the high waves that roll in. You can also drive through the Pineapple and coffee fields in the middle of the island on the way to the North Shore and stop at the Dole Pineapple Plant. Don’t forget to stop by Pearl Harbor to see the historic video on World War II and visit the USS Arizona.
Islands: There are primarily six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii’s Big Island. You’ll find each island has its own distinct personality and offers its own adventures, activities, and sightseeing opportunities.
Nightlife: Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand is located near Queens Beach and is one of the main bars. Fusion, the In-Between and Mask-Querade are other bars.
Area Code/Cell phones: The area code for all of Hawaii is (808). Cell phone coverage on most Islands is readily available if you’re coming from the US. Check your carrier and calling plan for details.
Internet Access: Internet access is readily available on most islands and at many hotels.
Accommodations: There are many Luxury resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts, rental cottages and condos are located throughout the islands. One such way to travel is to contact the Hawaii Condo Exchange, www.hawaiicondoexchange.com. This company specializes in gay-friendly condo & villa rentals. Hawaii Condo Exchange offers “best buy” programs throughout the year, offering one-bedroom, beachfront Kaui Condos at the Lae Nai for less than $180 a night. On Maui, there’s the world-class Kapalua Resort, with one and two bedroom villas that offer 1,200 to 2,000 square feet of living space for as little as $219 a night for up to six guests. All of Hawaii Condo Exchange’s properties are located near shopping, which makes staying at them less expensive in the long run when compared to staying in a hotel. (800) 442-0404.
Transportation: Transportation on the islands include car rentals, tour buses, shuttles, taxis or city buses.
Clothing: Dress casually. Bring a light jacket for nights. Bring semi-casual dress clothes or resort wear for restaurants and nightlife. Suits and ties are rarely worn.