Featured Gay Friendly Hotel in Oahu

Gay Travel Oahu | Honolulu

Hawaii is a truly special place: a beautiful, remote, and verdant chain of islands, it has, for more than two-and-a-half centuries, been a tiny melting pot for dozens of cultures and the source of legends. Now more than ever before, gay travelers are experiencing what locals have known for a long time: the Hawaiian Islands are beautiful, friendly, and all-around amazing. Nowhere in Hawaii is that more evident than on Oahu and, more specifically, in Honolulu. With some of the best beaches, tropical climates, and fun in the sun, Oahu is one of the best gay-friendly spots among the Hawaiian islands. 

Between the Waikiki beaches, the USS Memorial Arizona, and rainforest hikes, you can find something for the adventurous traveler or the laid-back beach bum on Oahu. The best places to dine are in downtown Honolulu, where you'll find authentic Hawaiian foods and luaus. There are also wonderful gay and lesbian bars in Honolulu where you can enjoy a drink and meet the locals.

Oahu is the metropolitan heart of the Hawaiian Islands, which can be seen as an asset or a hindrance. For travelers seeking a picture-perfect tropical vacation, Honolulu’s bustling streets may not seem like the ideal Hawaiian experience, but you can still find the right destinations that offer a peaceful respite from city life. The two mountain ranges, the Ko'olau and Waianae, have excellent hiking options while some of the smaller beach towns scattered throughout the island will provide a funky, laid-back atmosphere. For the best Oahu experience, rent a car and take a drive through miles of pineapple fields, secluded white sand beaches, and the gorgeous mountainous scenery away from the city.

Honolulu Gay Scene

The Hawaiian islands have enjoyed an upswing in LGBTQ tourism since the December 2013 passing of the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act. All estimates for the number of same-sex weddings were quickly surpassed, infusing the local LGBTQ community with newfound enthusiasm and passion. 

Many locals are a bit conservative, but Honolulu’s gay scene doesn’t let that stop anything. In recent years, the gay scene on Oahu has transformed into a burgeoning and vibrant movement with a host of events taking place almost every night of the week. From pool parties in Waikiki to LGBT mixers in Chinatown, Honolulu’s gay scene is dynamic and lively and beckons to be widely recognized. 

There are tons of gay beaches, surf clubs, and gay sporting events year-round that make it easy for LGBTQ travelers to plan a trip to Oahu. With tons of gay-friendly hot sports in and around Honolulu and, in particular, the downtown Waikiki area, you will always be able to find a local place where you feel more than welcome.

Between the Waikiki beaches, the USS Memorial Arizona, and rainforest hikes, you can find something for both the adventurous and laid-back gay traveler on Oahu. The best places to dine are downtown Honolulu, where you will find authentic Hawaiian foods and luaus. There are gay & lesbian bars in Honolulu where you can enjoy a drink and meet the locals. 

When to Visit

Hawaii is a great year-round destination and Oahu is easily accessible from the mainland United States thanks to the many connections from Honolulu International Airport. The best times to visit Oahu are in the late spring from April through May, and then at the end of the summer from September through November. Tourists flock to Oahu during the summer months which are the best months for sunshine and warm weather, though prices will be higher and there are more crowds. The shoulder seasons are just as lovely and comfortable, with fewer crowds and more hotel deals. Winters on Oahu and in Honolulu are mild, and the winter holiday season is also a popular time to visit.

Honolulu celebrates LGBTQ pride in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day and LGBT History Month. Pride Month activities include a parade, festival, pool parties, and other special events.

Gay-Friendly Activities & Attractions

Diamond Head

One of Oahu's national landmarks and a popular spot for tourists, Diamond Head is a relatively easy and enjoyable hike for which you don't need a car to reach. Make a day of it with hiking, exploring, and even sunbathing at the nearby Diamond Head Beach, and here for a day of hiking, sunbathing, and exploring including stopping off at the Diamond Head Lighthouse Beach, an “unofficial” gay nude beach.

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

For an unforgettable snorkeling experience, head to Hanauma Bay where you can rent snorkeling gear, find an instructor, and enjoy the wonders of the sea. The water close to the beach is at ankle height, making it an ideal spot for newbies or families with children while still offering beautifully colored fish and coral. More adventurous snorkelers can head to the deeper areas of the ocean.

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum

Recognized around the world for its scientific research, educational programs, and extensive collections, Bernice Pauahi Bishop is Hawaii’s largest museum. Discover the history and culture of Hawaii and stop in the open-air café for a simple taste of Hawaiian cuisine.

Gay-Friendly Dining

Honolulu’s dining scene is a glorious and dynamic mix of tastes from all over the world. Fast food restaurants are few and far between, and with so much competition, bad restaurants get the boot quickly and good ones are readily recognized.

Rum Fire Waikiki

This Honolulu restaurant prizes its menu inspired by the Pacific Rim of Fire using fresh local ingredients and tons of flavor. Rum Fire features an a la carte menu of street foods from around the world, delectable Hawaiian cocktails, and a warm and cozy setting inside the Sheraton hotel resort.

M.A.C. 24/7

As the name implies, M.A.C. 24/7 is open around the clock, seven days a week. Stop in for a filling breakfast and a bloody Mary, a pasta or seafood lunch, or a late-night indulgent dessert. M.A.C. 24/7 is located in the Hyatt building towards the south end of Waikiki and has valet parking.

Nobu Waikiki

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the world’s leader in innovative Japanese cuisine, is celebrated for his expertise in blending classical Japanese techniques with exotic global flavors. Chef Matsuhisa also sincerely understands, respects, and embraces Hawaii’s matchless sense of place and its extraordinary indigenous delicacies at this Honolulu fine dining restaurant.  

Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

Oahu’s gay-friendly bars and luaus attract locals and tourists alike, making these nightlife spots great places to meet new people and find friendly faces. To top it off, many of Oahu’s gay bars are just a few yards away from the white sandy beaches.

Receive 20% off the Diamond Head Lūʻau and the Ka Moana Lūʻau when you use promo code “GAYTRAVEL”! 

Diamond Head Lūʻau - Hawaiʻi's Only Farm to Table Lūʻau

All are welcome to the Diamond Head Lūʻau where they focus on interactive, cultural activities like hula lessons, lei making, weaving, ukulele lessons, tattoo, and more! Conveniently located at the historic Waikiki Aquarium, Diamond Head Lūʻau is just a short walk from most major destinations and hotels on the Waikiki strip. As an added bonus, every ticket includes exclusive access to the aquarium during lūʻau hours!

Ka Moana Lūʻau - An Oceanfront Experience on Oʻahu's Windward Coast

Join the 'ohana (family) at Oahu's only east-side lū'au as you will be taken on a voyage through Polynesia for an unforgettable evening of traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Located at iconic Sea Life Park Hawaii, our lū'au features not only an award-winning production and show but the chance to experience first hand some of the most beloved traditions of the islands through interactive cultural activities including lei making, hula lessons, coconut-headband weaving, ukulele lessons and more!

Bacchus

Honolulu’s hottest gay bar has friendly staff, classic cocktails, local craft beer, and music. This is a mostly-male bar and can be a great way to meet local gays in Hawaii.

Chiko’s Tavern

This LGBTQ-friendly bar has a casual atmosphere with simple bar bites and a decent karaoke selection. Perfect for a casual drink or place to relax.

In Between Waikiki

Waikiki’s hidden treasure, this intimate and friendly gay hotspot is a little hard to find but well worth the search. In Between has friendly staff, great drink specials, karaoke and free wifi.

Safety

Hawaii is a safe destination for travelers. The biggest concerns are likely to be pickpocketing and petty crimes, so it's best to keep your belongings close. Don't leave your bags unattended on the beach while swimming or snorkeling, especially at Waikiki Beach. Some of the busier urban areas like Chinatown may not be completely safe after dark, so it’s best to remain vigilant of your surroundings when out and about at night. LGBTQ travelers are always welcomed at the many resorts and hotels; most perform same-sex wedding ceremonies regularly.

The Gay Scene in Oahu

With some of the best beaches, tropical climates, and fun in the sun, Oahu continues to heat up night with its gay scene. Many locals are a bit conservative, but Honolulu’s gay scene doesn’t let that stop anything.

View the Gay Scene in Oahu

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