Coasting off the collective high of World Pride in Sydney, follow the rainbow and continue the celebrations with a trip to Hawaiʻi when Honolulu Pride returns on 21 October 2023.
Coinciding with LGBTQ+ History Month, National Coming Out Day and Spirit Day, Honolulu Pride month is four weeks of fun festivities, community events, welcoming parties and cultural gatherings that honour Hawaiian ancestors and local culture alike.
Find out all the things to do, places to stay and exciting nightlife experiences to enjoy in Oʻahu. After all, anything can happen when you’re free to be you in Hawaiʻi.
Nightlife & entertainment
Honolulu has a reputation as one of the friendliest LGBTQIA+ cities in the world with an enviable nightlife on offer that includes a host of gay bars, clubs and eateries. In addition to the friendly and welcoming aloha spirit, Honolulu is the ideal spot to grab a beer, strike up a conversation and make new friends.
Experience Hawai‘i with a traditional Polynesian lū‘au at the iconic Aloha Tower. Take a virtual voyage across Ka Moana (the ocean) through cultural chants, dances and songs from some of the many islands of Polynesia, such as Hawai‘i, Samoa, Tahiti and more. You can also get into the aloha spirit and participate in interactive cultural activities before the show.
Legendary among the local LGBTQIA+ community and known as a gathering place for explorers, the popular gay bar simply known as Hula’s is considered to be the epitome of ‘aloha’ for all. Enjoy some of Hawai‘i’s best live music accompanied by award-winning food and handcrafted cocktails while drinking in those simply spectacular views of Lē‘ahi and Waikīkī Beach.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar
What’s a trip to Hawai‘i without a tiki bar experience? Tiki’s is a locally owned and operated independent restaurant in Waikīkī with a retro South Pacific design and a casual American and Pacific Rim menu that highlights the flavours of the islands using fresh local produce. Soak up the good vibes with lanai seating and those mesmerising sunset vistas of the famous Waikīkī Beach.
Tours & activities
Hawaiʻi’s beautiful beaches are just the beginning of your island vacay. From surfing the gentle waves of Waikīkī Beach to hiking up Lē‘ahi, there’s plenty of opportunities to get active on O‘ahu. Whether you’re a bona fide adrenaline junkie or after activities for everyone to enjoy, here are some of the exhilarating adventures to experience in this outdoor playground.
Sail on Hula’s Famous Catamaran Cruise
Set sail aboard the world-famous Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand LGBTQIA+-friendly catamaran cruise that leaves Waikīkī every Saturday at 3pm and party the afternoon away as you meander along the stunning coastline of Oʻahu. Enjoy your free Mai Tai cocktail or cold draft beer on board or when you return to Hula’s from the boat.
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay State Park
Hanauma Bay is a popular snorkelling spot and sheltered cove that’s ideal for an underwater look at Hawai‘i’s epic marine life and coral reefs. The beach is known for its LGBTQIA+-friendly atmosphere and is a great place to meet other queer holidaymakers. Rent a snorkel and take a guided tour of the bay to learn about its history and ecology. Tip: Online bookings are essential via here.
Discover the extraordinary history, culture and natural environment of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific on a trip to Bishop Museum in Honolulu. The state’s premier natural history and cultural museum is a great place to learn about Hawaiian heritage and traditions and the venue also hosts various LGBTQIA+-related events and queer cultural exhibitions throughout the year.
Accommodation & where to stay
With several gay bars, restaurants and Travel Advocacy Group-approved (TAG-approved) LGBTQIA+-friendly hotels, Waikīkī is the most definitely the place to be. The shoreside hotspot is a traditionally LGBTQIA+ tourist destination and is densely populated with myriad hotels and resorts. And, don’t forget Waikīkī Beach’s famous gay beach, Queen’s Surf Beach. Here’s some popular places to stay in Waikīkī.
Home to the aforementioned and famed Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand and just steps from Waikīkī Beach, the Castle’s condos have a fun, casual appeal. The LGBTQIA+-friendly and TAG-approved hotel features amenities such as a swimming pool, viewing deck and onsite parking and is conveniently located close to the Honolulu Pride Festival held at the nearby Waikīkī Shell.
E komo mai (Welcome) to Coconut Waikīkī, a boutique hotel where you will find your aloha. This hotel is a place where visitors are treated like ohana (family) with amazing value and a top location for Honolulu Pride celebrations. Check-in to the hotel’s hidden gem – a penthouse suite with a view of Honolulu and its spectacular mountains – for an Oʻahu treat.
Boutique and ever-so chic, the Shoreline Hotel’s colours are vibrantly cool, featuring Pantone’s 2023 Colour of the Year: Viva Magenta. Located near Waikīkī Beach, shopping and dining, check out the colourful lobby, comfy rooms and rooftop pool. Say “viva” to living Waikīkī’s vibrant and playful vibe out loud and seize the stay in 2023 at this ‘tropicool’ hotel!
Need to know more about what’s on in Hawaiʻi in 2023? Read the lowdown here.
Want to stay up-to-date on all Hawaiian Island happenings? Head to gohawaii.com/au
Advisors can also access destination updates via agents.gohawaii.com