Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Gorgeous beaches, stunning weather, luxurious resorts, and gay nightlife makes all the boys go wild – It’s no wonder Gay Honolulu is a hugely popular travel destination for queers wanting to relax in style and escape it all.
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is one of the world’s most famous playgrounds – by day or by night – and for a good reason. Honolulu is found on Oahu, the most populated island in the Hawaiian chain, and while gay life here is more ‘muted’ than on the mainland – you are highly unlikely to experience any discrimination, especially in Waikiki.
One of the most famous and recognizable beaches in the world – Waikiki Beach, is the epicenter of gay culture, nightlife, and hedonism in Hawaii and where the majority of gay travelers to Hawaii opt to stay.
Adding to the appeal of a trip to Oahu is the incredible food, friendliness of the Hawaiian people, stunning beach, relaxed nightlife, beautiful people, and yes – that all-around stunning weather. Gay Honolulu has some of the most luxurious properties in the world, although you can expect to pay much more for them than other tropical gay-popular destinations like Gay Phuket and Bali.
Gay Honolulu offers something for everyone: fun nightlife, white sand beaches, beautiful hikes, as well as plenty of luxurious hotels and spas – often all within walking distance of Waikiki Beach.
You will be tempted by a plethora of cocktail bars, destination dining, world-class spas, resort pools and luxury shopping malls, but be sure to taste the local cuisine (spam musubi and poke— yum!) and explore the quiet side of the island life in Oahu by hiring a car and try out the quirky nightlife – or at least one of the popular drag brunches!
Add to this plenty of gay events peppered throughout the year and a tolerant society that embodies the ideals of island life, and Gay Honolulu has everything you could possibly want, and probably a few things you never ever knew you wanted!
Are you relocating? This guide will help travelers discover the queerer side of the city. However, if you are lucky enough to be considering a move here, we recommend getting in touch with a local gay realtor. They can happily give you no-obligation advice and all the information you'll ever need to know about your new city. And if you then want their help to find your dream home, you are guaranteed fair, equal, and honest representation. No surprises or awkward conversations necessary!
In this article we will cover...
Gay-Friendly Attractions in Honolulu, Hawaii
Obviously, being gay does not define which attractions most of us will want to see in each destination, and most queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in Honolulu during the day!
There is so much to do here – but we found our favorite memories were hiring a car and exploring Oahu, dancing til dawn, enjoying cocktails at luxurious swimming pools or laying on any of Oahu’s gorgeous beaches.
For the record, our pick for the best beaches in Oahu was Haleiwa for spring and sea turtles, Waimanalo for its serenity and Kailua Beach Park for its clear water (it’s often named America’s Best Beach, and Obama loves it too!) – though Queen’s Surf Beach (a sub-section of Waikiki Beach) is the best gay beach in Honolulu.
No matter what your plans are in Oahu – it helps to have some kind of idea of what is going on, so here are our must-see attractions in Honolulu and Oahu you should not miss (if you can drag yourself away from the Waikiki beach for one day…)
One of the island’s national landmarks. Head here for a day of hiking, sunbathing and exploring, including stopping off at Diamond Head Beach, an “unofficial” gay nude beach.
Royal Hawaiian Center
What’s a holiday without maxing out the credit card on a shopping spree? This upmarket mall is the place to head if you are a big spender with cash-to-splash and a soft spot for international brands. We prefer the beach tho.
Pay your respects at the site commemorating the 1941 Pearl Harbour attack. A moving experience visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, museum & galleries – be sure to book tickets far in advance to avoid missing out.
Honolulu Museum of Art
One of the most important cultural institutions in Hawaii. If you’re flying in from LA, you can skip it, but honestly, we were incredibly impressed with the expansive collection of over 50,000 works and beautiful premises.
Marvel at the opulent 19th-century home of Hawaii’s last monarchs, which is now open as a museum with tours & exhibits.
One of the most popular attractions in Hawaii, learn all about Polynesian culture and history, including a multisensory film experience showcasing Hawaii’s culture & natural wonders.
Shangri La
Who knew Hawaii had some of the best Islamic Art in the world? You should head here to view Heiress Doris Duke’s dramatic estate and critically acclaimed Islamic art collection.
A famous snorkeling spot just out of Honolulu. It’s beautiful but crowded, and we recommend instead opting to rent a car and head to any of the quieter snorkeling spots on the North Shore (often complete with turtles).
Manoa Falls Trail
Escape the beach and head inland on a hike to this 150-foot monster waterfall that is the perfect backdrop for sexy Instagram photos. Feel free to send us your best!
Admission to 30+ Oahu attractions for one low price. Save up to 55% on top attractions, sightseeing tours & more. If you’re on a budget or plan to see more than 2 main attractions, this will save you plenty of cash!
Gay Events In Honolulu Hawaii
Honolulu is a city that has plenty of events every single night of the year catering to both locals and tourists – and therefore, you can expect the Gay Honolulu events calendar to be similarly jam-packed.
The local Honolulu Pride has been moved to October to spread more events out over the year and help make Honolulu Pride a bigger tourist attraction as more mainland visitors can make it, and it seems to be working!
Hawaii’s LGBT vibrant community ensures there are plenty of other gay events taking place in Hawaii to look out for during the rest of the year – and we have gathered together our favorites and separated them into annual gay events and weekly/ monthly gay events in Hawaii, but the list is by no means comprehensive.
People in Hawaii are incredibly social and welcoming, so any time you choose to go to Hawaii, you are guaranteed to hear about another event, so keep an ear out!
Gay Annual Events In Honolulu, Hawaii
The biggest LGBT event in Hawaii is held annually in October – after most mainland Pride’s have taken place in June so everyone can have another round! You can never have too much pride, right?
More than 20 events are held in the two-week learn-up to the glorious and prideful parade with winds a scenic route along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. A celebration of love and pride for LGBTQ people, friends, family and supporters – This is one annual gay event in Hawaii not to miss!
Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival
An LGBT film festival held annually in March since 1989 to showcase the best gay & lesbian culture, arts, and lifestyle films annually with discussions and panels, plus plenty of social events and exclusive appearances.
A family-friendly 5k walk is held annually in April, starting at Kapiolani Park to raise funds for Life Foundation, the largest provider of HIV-related care and prevention services on the island.
Life Foundation is free of charge, and no one is ever turned away or refused access to HIV care, treatment, counseling or testing. Last year raised $200,000. A highly social, family-friendly event with no registration required and where everyone is welcome.
Just because Pride is held later does not mean Gay Honolulu forgets national pride month in June. This free gay picnic is a free event in the sun with complimentary food and beverages, good vibes and lots of fun beach games and prizes. A wholesome family picnic in the heart of paradise – there is no excuse not to attend!
Held annually in July, this LGBTQ Day at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is a pool party like no other, and large crowds as Cutter’s Island is reserved with DJs, cocktails and lots of sun-kissed and gorgeous queers!
An annual 5-day event hosted by The Aloha Bears with pool parties, hiking, catamaran sailing, brunch, beach trips and more. Held annually in August, bears and their admirers fly in from all over the world. If you can’t make this, maybe consider The International Bear Bash in Gay Orlando every September?
Monthly Gay Events In Honolulu, Hawaii
Out In The Rocks has been holding sessions every Tuesday since 2015 at Volcanic Rock Gym to have fun and introduce new people to the sports. Periodic events are held otherwise, but they are a great way to make new friends, stay active and be part of the community!
Called all bears, otters, pandas and any admirers that might love a gentle bear huge. The Aloha Bears Booze Cruise is a monthly gathering out on the calm ocean with cocktails, lunch, great conversation and plenty of shirtless hunks – oh, and did we mention there is an open Gaybar?
Oh, Hunny! This is the event we live for! A totally all-inclusive country-western dance club hosting tobacco and alcohol-free country dancing events most weeks. Insanely fun, and a great way to meet queer locals while enjoying some sexy line dancing, two-step, waltzes and swing dancing.
For those who prefer wholesome fun and genuine company rather than the hot and sweaty anonymous grinding of a club – If this is your scene, then we suggest considering a trip to Gay Austin as well and their fabulous annual Gay Rodeo!
Mimosas & Marys Daytime Drag and Burlesque
(temporarily or permanently closed. If that’s wrong, please suggest an edit.)
A monthly Sunday Funday, Daytime Drag and Variety Show at the iconic Hula Gay Bar, which is open to all ages. You can expect multitalented, singing drag queen and comedy shows to liven up your Sunday afternoon with plenty of drink specials – possibly to help stave off that killer hangover from the night before.
ManoH, or Males au natural of Hawaii, hosts various events throughout the year for those who enjoy others’ company while in the nude. Extremely popular; take a look at their website for upcoming events or get directly in touch as they have wait lists for many nudist events in Hawaii.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Honolulu Hawaii
As a world leader in LGBT tourism, pretty much every hotel and hostel in Honolulu can be considered gay-friendly. After all, being gay-friendly is not all about upscale luxury, but about friendly and open service and welcoming everyone with open arms.
Having said that, it is completely normal to want to be surrounded by like-minded people, and as such, a few hotels in Hawaii have gathered a solid reputation as spots for gay travelers to stay – yes, it seems gays don’t just make trends; we follow them too!
Most hotels in Honolulu are clustered around the Waikiki Beach tourist hub, so you can easily walk to all the main sights, but for exploring further afield and all the attractions of Oahu, you are going to want to hire a car in Honolulu or figure out its erratic public transport system.
Of course, the following gay-friendly hotels in Honolulu are only the most recommended, but there are hundreds of other hotels in Honolulu if you don’t find quite find what you are looking for. Whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap but private place to crash after a night of partying or a chic luxury option with a pool to spend the day lying by, Gay Honolulu is something for everyone!
No matter where you choose to stay, however, it pays to book as far ahead as you can because occupancy rates in Honolulu are extremely high year-round, with demand routinely exceeding supply. This trend goes into overdrive during winter and school holidays when good Honolulu hotels are known to sell out months in advance.
Do we even need to say anything more? This historic and luxurious property offers a prime position on Waikiki beach with panoramic views and world-class service.
Multiple heated outdoor pools – including one adults-only, cabanas, a saltwater plunge pool, and a private beach area – plus a spa and sauna. LGBT-friendly and approved (the whole building is even painted pink!), expect to bump into many gay couples here.
Another gay-popular luxury hotel in Waikiki. First opened in 1901, a recent renovation has brought the Moana Surfrider back up to par, and guests enjoy amenities, including a spa, a 24-hour gym, an outdoor pool, and direct beach access. We loved the oceanfront afternoon tea, chilled beach bar and swimming in their heavenly pool under the shady banyan tree.
One of the best hotels in Waikiki, with service that is second to none. Live jazz, glorious pools, and a relaxed vibe – all minutes away from bustling Waikiki. You will feel right at home here and fall in love with the Halekulani oceanfront casual terrace dining. Who said you couldn’t have a relaxing holiday and stay in Waikiki?
An extremely popular gay-friendly hotel in Waikiki. We love the hip, contemporary interiors without being over-the-top. 2 pools on the property with a trendy bar, Italian linens, free shaved ice and iPads pre-programmed with Hawaiian music and apps are available on request.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort ☆☆☆☆
Super clean, if not a bit dated, the Outrigger Reef is popular thanks to its beachside location, stunning views, and open-air environment. They actually have very great rates compared to other properties in the same category and really know how to treat us queens as true Kamaaina royalty with poolside parties, DJs, yoga, hula classes, plenty of freebies and a heavenly mango pineapple spritzer at check-in.
Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club ☆☆☆☆
Newly opened, this contemporary, 10-floor hotel might be a 1 0 minute’s walk from the beach but its breezy rooms, outdoor pool with cabanas, movie nights, and boutique vibes make it a clear winner.
Hand-crafted furniture, custom-tile bathroom floors, and eclectic artwork are featured in all rooms, and we are living for it, honey! This is one place to stay to get real value for money and make everyone hella jealous on Instagram!
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa ☆☆☆☆
An international renown hotel chain supporting the LGBT community. This sprawling resort backs onto Kuhio Beach Park and offers straightforward rooms at affordable prices with plenty of amenities. Miles ahead of your standard Marriott Hotel offerings – they have plenty of deals and know how to make guests feel like a queen!
2 minutes from the beach, who could pass up the opportunity to stay in the Hilton Rainbow tower or enjoy a firework show every Friday? Spacious, bright rooms with beautiful gardens, expansive pools and exotic animals – perfect for a gay family vacation in Hawaii!
Castle Waikiki Shore Beachfront Condominiums ☆☆☆
An apartment hotel with rave reviews and location directly on beautiful Waikiki Beach. If you want to cook for yourself, have plenty of space – or have a few friends over for drinks or more in privacy, this is the place!
A sleek, chic hotel only one block from the beach. Their ocean-view rooms are our favorite(obviously), but it does lack a pool – as do most hotels at this price point in Hawaii. A great option is if you want to explore the gay Honolulu scene and are happy with dips into the gorgeous turquoise ocean!
Another cheap boutique hotel in Waikiki. Beautiful rooms, great service and only a few minutes to the beach! Why waste money on a hotel room when you’re going to be out exploring all day right?
Polynesian Hostel Beach Club ☆☆
If you are really on a budget, don’t mind sharing accommodation and want to have instant friends to go out and explore or party – then the Polynesian Hostel Beach Club is for you! Plenty of beautiful young people, all traveling on a dime and looking for friends and cheap fun. Rave reviews from past travelers make this a great option for solo travelers!
Gay Clubs and Gay Bars in Honolulu Hawaii
Befitting Honolulu’s reputation as one of the gay-friendliest cities in the world, there is a whole host of gay bars and nightclub destinations to choose from. Even better, pretty much all of the gay bars in Hawaii lean heavily toward “get drunk and have a good time” rather than the whole “not dressed well enough for our establishment” scene.
This is not a place ‘to see and to be seen’ – but rather, Honolulu is a city to actually grab a casual beer, strike up a conversation and make new friends…or more!
As an international renown dream holiday destination, the crowds in Honolulu’s gay clubs are typically very mixed between locals and those visiting from the mainland. You will find gay’s here from conservative towns and cities experimenting and experiencing gay life for the first time – but two things that stand out are the friendly aloha spirit and how everyone just wants to relax with their ‘ohana’ or family.
The gay bars in Honolulu are conveniently centered in the Waikiki tourist district, but to visit Honolulu’s only real gay dance club, you will need to head downtown!
The only real gay dance club in Honolulu, with different events most nights of the week. The drag shows here are absolutely legendary, and the newly added Tiki Room gives you a quiet space away from the hopping EDM & pop music on the main floor.
Strong drinks, hot dancers, and a tacky tiki bar vibe meets frat party. The only gay bar in Honolulu not located around Waikiki, you will have to take a ride-share downtown to enjoy this epic gay club!
The best gay bar in Honolulu, we loved the friendly neighborhood vibes, shirtless nights, drink deals and meeting plenty of people! Away from the resort area but on the Waikiki Lewer’s Party Street, prices are cheaper here, and the drinks are strong and served by sexy bar-tenders.
Check out their website in advance as they list all prices, daily specials and upcoming events. If you want to experience the Honolulu gay scene, you need to head here first!
A cute little gay karaoke bar with a super-friendly crowd that is generally lively but not crowded. A fun neon anime theme goes here, but you probably won’t notice as you get table service from the ripped bartenders – yes, those abs still show under their tight shirts.
The drinks are cheap and non-pretentious but well made, and the atmosphere is rather intoxicating as everyone takes their turn belting out gay anthems and a few blasts from the past. They also run a fabulous and well-priced Drag Brunch in Waikiki every Sunday, which gets insanely good reviews and should not be missed.
Everybody knows Hula’s; it’s a Waikiki icon and a mainstay of the local gay community in Hawaii. Popular in the afternoon and early evening, the view of Diamond Head is spectacular, and the Happy Hour specials are still fabulous enough to pull in a huge crowd most days.
The food is actually pretty great, too, as being able to sip an ice-cold mojito with ocean views – and yes, Hula’s gay bar does take reservations. At night it transforms into more of a lounge / nightclub with live music events, cabaret and drag shows. No matter when you visit this famous gay bar in Waikiki, you can guarantee plenty of friendly faces and positive energy!
A small and cozy dive gay bar that makes you feel part of the family the second you walk through the front door. Karaoke is very popular here, but even if it’s not your thing, the bartenders here have the best personalities and make up for it – Plus, you have not lived until you have heard their rendition of Sia’s Chandelier.
Leave your labels at the door, because even though this hidden gem is clearly a gay bar, fun-loving people – straight or gay – are welcome here!
The only gay restaurant in Waikiki, very quaint and relatively affordable – We love the main bar with its open-air lanai and tables and the super friendly and attentive bartenders.
The food is fabulous, but it always seems to be pretty quiet here during the day and populated with locals. I put this down to the general confusion over the name – It’s not a ‘Tapa’s’ bar but a bar owned by a Polynesian named Tapa.
Either way, come Friday and Saturday night, the party atmosphere here is electric and often standing-room only. Complete with go-go boys and a LED fiber optic whip dancer, it’s guaranteed fun!
Gay Saunas and Gay Bath House in Honolulu, Hawaii
Sadly, for one of the best gay beach holiday destinations in the world – There is currently no operating gay bath house in Honolulu, Hawaii. Previously there had been Max’s Gym, but this gay sauna in Waikiki has closed as of 2015.
Where all the closeted republicans and holidaymakers who looked forward to some discreet fun in the Aloha State will go now is anyone’s guess – but I sense a business opportunity for a new gay bathhouse in Honolulu!
The closest gay bathhouse and sauna to Honolulu are now back on the mainland – or you could keep flying to the amazing gay scene in Taipei.
Of course, there is plenty of gay hook-up apps you can try out for a bit of action or for some cruisy fun head to Queen’s Surf – no pun intended – which is covered in gay men on the weekends or weekday afternoon. Otherwise, gay bars and clubs are going to be the next best thing!
Gay Map Of Honolulu
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is Gay Honolulu? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages, beaches and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!