Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
Gorgeous beaches, stunning weather, high levels of acceptance and an inclusive and diverse LGBT community. – it’s no wonder moving to LGBT Honolulu is becoming so popular for those wanting to relax in style and escape it all.
Honolulu is also Hawaii’s largest and most diverse town, making it a popular choice for those looking to move, without getting too remote.
Honolulu, which is the abode of the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation, also hosts events and festivals all year to commemorate gay pride and acceptance. The town has historically been a supporter of gay rights, and the city’s gay wedding planners and officiants have become well-known Honolulu is a favorite gateway to extinct volcanoes, golden-sand beaches, misty mountain ranges, and chilled-out island vibes.
This complex Polynesian capital, however, is more than a series of picture-perfect backdrops. Honolulu is chaotic while also charming. Boisterous yet lovely. Above all, Honolulu is a vibrant city that welcomes all those looking to move to a progressive, inclusive city for work, play, and family. If you’re thinking of moving to LGBT Honolulu, you might just find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in.
Like Long Beach, Milwaukee, Providence, Tampa, and other mid-sized cities in the USA, there is a queer scene here but it is much more low-key than say, New York or Los Angeles – which is why a gay realtor in Honolulu is worth their weight in gold as they can help you navigate as you find your new perfect home here in the most gay-friendly neighborhood.
However, this somewhat camouflaged LGBT scene doesn’t mean that you should be nervous about making the move to this beautiful city. Most people are friendly towards the LGBTQ community and you will find services, shops, and establishments proudly serving our community.
Think of this article as a queer Honolulu relocation guide that will help you understand what you’re getting yourself into when moving to this beautiful city. If you need a more nightlife and travel-focused guide detailing all the LGBT clubs, parties, and more, check out our Gay Honolulu Guide!
Leave all your preconceptions at the door, because (spoiler alert) moving to LGBT Honolulu is not what you think!
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights of Moving to LGBTQ Honolulu
- Does Honolulu Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Honolulu An Expensive City to Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Honolulu
- Annual LGBT Events In Honolulu
- Monthly LGBT Events In Honolulu
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Honolulu
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Honolulu
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Honolulu
- Finding Gay Realtors In Honolulu Hawaii
Highlights of Moving to LGBTQ Honolulu
Honolulu residents are well aware that their city is both a tourist trap and a hidden gem. Once you will live here, you will discover there is plenty of places away from the overcrowded tourist trail and that Honolulu is still brimming with culture and beautiful sights just waiting to be discovered.
Securing a relocation here will also allow you to meet others with similar interests, thanks to a quirky yet highly involved LGBT culture, which includes a few fantastic queer spots of interest in the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
Almost anything that your heart desires can be found here. There are plenty of things to look forwards to when moving to LGBT Honolulu, be it warm weather, charming coffee shops, or boozy brunch haunts.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
Forget About Stress
Honolulu will quickly show you that it doesn’t care how fast you used to live your life. Living here doesn’t compliment your old perception of time – not public transportation, people, lunches and dinners, lines, or red tape. So take advantage of this chance to learn to relax a little –There’s a reason why it’s called local time! Don’t try to combat it- give up the fight and enjoy the ride, because it is here to stay.
The Bugs Shouldn’t Scare You
Don’t mind the bugs in the city! After all, it’s not you they’re after. They only love the region’s subtropical climate. Mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches aren’t after you, though they can be annoying and get into your hair, clothes, windshield, and sometimes, your food. Just let them be and you will be more at peace.
Housing
Forget island time – the morning rush hour is definitely a thing in this city. When moving to Honolulu, you should do your best to find lodging close to your workplace, even if it costs a little more. You’ll be grateful that you took our advice. Also, when it comes to settling in, keep in mind that transporting large items to Hawaii is costly, so use your relocation to trim down and embrace a simplistic, island way of living.
Humidity All Day, Everyday!
Summer runs from May to October. This time and winter are the only two seasons in Hawaii. Prepare for the salt and humidity to wreak havoc on your electronic devices and anything else with a battery.
Does Honolulu Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
After the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act was passed in December 2013, many areas of Hawaii have seen an increase in LGBTQ tourism. All projections for the count of same-sex unions were overtaken, instilling seemingly boundless passion and enthusiasm in the local LGBTQ community.
Many residents here are conservative, but that doesn’t mean the city’s gay scene isn’t flourishing. Oahu’s gay scene has thrived and grown in recent years, with a variety of events occurring almost every night of the week. The gay scene here is dynamic and lively, with everything from LGBT mixers to pool parties.
The city has many gay-friendly sports, especially in the Waikiki area where you are likely to feel welcome and accepted. Whether it’s the Waikiki beaches or the USS Memorial Arizona, or the rainforest hikes, there’s always something for you here. Honolulu has enough lesbian and gay bars where you can meet the locals or enjoy a drink…though not enough that you won’t run into that person you really don’t want to see!
Is Honolulu An Expensive City to Move To?
Living in Honolulu isn’t as cheap as you’d expect! The median home price in the city is $601,000 and the median value for a home is approximately $1,340.
TheBus is Honolulu’s public bus system. Adults pay 2.75 dollars, youth pay 1.25 dollars, and seniors pay 1 dollar. You can readily get a bus pass at supermarkets and 7-Elevens for a monthly fee. Monthly bus passes start on the 1st of every month and cost roughly 70 dollars, regardless of when you buy them.
Plan on spending around $150 each month on water, electricity, and gas. When there is a high demand for utilities, such as during the summer, your utility bill will almost certainly double. In Honolulu, rent is at an all-time high! A one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,844 per month. A two-bedroom apartment will set you back around $2,400 per month.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Honolulu
When relocating to LGBT Honolulu, there are a few areas you should know about as they are close to the queer community, allowing you to conventionally pull your U-Haul up to your new house in a gay-friendly neighborhood or part of town.
If you’re a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer person manifesting a liberal neighborhood with facilities you’ll cherish, start with these top gay and gay-friendly Honolulu neighborhoods to discover your perfect new home, each with its own distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Honolulu’s diverse personalities, and remember that this city offers something for everyone – LGBTQ or not!
If it all seems a little overwhelming, you should speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more nuanced and up-to-date understanding of the best options available to you.
Most areas in this city would welcome you, but let’s take a look at the handful of the more fabulous gay areas in Honolulu are and talk about the Honolulu gayborhood where you might feel most at home!
Waikiki
Waikiki, located on O’ahu’s south shore among the most famous tourist attractions in the world, and with good reason; the stunning oceanfront area is a vibrant, multi-cultural, walkable neighborhood encircled by some of the best restaurants and shopping in the world. Waikiki is densely populated and mostly made up of high-rise apartment and condo buildings.
The neighborhood is bordered on one side by Diamond Head Crater and on the other side by 500-acre Kapi’olani Park. Also found nearby is the Waikiki Aquarium. Hawaiian royalty historically liked to surf on Waikiki Beach and even had homes here. The neighborhood has always had sandy, white beaches even though the beach area is one of the most crowded in the world.
It is, however, still an excellent place to surf as it’s gentle and you can take surfing lessons or rent a board here. Other than the ocean, most of this neighborhood used to be wetlands and marshes. The name Waikiki itself means spouting fresh water in reference to the streams and springs that used to flow here.
Kahala
Kalaha is one of the upscale and smaller neighborhoods on the southern shore of O’ahu. The neighborhood is a short distance from the Diamond Head crater. Kalaha’s streets are uncrowded, wide, and extravagant, and you’re bound to see many single-family homes built on vast plots. This neighborhood is home to the city’s most expensive real estate.
Kalaha is also home to two-story estates built on sandy beaches where you can enjoy the warmth of its sunny beaches. The neighborhood offers easy access to a turquoise ocean and an inviting beach. There aren’t many tourists here so you will enjoy an uncrowded, relaxed experience while here.
Apart from the beach, Kahala is home to ranch-style homes and is a quiet, peaceful neighborhood that’s only 15 minutes away from town. T.V shows like Lost, Hawaii Five-O, and Magnum P.I were all filmed here. Kahala is home to three parks and a Whole Foods.
Kaimuki
Kaimuki used to be farmland owned by King Kalakaua in the 1800s. He allowed ostriches to roam all over the area. The name of this neighborhood comes from the Hawaiian words meaning the “ti root oven”. The neighborhood was previously popular for having ovens baking ti roots into a sweet, candy-like food. The area is now a residential neighborhood near downtown and close to shopping. It, however, still maintains a peaceful and laidback atmosphere.
The neighborhood is now home to single-family and multi-family homes. It is safe, and relaxed, and has many island amenities with decent-sized homes. Kaimuki is an eclectic neighborhood with an old charm thanks to its unique shops and old-style diners. It hosts a farmers market every Saturday at the Kapi’olani Community College and you can find all you need from malassadas to dim sum.
Manoa
Manoa is a lovely, picturesque valley that some local families have called home for decades in old, quaint family homes. Mid-Century homes, traditional Hawaiian bungalows and newly renovated historic homes are all available in the neighborhood.
Manoa feels a little “country,” hidden away in a peaceful, tropical area full of hiking trails, parks, and almost-daily rain that keeps the area green and beautiful year-round, despite being only three miles or 20 minutes from downtown. You can reach M anoa Falls via a popular hike in the valley’s backside.
The Manoa Marketplace is a modest shopping center with a drug store and a Safeway roughly at the center of the valley. The public Noelani and Manoa Elementary Schools, as well as the Mid-Pacific Institute and private Punahou School (former President Barack Obama’s school), are all located in the area. Manoa is home to the University of Hawai’i.
Manoa Valley was previously home to the first coffee and sugarcane plantations in Hawai’i, which arrived in 1825 on the HMS Blonde ship. It’s also the birthplace of Kahalaopuna, a Hawaiian hero who was born to Kauakuahine and Kahaukani. If you’re on the lookout for outdoor activities in Honolulu such as hiking trails, you’ll enjoy living near the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve, which covers nearly half of the area and has 14 trails with stunning views of the city.
Annual LGBT Events In Honolulu
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Honolulu plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
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 lead-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 that 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 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.
Monthly LGBT Events In Honolulu
Moving to a new place can be daunting – and finding your place can take some time. To spend this process up, here is a selection of monthly queer events in Honolulu you might want to attend and socialize at…
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 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 bar?
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 moving to LGBT Austin as well and their fabulous annual Gay Rodeo!
Mimosas & Marys Daytime Drag and Burlesque
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.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Honolulu
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it’s critical that you support such groups in any way you can use so that they can reach out and aid others in the community. You might even need their assistance right or at some point in the future – and no matter what, every queer person has benefited from their tireless work to achieve the progress and rights we have today. Here are some outstanding community LGBT organizations in Honolulu.
These are wonderful places to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
The Honolulu Gay And Lesbian Cultural Foundation
The Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation is a non-profit whose mission is to raise community awareness and educate concerning issues to do with gay and lesbian lifestyle, culture, and arts. The organization was founded in 1997. HGLCF hosts the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival every year in honor of the Hawaii LGBT pioneer Adam Baran.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu
The Honolulu Gay Men’s Chorus was established in 2012 and is pleased to be Hawaii’s first openly gay musical entity. The group’s mission is to perform, sing, and appreciate men’s voices, to nurture and further the craft of men’s choral singing, to develop its member’s musical talents, to offer entertaining public performances of men’s choral music, and to perform a range of musical styles while fostering participation in male choral music among the city’s community, as well as the LGBT and allied communities.
The Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation
The Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation orchestrates Honolulu Pride, manages the LGBTQ+ Center Honolulu, and develops educational programs for the state’s LGBTQIA+ community. The foundation also supports organizations that address social, economic and health inequalities in their communities with in-kind and financial donations.
You’re welcome to make a contribution and help them continue their work. The foundation is dedicated to leaving a legacy of equality, hope, and unity in the state of Hawaii. As a vital part of Hawaii’s broader diverse community, the foundation assists the community in living healthy, happy, and productive lives.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Honolulu
After moving to LGBT Honolulu, it’s only natural to want to support queer businesses. One strategy for establishing a safer and more inclusive society is to create a secure environment where people may rest, buy, dine, and connect without fear, and this is exactly what LGBT companies should strive for.
To safeguard the queer community’s survival and success, it is critical to support these initiatives wherever you are. When you shop locally, you put in a personal investment in your city and community. Here’s a short list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Honolulu you can invest in with your pink dollars…
Cake Works is the go-to bakery to make all your wedding cake dreams come true. Chef Abigail is responsible for creating beautiful, delicious wedding cakes depending on your preferences and style. Her cakes taste as good as they look.
While Cake Works specialty is wedding cakes, the bakery also offers pastries, desserts, cupcakes, cookies, and other delicacies every day. Since same-sex couples can now marry legally in the state, you can reach out to them for the perfect confection for your special day.
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!
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Honolulu
The LGBTQ community in Honolulu is a true representation of the spirit of Aloha. It is the embodiment of acceptance, love, and friendship. Historically, bisexual and same-sex relationships have been widely accepted and present in Hawaiian culture. Living here gives you the opportunity to live freely, enjoy life at a relaxed pace, and meet new people!
Keep in mind that life is what you make it, and wherever you choose to begin your new life in gay Honolulu, we hope you find the openness and security you deserve. The surest way to discover LGBT Honolulu is always going to be living in a gay-friendly neighborhood by frequenting local LGBT businesses and events and joining queer community groups and sports teams.
We promise that if you follow these steps, your transition to LGBT Honolulu will be easier, and you’ll rapidly meet like-minded people to build your new chosen family here.
Finding Gay Realtors In Honolulu Hawaii
When looking for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are several reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Honolulu is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when it relates to one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes. Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often describe feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt. Everyone deserves a pleasant, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, and this is why we feel you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in finding your future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be familiar with the diverse communities in their area and know which ones may be best suited to you when looking for a home. That’s not to say a heterosexual realtor isn’t capable, but they’ve probably never had to address many of the issues LGBT people face. Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors conduct extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be difficult to locate professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Honolulu, and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral. You no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Honolulu to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more. Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then choose the one who is right for you. It’s critical that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exciting occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
