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Island Romance: Hawaii Popular Getaway With LGBT Travelers

By Charles Karel Bouley

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is unified over the struggle for equal rights. We’ve galvanized to combat discrimination. And, according to a Community Marketing Inc. survey, there’s one more thing many of us agree on: We want to visit Hawaii by the end of this year. LGBT travelers find the island paradise to be one of the top spots for vacationing — pretty impressive in an economic downturn, not to mention a significant decrease in LGBT traveling.
Its popularity among LGBT travelers suits Hawaii fine. Hawaiians relish diversity as a culture and their hospitality has always extended to gay and lesbian visitors. In 1993, the state led the fight for same-sex marriage with Baehr vs. Lewin, and while the LGBT community ultimately lost the battle, the Aloha spirit of the islands remained strong.
The acceptance of diverse lifestyles is engrained in the history of the islands themselves. Hawaii’s history is rich with a true pansexual attitude. In 1779, when Captain Cook arrived in Hawaii, his crew began keeping logs of the various events and habits of the islanders. One practice of special interest was that of the concubine, often male, whose sole purpose was to orally pleasure the king. In fact, one journal writer is credited in the 2008 edition of Out Traveler as saying “when they see young handsome fellows among us they often ask us if he is our ikany [aikane] to some of us.”
Aikane are basically those people granted special political and social privileges because of their sexual roles with members of royalty. It was good mana (spiritual power) to sleep with royalty, since they were said to be descended from the gods. Cook’s crew wrote about male aikane for kings on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and to most people it was commonplace. “They talk of this infernal practice with indifference to the world,” a crewmember wrote.
Ho’okamaka and moe aikane became the common names used to refer to same-sex relationships. The terms were not considered derogatory (as was a term with similar meaning, upi laho). Mahu is transvestitism of sorts and was never frowned upon until the modern era. Even so, Hawaii led the way by electing Kim Coco Iwamoto, a transgendered individual, to the Hawaii Board of Education — at the time, the highest political accomplishment for a transgendered individual in the state.
Social politics aside, Hawaii continues to develop as an LGBT destination, whether it’s gay-exclusive resorts and hotels, bars, special events or the state’s continuous outreach through advertising targeted toward the LGBT community.
Oahu represents Hawaii for many, which is a good and bad thing. For the LGBT traveler, the island is a must-see for a variety of reasons — not the least of which is its population. Called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu is the most densely populated of all the islands and has a larger LGBT community and more entertainment alternatives. On many islands, there are not exclusively gay businesses, but “gay-friendly” ones. Oahu has business specifically for members of the LGBT community. It’s home of the famous Waikiki Beach, Honolulu and Hula’s Bar.
For lovers of chain hotels, Waikiki, Honolulu and Oahu offer one in every flavor. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a beach resort that appeals to LGBT travelers with kids. (The hotel was voted best for families by Parents Magazine, but don’t let that frighten you.) The Ali’I Tower is a resort within the Hilton village, and since the Hilton is at one end of the Waikiki Beach, Ali’I Tower gives unparalleled views of the city, island and ocean. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a landmark in Waikiki, with its 25-story rainbow greets visitors to the main stretch of Waikiki Beach.
For those who think spas are mandatory when traveling, the Turtle Bay Resort and Spa is on the legendary North Shore and offers the complete experience for those wanting a more low-key, luxurious stay. Private, beachfront villas, as well as gourmet dining and enviable spa treatments make this resort the perfect place to pamper and renew. However, for any type of entertainment outside of what Turtle Bay offers, visitors can head to neighboring cities, as a drive to Honolulu will give you options for nightlife fun. If romance and relaxation top the list, and Kauai or Big Island don’t appeal, Turtle Bay is the answer. Be sure to have sunset cocktails at the Crouching Lion.
Several LGBT companies also specialize in condominiums and timeshares in Hawaii (See story on Hawaii Gay Condo Rentals on Page 10).
While each of Hawaii’s beautiful islands holds something for the LGBT traveler, Oahu is a great start. It’s best to travel off-season whenever possible. Be sure to check out ticket-brokers such as Orbitz, Priceline or Hotwire, as well as various tour groups that can offer the best vacation options for you, your partner and your family.

Resorts

Hawaii Hilton Village
www.hilton.com

Turtle Bay Resort and Spa
www.turtlebayresort.com

Eateries

Pacific Beach Hotel
www.pacificbeachhotel.com

Dole Plantation
www.dole-plantation.com

Kua ‘Aina Sandwich Shop
www.foodandwine.com/restaurants/kua-aina-haleiwa

Legends Buddhist Vegetarian Restaurant
www.yelp.com/biz/legends-buddhist-vegetarian-restaurant-honolulu
Outdoor Fun and Beaches

Snorkel Bob’s
www.snorkelbob.com

Hanauma Bay
www.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/welcome.htm

Valley of the Temples / Byodo-In Temple
www.byodo-in.com

Waimea Falls Park
www.hawaiiweb.com/html/waimea_valley_adventure_park.html