A queer resource of what to do and see when visiting Hawaiʻi, from rich cultural practices to thrilling outdoor adventures…
The sun and sand, the rainforest and rugged natural terrain – this truly is paradise. A visit to Hawai‘i is a vacation like no other, a tropical island experience that lures more than 10.5 million visitors per year – and a safe and welcoming destination for members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
For anyone under the rainbow who’s planning a trip to Hawaiʻi, get ready for outdoor adventure, natural beauty, culture, and even a little giving back. Here’s everything you need to know to make your trip all the more magical.
Hawai‘i is historically hospitable
Tourists have been visiting and loving Hawai‘i since the mid-1800s, originally arriving to see the Kīlauea volcano, an overwhelmingly beautiful – and still very active! – environment. But Hawai‘i’s long history of LGBTQ+ identity and acceptance began in pre-colonial times, when the Māhū – or “in the middle” people – maintained respected social and spiritual positions within the community, often as healers.
Fast-forwarding to today, you will easily recognize that all six of the major Hawaiian Islands to visit are diverse and inclusive, the 50th US state being an early adopter of same-sex marriage. In fact, same-sex marriage has been legal in Hawai‘i since December 2, 2013. More recently, a same-sex marriage amendment on a 2024 ballot received majority support affirming the right of same-sex marriage in the state. Nikos Leverenz, president of the Hawai‘i Civil Rights Voter Education Fund, praised the historic nature of the amendment, calling it a “landmark day in Hawai‘i constitutional history.”
Say “I do” to Hawai’i
Speaking of same-sex marriages…Hawaiʻi’s enchanting beauty makes it the ultimate destination for love and romance. Whether you’re honeymooning on Maui’s golden beaches, enjoying a private sunset sail off Lānaʻi, or renewing your vows under Kauaʻi’s starlit skies, the islands can provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments.
Anchor your trip to Pride
Honolulu Pride is Hawai‘i’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration, with the parade route along Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī drawing approximately 30,000 people each year. This fun-fest of diversity, creativity and solidarity radiates an overwhelming spirit of togetherness throughout Honolulu Pride Month in October, which coincides with LGBT History Month, National Coming Out Day and Spirit Day. The Festival at Diamond Head Greens is a family-friendly day of music and activities, and the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival celebrates its 36th year in 2025. As the Hawaiians say, “E komo mai” – everyone is welcome!
Save the date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 for Honolulu Pride 2025!
Honolulu Pride is produced by the Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation, an organization that also hosts the LGBTQ+ Center Honolulu and creates educational programs that inform and empower Hawaiʻi’s LGBTQIA+ community. The Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation also provides financial and in-kind support to organizations addressing social, health and economic inequalities in our communities.
Ready for a little outdoor adventure?
Hawaiʻi is a paradise for queer thrill-seeking travellers. Need a few examples? You can surf the legendary waves of Oʻahu’s North Shore, hike along the rim of an active volcano on Hawaiʻi Island, or zipline through Kauaʻi’s verdant valleys. Dive beneath the waves to explore colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life or take to the skies on a helicopter tour for jaw-dropping views of cascading waterfalls and rugged coastlines. Whether on land, sea or air, Hawaiʻi delivers unforgettable adventures for every explorer.
Discover Hawai’i’s natural beauty
Hawaiʻi’s landscapes are a feast for the senses. Witness the fiery glow of Kīlauea, stroll along the black sand beaches of Punaluʻu, or hop on board a catamaran to take in the iconic Nā Pali Coast, where emerald cliffs meet turquoise seas. At sunrise or sunset, places like Haleakalā on Maui and the Kalalau Valley on Kauaʻi provide moments of pure magic.
Ready to experience Hawai‘i’s culture?
The Hawaiian Islands are home to a rich culture. Learn about the sacred significance of hula, listen to ancient legends that connect the islands to the stars, and participate in cultural practices like lei-making and outrigger canoe paddling. Hawaiʻi’s multicultural roots come alive through its art, music and cuisine.
Take only pictures, leave only footprints
It’s easy to breeze through an island vacation without a care in the world. But with tourism making a comeback, a renewed interest in kuleana, or responsibility, is taking shape in Hawai‘i. Visitors are encouraged to mālama ka’aina – take care of the land – in the spirit of giving back to the land, the seas, the wildlife, the forest – really the whole community. When you travel responsibly, you are part of the continuous circle of island life, keeping it going through regenerative tourism. Pay-it-forward initiatives promote cleaning up the coastline, beaches, hiking trails and parks, as well as tree-planting and fish-pond rejuvenation. Tourists can also connect with the land in other ways, exploring the world of sustainable farming and making a positive impact through environmental stewardship.
For more information on programs for visitors that encourage reef preservation, beach clean-ups, and volunteering with local organizations, visit gohawaii.com/malama.
Help preserve the Hawaiian culture
A warm welcome is the hallmark of Hawaiian hospitality. But more than just a simple greeting, “Aloha” is a concept. It expresses a sense of being in the presence of and sharing the essence of life, which in turn promotes peace, kindness and compassion, and champions a responsibility to the future of the land and of the people. This construct is expressed through heritage arts, including music, the hula and traditional chants. These chants describe the islands, the spirits that surround them, the forces of nature that shaped them and the things that live on them – further fostering the theory that everything truly is related. This connection is the very root of Hawaiian culture.
When you visit Hawai‘i, you can help champion this need to care for the environment and each other by supporting local festivals and events, buying from local vendors, and preserving Hawaiian heritage and cultural practices.
Start packing your bags!
The GoHawaii website is an excellent reference for great ideas, travel tips and insight into the Hawaiian Islands. Canadians planning a winter escape or a destination wedding can find more information at gohawaii.com/ca. For details on how to experience a rewarding trip to Hawai‘i that gives back, visit gohawaii.com/malama. And for information on the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation, head to hawaiilgbtlegacyfoundation.com.
POST A COMMENT