the island; tourists are welcome, of course. Two venues where you may be able to make new friends are the clothing-optional Kalanikai Bed & Breakfast [(808) 332-5149] and the Friday Night Men’s Bonfires [(808) 822-7171]. Whether you choose to take part in these events or not, the main theme on Kauai is quiet relaxation. The two main arteries of the Hawaiian Islands are Maui and Oahu. Maui is the more subdued of the two, but still boasts an array of things to do and places to stay. With more modern amenities, Maui is still home to many natural excursions that will keep you busy all day long. Famous for its black-sand beaches, Hana Bay draws tourists looking to lay on the volcanic sand or snorkel between the intricate reefs and tropical fish. Or, if you are looking for a more active adventure, getting to the top of Maui’s dormant volcano is quite a feat. Mt. Haleakala, 10,000 feet above the shore, looks down over the island of Maui. Tours and groups are available to take you up the volcano or, if you’re brave enough, you can venture it alone. Either way, it is a must-see view. However, be sure to bring a jacket: Even though you’re in Hawaii, it still gets cold up there. Finally, every visitor of Maui has to visit the Seven Sacred Pools. These seven “pools” are on the southeast side of the island and are fed by the Pipiwai Streams from 2 miles inland. Attracting tourists from all over Hawaii, the Seven Sacred Pools are a great place for hiking, swimming and cliff jumping. If you go on the weekend, go early: There is only parking on the street and your hike to pools will just get longer the later you go. And don’t worry: The cliffs aren’t too high, but they are definitely worth the thrill. Just let someone else go first while you muster your courage.
Finally, there is Oahu, representatives and shows for the island that boasts all of the Polynesian Islands, the most of Hawaii’s famous center helps tourists understand the attractions, starting with history and traditions of each. They Honolulu and the infamous also have the best rainbow-sherbet Waikiki Beach. Home sundaes in the world. In addition to of surfing, the latter is also the cultural shows, the center has where the majority of gay one of Hawaii’s largest and highly nightclubs and businesses ranked luaus. With a fire pit for the are located. Queen’s pig roast, you will eat well and be Beach, a gay beach, is very entertained the entire night. located in Kapiolani Park If luaus aren’t your thing, at Diamond Head at the end Honolulu has a plethora of gay bars. of Waikiki. The Cabana If dancing and drinking is your idea at Waikiki [2552 of a good night, Hula’s Bar and Cartwright Road, (808) Lei Stand [134 Kapahulu Ave. in 926-5555] is Honolulu’s Waikiki Grand Hotel, (808) 923only gay guesthouse, and 0669] is the place to be. With a beach is just one of the many bar and disco, you will definitely gay businesses along meet some local men with whom this famous stretch. In to yell kowabunga. If you simply Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital want a relaxing cocktail, Angles city, visitors can take in the Waikiki [2256 Kuhio Ave., (808) international hustle and 926-9766] is a good old-fashioned bustle of city life while gay bar. Finally, for those who want still being able to escape to a little more adventure, and by that island paradise. This is the cultural I mean strippers and drag queens, melting pot of the island. One of the there’s Fusion Waikiki [2260 main tourist attractions is the USS Kuhio Ave., (808) 924-2422], ’til 4 Arizona Memorial [1 Arizona a.m. Anyway you want to go, the Place, (808) 422-2771], dedicated to those who died in the attack Hawaiian Islands have something on Pearl Harbor in World War II. to offer everyone. Learning The memorial was built above experiences, natural wonders, the water over the sunken ship, relaxation and all-night parties are allowing visitors to see how time sure to erase every memory of the has eroded the battleship. Along cold Northeast. So pack your bags, the Kamehameha Highway, Oahu grab a friend and head down the is also home to two other worldly sandy shores of the Pacific. You’re attractions: the Dole Plantation sure to have the time of your life [64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy., (808) and hopefully meet some people 621-8408] and the Polynesian along the way. After all, it is a 12Cultural Center [55-370 hour flight! ■ Kamehameha Hwy., (808) 293-3333]. The Dole Plantation, established in 1950, opened its doors to the public in 1989. Admission is free and is well worth the wait (if there is one). Delivering the freshest in pineapple and other fruit, Dole shows millions of visitors each year how it has become among the “fruity elite,” no pun intended. Similarly, the Polynesian Cultural Center attracts millions each year. There is a fee for this attraction but it is well worth it, so call and get your tickets ahead BLACK SAND BEACH Photo: Hawaii Tourism of time. With Authority/Kirk Lee Aeder
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FEB. 20 - 26, 2009
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