First trip to Hawaii?

1. 
   Reason
   

   Where would you suggest for a first trip to Hawaii? We think we want to go to one island and stay there for a week, instead of trying to hop from island to island. So if you only have one island to hit, where should we go?

   We would like a mix of nature and civilization, although we are neither huge outdoorsmen or huge partyboys. A place where we can see some sites and maybe take in some natural beauty would be great.

   I've also heard that the Mormons own a lot of the touristy businesses in Hawaii, and I'd like to avoid giving them money if possible. Any places/businesses/hotels that we should avoid?

   Thanks!

   Posted 4 months ago #
2. 
   homesick
   

   I am a transplanted Dallas Texas boy that has lived in Honolulu for 19 yrs. I can give some local insight as I am considered Kama Aina now. Honolulu is a big bustling city with lots and lots of people. It is not the ideal destination unless you are willing to be trapped in Waikiki for the duration, basically hemmoraging money after about 3 days. Yes there are sights to see, but they are highly tourist oriented and traffic is a nightmare on most days. Agreed, the Mormon influence is very strong here. The Polynesian cultural center is mormon owned and operated, it is also a bit of a bore.

   I would rather recommend Kauai. It is slow, laid back, staggeringly beautiful, and much more natural in its approach to life. My wife and I get there as often as I can. I am not gay, however, it is very gay friendly as is all of Hawaii.

   The "Mahu" as gays are affectionately called are and were revered figures in Hawaiian culture. They were different and special. That said, Kauai offers superb beaches, the Napali Coast, the Waimea Canyon, zipline tours, and rafting tours especially are great. We took a tubing tour with Hawaiian adventure tours which was laid back and properly and safely run. It cost around 165 for a couple but was worth the trip and the experience.

   A place I have stayed that was quaint, affordable, beautiful and family run was and is the Kauai inn in Nawiliwili Harbor area of Lehui. Highly recommended if you want quiet, and romantic. A noted restaurant there if you like mexican food is Mariachi's. Mexican food is a toss up in Hawaii, I loved the place being an old Texas boy.

   I cannot recommend a stay in Kauai enough.

   Posted 4 months ago #
3. 
   Reason
   

   Thanks for the recommendations, homesick! I'll start doing my homework on Kauai.

   I'll stay away from the Mexican restaurants, though. I'm a California boy, so I know that the Mexican food you get elsewhere is invariably half as good and twice as expensive! :) But thanks for the advice!

   Posted 4 months ago #
4. 
   YourPalPete
   

   OK, don’t throw your shoes at me when I make this controversial recommendation. I’m going with Oahu! It’s the only one of the islands with any kind of a gay presence. The are lots of hotels to choose from in all price ranges. Hula’s in Waikiki is the only gay bar that remains in Hawaii, to my knowledge. Oahu has a lot of things to do, from busy Waikiki to beautiful Hanauma Bay to the quiet North Shore. If you have any interest in history or culture, you can see the USS Arizona or the Bishop Museum. If you want to avoid a Mormon-owned business, don’t go to the Polynesian Cultural Center. I’ve never been to the PCC and have no plans to go. Maui and Kauai have stunning natural beauty and are fine for a few days, but there isn’t much gay presence. And frankly, they're a bit too quiet for me. Same with The Big Island--interesting but a bit quiet. And finally, I can only recommend Lanai and Molokai as day trips by boat from Maui.

   Posted 1 week ago #

Reply

You must log in to post.