Hawai’i is full of friendly locals, it’s a shopping paradise and the closest point of the USA to Australia. On the main island of O’ahu, you can go wild on Waikiki or chill out on the North Shore’s beach towns, says Eliot Rifkin.

Honolulu is located on O’ahu, one of 8 islands making up the 50th USA state of Hawai’i. To confuse things, there’s also an island of Hawai’i, known as the ‘Big’ island.  Waikiki is a section of Honolulu that’s similar to Surfer’s Paradise and a tourist trap. With that in mind, Waikiki is great to run amok and shop, but to really see the island, take the two hour drive around the scenic route.  Stop at Haleiwa (akin to Byron Bay) and Waimea (Pipeline surfing fame) on the North Shore, Hanauma Bay (snorkelling park), Kailua an idyllic beach or discover your own beach.

Night life centres on Waikiki, so visit the other islands midweek. Bars in Hawai’i close at 2am, however after hours bars are open till 4am.  Most visitors are from mainland USA and are partying hard during their 10-day dream vacation.  They’re on the prowl to hook up with locals to show them around, however they’ll gladly embrace Australians.  

There’s an art to tipping in the States. Tips are ‘To Insure Promptness’ (TIP). Always tip, it’s part of the wage structure, bartenders have a very low base pay. If you initially leave a generous tip, you’ll get noticed and served faster on the next drink.  You’ll also get stronger drinks. Spirits are free-poured and for $5 + tip you can pretty much get a schooner of vodka.  Beers are another story, American beer is only 3% strength as opposed to our 5.5%.

Americans don’t have a great ear for accents, most will ask if you’re British.  Just let them know you’re Australian and throw in a couple of ‘mates’ and they’ll melt.  Be yourself, Americans have a love affair with Aussies, so it’s all go.

There’s a popular gay beach, Queens Surf and eye candy abounds at the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s beach. Visit the Pearl Harbor memorial (site of the infamous 1941 sneak attack), Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum. I’ll leave the kitsch tourist stuff to you.

As if clothing isn’t cheap enough, there’s the Waikele factory outlet stocking Armani Exchange, Polo, Tommy Hilfiger or look for ‘Island Snow’ the local surf brand and visit the gay shop 80% Straight.

Gay accommodation can be found at Cabana for around $99/night. For the budget conscious – Waikiki Beachside Hostel - $66/room for 2 and it’s a block from Hulas, full of gays and curious backpackers.

Before you leave home, visit the local bars’ websites and join them on Facebook to make friends before you get there. The main gay bars are Hulas, Fusions, Lo Jax, InBetween and Wang Chung’s. Hulas sports a Diamond Head view, Sunday Beer Bust and Saturday catamaran rides; Fusions is the afterhours bar.   Local gay papers, Odyssey and Expressions are also online.  

If O’ahu isn’t enough, island hop.  Book inter-island flights when you get there through Go! Mokulele.  Personally, I love the Big Island.

Bring this article to Hulas and say you’re from Australia – you’ll get a free Maitai. Have fun - your new friends await you, aloha!

GAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

Surf-loving folk and sun seekers inhabit this relaxed, laid-back island chain located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is the youngest state of the union and one of the world’s youngest geological formations.
Honolulu, on the island of O’ahu, is the state’s largest city and boasts the biggest slice of the population. At vibrant Waikiki is where Hawaii’s gay pulse beats the loudest. Meanwhile, at neighbouring Maui, you’ll find a host of local and international travellers sunbathing on cabanas in between spots of snorkelling.   

Hawaii’s diverse mix of cultures makes it an open, warm and tolerant place. Alongside Fort Lauderdale and Miami, it’s one of the few tropical destinations in the US that’s favoured by gay travellers. 

BEST TIME TO GO

Hawaii is blessed with warm weather all-year round but best time to go are April-May and September-October. 

GETTING THERE

Flight Centre offers return flights to Hawaii from $919. Go to flightcentre.com.au .

MORE INFO

gohawaii.com

hawaiigaytravel.com