Surf sessions, tanning on the sand, and toasting with cocktails at the poolside bar are sure bets in Hawai‘i. Once you’ve gotten your fill, these community events, performances, and parties are perfect outings for the socialite or curious traveler.
Image by Robert Linsdell
Blazing Saddles Hawaii | Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse (O‘ahu) | Tuesdays, 6:30–9:15 p.m.
Kick off your shoes at this Hawai‘i LGBT and straight community social dance night. Dances include line dancing, two-step, waltzes, swing, and more. Free dance lessons are offered between 6:30 and 7 p.m.
LeiBearDay Snorkel | Bacchus, Waikiki (O‘ahu) | Sept. 5, 1–4 p.m. (meet at 11:45 a.m.)
Meet at Bacchus, then head to the beach to board a luxury catamaran for a three-hour snorkel and sail on the waters off Waikiki. Appetizers included, cash bar.
NTBG Movie Night | McBryde Garden in Poipu (Kaua‘i) | Sept. 6, 5–9:30 p.m.
Watch Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides outdoors on the big screen, right next to where several scenes from the movie were filmed in the Allerton Garden. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour filming sites before the show, meet a “mermaid,” and indulge in a mini chair massage. Food, drinks, and movie snacks will also be available for purchase. (To get here, catch a shuttle from South Shore Visitors Center.)
The Okinawan Festival | Kapiolani Park (O‘ahu) | Sept. 12 and 13, 9 a.m. on | $10 suggested
The Okinawan Festival celebrates Okinawan culture with live entertainment, dancing, Okinawan food, and games for keiki. The bon dance is at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
Wiliwili Festival | Waikaloa Village (Hawai‘i Island) | Sept. 12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | Free
Join for a day of celebrating Wiliwili trees and the native dryland forest in Waikoloa Village. There will be live music, local food vendors, workshops, forest tours, a silent auction, native plant sales, giveaways, and hands-on activities for keiki.
Maui GLBT Friends Hiking Group: The Kapalua Coastal Trail | Kapalua (Maui) | Sept. 12, 8:30 a.m.
Hike along the ocean’s edge throughout Kapalua Resort, across the sand dunes at picturesque Oneloa Bay, through The Ritz-Carlton’s scenic grounds, along the popular D.T. Fleming Beach Park, and finish at historic Honolua Bay, where the voyaging canoe Hokule‘a began its maiden voyage to Tahiti in 1976, and where surfers all over the world come over to enjoy the winter swell. 2.5 miles, beginner, 2.5 hours.
Bear Boat | Bacchus Waikiki (O‘ahu) | Sept. 13, noon | $40
Hop aboard a catamaran for a one and a half hour cruise along the coast of Waikiki. Sign up is at noon at Bacchus and the boat leaves Waikiki Beach at 12:30 p.m.
Rainbow Dine Out | Vineyard Food Company, Wailuku (Maui) | Sept. 15, 6–8 p.m.
Join the Maui pride community at Vineyard Food Company, which has created a special menu for the event. Gay owned and operated, Vineyard Food Company has been a major supporter of all things LGBT on Maui for more than 13 years.
63rd Annual Waikiki Ho‘olaulea | Kalakaua Avenue (O‘ahu) | Sept. 19, 7–10 p.m.
Thousands of people take to the streets along Kalakaua Avenue for food, fun, and entertainment at this annual event with performances of the various genres of Hawaiian music and hula halau (hula schools). Hawaiian crafts and flower leis and many varieties of island cuisine will be also be featured.
Ka‘u Coffee Trail Run | Ka‘u Coffee Mill, Pahala (Hawai‘i Island) | Sept. 19, 7 a.m.–1 p.m. | Entry fee varies
The Ka‘u Coffee Trail Run traverses macadamia nut and coffee fields along the beautiful slopes of rural Ka‘u on the southern side of Hawai`i Island. The course starts with a family-friendly 5K, continues uphill through a moderately challenging 10K and reaches a 3100-foot elevation in the vigorously exhilarating half-marathon. Registration includes lunch, massage, and race goodie bag with t-shirt, and more.
Earthdance | South Kona (Hawai‘i Island) | Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | $15, $25
A massive synchronized music and dance festival for peace with music, art, camping, dancing, workshops, visual art, and organic vendors. Entertainment includes live bands, DJs, VJs, fire dancing, and more. On Saturday, there will be a global prayer for peace.
2015 Kauai Mokihana Festival | Kauai Beach Resort (Kaua‘i) | Sept. 20–26
The festival celebrates Hawaiian culture and includes a music contest, a three-day hula competition, a craft fair, and workshops at locations around the island of Kaua’i.
French Wine 101 | Hound and Quail, Chinatown (O‘ahu) | Sept. 21, 6 p.m. | $30
Learn about and taste wines from iconic French wine regions. Light pupus will also be served. To reserve your seat, email [email protected] with the event title and how many people will be attending.
Blackout Party | Hulas Bar and Lei Stand (O‘ahu) | Sept. 25, 10 p.m. | Free
Wear black to blend in, wear white to stand out at this late-night blackout party at O‘ahu’s favorite gay bar.
National Public Lands Day | Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park | Sept. 26
Get free entry at these two Hawai‘i parks in honor of National Public Lands Day.
69th Annual Floral Parade | Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park (O‘ahu)| Sept. 26, 9 a.m.–noon
Waikiki’s main drag, Kalakaua Avenue, comes alive with a colorful procession of horseback riders, floral floats, Hawaiian music, hula halau, and local marching bands.
A‘o Na ‘Auao Life Festival 2015 | Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand (O‘ahu) | Sept. 26 | $20 for singe entry, $100 for table
This is an evening of dance and song featuring James Dela Cruz, Starr Kalahili, and more, with proceeds helping defray cancer medical costs for Kumu Brad Lum.
Kilauea Art Night | Kilauea (Kaua‘i) | Sept. 26 4-8 p.m.
Enjoy a wide variety of local food, art, and craft vendors set up along the street at this monthly event. Dig into dinner while listening to live music on the grounds of a historic stone building.
Wine with Local Snacks and Grinds | Hound and Quail, Chinatown (O‘ahu) | Sept. 29, 6 p.m. | $35
Learn how to add panache to your local kine snacks and grinds. This event will pair wines with popcorn, Zippy’s, iso peanuts, and more. To reserve your seat, email [email protected] with the event title and how many people will be attending.