Exclusive | Women's Travel: U.S. West

HAWAII
At lesbian-run Hale Pueo (808-262-2820 or 888-712-5698; $185+) every room has a view of the ocean and the Mokulua Islands. The two rentals come with everything you need to feel right at home with separate living and kitchen areas. Your hosts Virginia and Candace do their all to make your vacation a memorable one. (Hale Pueo markets to both straight and gay travelers.)

The Butterfly Inn (P.O. Box 6010, Kurtistown, Big Island; 808-966-7936; $65+) is a wonderfully secluded women-only B&B, run for over a decade by the friendly Patti and Kay. Located about halfway between Hilo and the volcanoes, the house is on an acre lot, with a backyard bordering what used to be sugar cane fields. In the back you will find a hot outdoor shower, hot tub, and steam house with naturist sunbathing possible.

EAT
Indigo (1121 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, Oahu; 808-521-2900; $22-36) Indigo, in Pearl Harbor, is an elegant, although not especially cheap, place to dine. Sit in the back next to the brick walls and the Hawaii Theater and swoon over the creative and delicious Eurasian creations. Enjoy meals indoors or in the garden. The connecting room, the "Green Room," is known to be somewhat crowded and smoky, but does offer must-try martinis.

PLAY/MEET
Caf?s
Kope-Kope (1261 Kilauea Ave #220, Hilo, Big Island; 800-933-1221) The espresso bar in Hilo Shopping Center is part of the proudly Hawai'ian Kope Kope Coffee Company. Stock up on java in-store, tuck into a tasty breakfast bagel or lunch wrap or take home their gift packs or Big Island music selections.

Bars
Mask Bar and Grill (75-5660 Kopiko St, Kailua-Kona, Big Island; 808-329-8558). The sole lesbian/gay bar on the Big Island of Hawaii is a popular neighborhood bar with DJs, live shows, and karaoke. As of press time, this vital community venue is up for sale, so be sure to call ahead before heading over there.

Angles (2nd floor, 2256 Kuhio Ave, Waikiki, Oahu; 808-926-9766) Waikiki's neighborhood lesbian/gay bar has dancing Wednesday through Sunday, free Internet access, some live shows, videos, and theme nights. More women scamper here on Sundays for their official women's night. Drink specials throughout the week, darts, pool and a lovely lanai looking over busy Kuhio Avenue.

Clubs
Black Garter Caf? (various venues, Honolulu, Oahu; 808-737-6446 #2) This casual caf?-style dance club for women celebrates eight years of Friday night fiestas for Honolulu's lesbian community. Cozy corners, appetizers and drinks specials make this night a highlight of any Hawai'ian holiday.

EXTRA
Activities
Octopus Reef/Dive Training & Tours (Maui; 808-875-0183) This company is run by the experienced female dive-team of Lynn and Rene, who have lived on Maui for over a decade and have completed over 6,000 dives in Maui waters. They offer unique underwater adventures in Maui including introductory dives, four-day diver certification, shore dives, night dives, boat dives, and any other kind of dive experience you can think of.

Maui Surfing School (Puunene, Maui; 808-875-0625) This lesbian-owned surfing school, run by Andrea Thomas, specializes in beginners, cowards and non-swimmers. Beware, however, of the sometimes crowded conditions in the "classroom" of Lahaina Harbor -- running over classmates as you finally catch that wave can be a problem. Classes are limited to six people per lesson.

Relax
(Makena, Maui) Frequented by a healthy posse of lesbians and gay men, Little Beach takes a little effort to get to, but worth it's really it. After following Pilani Highway south to Wailea, head right at Waikea Ike Drive, left on Wailea Alanui Drive to the public beach. The lesbian- and gay-frequented stretch of beach lies up the hill trail at the end of the beach.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six

Related Articles:
Women's Travel: Introduction
Women's Travel: U.S. South
Women's Travel: U.S. East
Women's Travel: Canada/Mexico
Women's Travel: Europe
Women's Travel: Tours & Events
Women's Travel: Travel Safety