By Jeff Guaracino
Same-sex marriage, civil unions, domestic partnerships and commitment ceremonies are booming. As cities and nations around the world are increasingly recognizing our relationships, couples are planning their ceremonies and their honeymoons.
In June, New York became the sixth U.S. state to recognize same-sex marriage joining Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont along with the District of Columbia. In January, the Aloha State— Hawaii—will start civil unions.
As we marry (or whatever the law officially calls it), more destinations are racing to capture the growing and lucrative GLBT honeymoon market. Las Vegas and Ft. Lauderdale already announced honeymoon packages, but what U.S. destination can really compete with magical Hawaii for that dream honeymoon?
From picturesque landscapes, awe-inspiring views, and the island culture of the Hawaiian people, a dream trip to this Pacific Ocean paradise should be on the very top of your list. So here are a few tips to plan your honeymoon now!
The islands of Hawaii
There are eight "main islands" in the 50th State: Ni'ihau, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, L'na'i, Kaho'olawe, Maui and Hawaii. Each island has its own unique character and take-your-breath-away beauty but Waikiki in Oahu has a wide variety of hotels, fabulous dining and gay nightlife and weekly gay chartered catamarans.
There are many hotel options in Waikiki but GLBT travelers should definitely do your research before booking to make sure the hotel chain values our Pink Dollar. The website of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association ( www.iglta.org ) is a great resource.
One stand out company in Hawaii is Starwood. With its 100% HRC rating and national GLBT outreach, you can easily find a Starwood Hotel that fits your style in Waikiki. Choose from the Historic Royal Hawaiian, part of Starwood's luxury collection. Built in 1927 and known as the "Pink House of the Pacific" (it is distinctively pink; see www.royal-hawaiian.com ), this hotel defines Hawaiian romance, luxury and service. Do not miss dinner at the hotel's restaurant Azure. Foodies will fall in love with the beachfront views of Diamond Head Crater and the delicacies prepared by Chef de Cuisine Jon Matsubara.
The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, makes you feel as though you've stepped back to 1901, the year the hotel was built. The hotel's architecture, teak rocking chairs, traditional English afternoon tea on the Veranda and the 100 year-old Monana Banyan tree definitely stand apart from the modern hotels. The Moana Lani Spa offers eye-popping ocean views and a traditional Hawaiian prayer before a massage. ( www.moana-surfrider.com )
Sunset and the Infinity Edge pool are just two of the reasons to choose the trendy Sheraton Waikiki ( www.sheraton-waikiki.com ). The Sheraton is central to everything LGBT. Shoppers will love the close by high-end shopping and gay daytime and nightlife activities are just steps away. Check out the new Bacchus lounge (408 Lewers Street) and Tapas (407 Seaside Avenue). There are two weekly gay catamaran sails that depart close by the hotel: one organized by Waikiki's LGBT bar Hula's Bar & Lei ( www.hulas.com ) and the very fun Bear Cruise by the Aloha Bears ( www.thealohabears.com )
How to get there
To find the best deal, look for package on the hotel's website or work with a travel agent and search online travel agencies like gay-friendly Orbitz or Travelocity. With new non-stop service from major U.S. cities including Chicago and Newark, New Jersey, a trip to this island fantasy is quicker and easier than ever. Airfares range widely and are usually pricey. Smart travelers are adept at using points for upgrades and free trips, especially to Hawaii. For travel in September, US Airways offered round-trip business class service from Philadelphia for as little as 55,000 points and a $60 fee for taxes. American Airlines offered round-trip business class service from New York City with a connection in Chicago for about 70,000 points. Both of these tickets were booked at least two months in advance.
Travel between the islands is easy. Choose from many carriers including Hawaiian Air and Island Air. One word of caution: All the airlines charge for checked bags, so don't overpack! It will cost you.
Jeff Guaracino is a vice president for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) and the author of "Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing" and is Vice Chair for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). He has learned to how to find the best deals and travel resources out there for our community. Traveling locally, check out visitphilly.com/gay and friend us at visitgayphilly.com/facebook.
