Although Kauai is the least populated of Hawaii’s four main islands, with around 67,000 residents, this spectacular, lush, and laid-back place enjoys a fiery following among LGBT visitors and has plenty of gay residents throughout the year. The scene here on this eco-friendly island known for hiking, kayaking, diving, and many other outdoor activities is low-key and friendly, with much of the gay socializing taking place on an intimate scale, on a handful of beaches and restaurants and also among local residents.
However, the island’s LGBT education and advocacy organization Lambda Aloha hosts a number of gatherings and gatherings throughout the year, including Kauai Gay Pride, which is held in mid-June, 2016 dates are from the June 17-19.
Kauai Gay Pride includes a Full Moon Beach campground in Lydgate Park on Friday, June 17, a cocktail mixer at Lava Lava Beach Club from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, and a Potluck Pride picnic in Lydgate Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. pm on Sunday.
In addition, Lambda Aloha sponsors other parties throughout the year – check the Facebook page for the latest events. A favorite holiday is the annual Lambda Aloha Halloween Dance Party, held in late October; Most recently, this colorful, camping party was held at the pavilion at Lydgate State Park, in Lihue, which is also one of the most LGBT-favored beaches on the island.
Speaking of fun in the sun, Kauai’s two best gay beaches, Donkey Beach and Secret Beach (aka Kauapea Beach) are great places to meet other “family” on Kauai at any time of the year.
Kauai Gay Resources
For tips on where to stay, see the Kauai Gay-Friendly Hotels and Resorts Guide.
Although Kauai lacks a lot when it comes to specific gay nightlife, there are a handful of bars and restaurants across the island with a strong LGBT following – take a look at our Kauai Gay Nightlife and Dining guide for more details. For tips on how to learn more about the gay scene here, take a look at the gay guide produced by DiscoveringHawaii.com and GoGayHawaii.com, a helpful Pride Guide to Aloha Stat. Hawaii’s largest Pride celebration, Honolulu Gay Pride, takes place on Oahu, also in early June.
Take a look at the Kauai Gay Hotel Guide for ideas on where to stay while visiting Garden Island. And be sure to visit the excellent site operated by the Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau for general assistance with travel planning.
