Where: 134 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815; second floor of the Waikiki Grand Hotel.
When: Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Not so much a hidden treasure as a well-known gem, Hula's Bar & Lei Stand has been a fixture in Waikiki and Hawaii's gay and lesbian community for over 30 years.

Located on the second floor of the Waikiki Grand Hotel, this popular hang-out spot is primarily known as a gay club, but in reality it welcomes a melting pot of gay and straight, locals and visitors alike who just want to have a good time together. To get there, head through the lobby of the hotel and take the stairs or the elevator to the second floor. If you're not sure of where to go, just ask the front desk clerk, "Where's the gay bar?" They won't mind helping you at all.
Inside, wide open windows offer enchanting, sweeping views of Waikiki and Queen's Beach, Oahu's best known gay beach located on the Diamond Head end of Waikiki Beach, across from Kapiolani Park and the Honolulu Zoo. Bar patrons are frequently seen sitting together on the benches at the windows, gazing out at the ocean or watching the stars come out. Live DJs, special events and live performances are all part of the nightlife scene at Hula's.

Handsome and charming bartenders are skilled in pouring generous servings of a wide variety of drinks and daily specials, including wells, wine, beer, sodas, juices and coffee. You can also take advantage of a wide variety of specials that change daily, like "Double Double" Sundays when you can get Doubles for the price of a Single all day and night, or $3.75 martinis from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. during Friday night's "Martini Sunset".
From Friday through Sunday, you can enjoy appetizers from 5 p.m. until closing from Hula's Café. Chef Nick Tatta serves up a collection of local favorites, including lumpia with sweet chili sauce (deep fried Filipino egg rolls generally filled with pork, beef or chicken and fresh vegetables), kalua pork plate lunch (Hawaiian-style smoked pork accompanied by steamed white rice and macaroni salad), Pupu (appetizer) Platters with an assortment of deep fried goodies, or low-carb sandwich wraps, including Atlantic Salmon with Capers.

Every Saturday, Hula's hosts a gay catamaran cruise that departs from Waikiki and sails out towards Diamond Head. Along the way, enjoy fantastic views, swimming and sunbathing, beautiful bodies and good company. Tickets can be purchased from Hula's from any bartender or at the door for $20 a piece. The cruise departs at 3 p.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. Meet at the entrance of Hula's by 2 p.m. on the day of your cruise. Local entertainer Guy Cruz also performs every Saturday night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Upcoming Events at Hula's:
American Idol: Season Seven - On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, watch the hit show on the Big Screen every week!
*new*Logo Launch with Oceanic Cable: March 8, 2008 - Celebrate the launch of Logo, the gay and lesbian TV station, on Ocean Time Warner Digital Cable. Watch it on the big screen and get some free Logo gear!
*new*Margaret Cho at Hawaii Theatre: March 9, 2008 - Board the Party Bus from Hula's to see the show at Hawaii Theatre and get a free drink! Tickets are $60 from Hula's; price includes theatre ticket and transportation.
Lucky Charms: March 17, 2008 (Saint Patrick's Day) - Support the PLWHA during a fun filled event with food, drinks, giveaways and entertainment. Win cash prizes for wearing the best Saint Patrick's Day outfit!
Hotels we Recommend near Hula's:
- Kaimana Beach Hotel (The New Otani) (3-star)
- hotel renew, an Aqua Elite Hotel (3.5-star)
- ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel (3.5-star)
- Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa (4-star)
- ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Tower (4-star)
- The W Honolulu Diamond Head (4-star)
- Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (4-star)
Click here to check availability for hotels in Waikiki. If you need some help, or would like to speak to an agent, please call us toll-free at
(800)508-5996 or email
hawaiigaytravel@onlinetravel-services.com.
For a complete Appetizer and Drink Menu along with profiles of Hula's staff, visit
Hula's website.
Photo credit: www.hulas.com