Zip to Locations... Hawaii Tahiti

Hawaii and Tahiti & Her Islands as a vacation destination:

When you picture a perfect paradise in your imagination, chances are it looks a lot like Hawaii. Its waters so blue, they seem other-worldly. Its beaches so pristine, you feel as if you could be the first human who ever stepped foot onto the smooth glimmering sand. Its forests so lush, they shine like a newly cut emerald. Its sunsets so brilliant, the sky seems ablaze with fire. Its volcanoes so imposing, you can only stand back and stare in awe at the wonders of nature.

It’s hard to believe that a destination so remote, so exotic and so magnificent as Hawaii could be part of the United States.

In Hawaii, couples cherish golden days of unbridled romance. Adventurers thrill at the thought of catching the perfect wave. With extraordinary natural beauty, fascinating culture, rich history and endless activities, Hawaii can be all things to all people - or something unforgettable just for you.

Tahiti and Her Islands are the paradise that you’ve always imagined the South Seas to be – an idyllic getaway from the stresses of the modern world, resembling a vibrant green heaven more than earth.

The palm-fringed beaches of Bora Bora are the perfect launch into striking crystal clear waters. Moorea, a short boat or plane ride from Tahiti, features spectacular bays surrounded by green-covered mountains. Tahiti, the largest island, is for the person who wants to try a little of everything that the modern and natural worlds have to offer.

On all of the Tahitian islands, you can spend endless days snorkeling and diving, or swimming side-by-side with turtles and fantastically colored fish. Feel the cooling breeze in your hair as you parasail or jet ski from motu to motu. Check out the local markets for original art, black pearls, fresh vanilla and wooden carvings. Sample fine dining with influences from France and the South Pacific, and stay in accommodations ranging from exquisite beachside resorts to intimate over-water bungalows with glass bottom floors.

No matter which Tahitian island you visit, you’ll find the same untouched environment that inspired the great paintings of Gauguin, and countless others.

Hawaii & Tahiti as a vacation destination for gay and lesbian vacationers:

“Aloha” means more than just hello or goodbye in Hawaiian. It also translates as love, compassion, affection and mercy. With such a warm greeting, it’s no wonder that Hawaiians welcome gays and lesbians with open arms. In fact, Hawaii has a law on the books that mandates its citizens and leaders to conduct themselves with Aloha. Hawaii was one of the first states to debate the legalization of same-sex marriages, and currently affords gay couples many of the same benefits as married couples.

Hawaii’s ethnic and cultural landscape is quite diverse, with inhabitants from all over the world. Its gay culture is just as diverse and nuanced, which you can get a good feel for by visiting each island. Honolulu and its island, Oahu, have the most pronounced gay culture with its host of gay friendly nightclubs and businesses. The gay scene on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island is also significant but more low key, where folks tend to get together more at sponsored social events and beaches.

As a whole, the culture of Tahiti and Her Islands is laid-back and relaxed, with almost a dreamy quality. The inhabitants of these islands tend to reflect this culture, and are positive and non-judgmental toward visitors from around the globe. Because they are part of French Polynesia, Tahiti and Her Islands are subject to French laws, which tend to be quite liberal towards gays and lesbians. The Tahitian islands don’t have any particular gay sections or organizations per se, but discrimination is not a factor. If you plan to visit Tahiti in the summer, try to catch the three-week Bastille Festival in the capital city of Papeete.