Unveiling Paradise: An In-Depth Hawaii Journey, Featuring Honolulu's Amuse Wine Bar and Vibrant LGBTQ+ Scene

Aloha! Hawaii remains an unparalleled destination, offering a captivating blend of natural splendor, rich culture, and evolving experiences.

Our recent island hopping adventure, starting in the bustling heart of Honolulu before venturing to the serene Garden Isle of Kauai, revealed a paradise that, while adapting to new norms, continues to enchant visitors with its unique spirit and culinary delights.

Honolulu: Urban Oasis & Culinary Delights

Our journey began in Honolulu, a city that beautifully merges urban sophistication with laid-back island charm.

It's worth noting that travel requirements and local protocols, such as proof of vaccination or negative COVID tests, temperature checks at restaurants, and mask-wearing in retail stores, were strictly observed during our visit. While these measures required a little pre-planning, they ultimately contributed to a comfortable and reassuring atmosphere, especially amidst global health concerns.

Navigating the Islands: Essential Travel Notes

• Pre-Arrival Registration: Be sure to register with the "Go Hawaii" site and have your health documentation ready.
• Dine-In Protocols: Most indoor dining establishments require proof of vaccination and temperature checks.
• Reservations are Key: Popular restaurants, in particular, book up well in advance.

  Plan ahead to secure your desired dining experiences.

Luxurious Retreats: The Halekulani Experience

Our home base in Honolulu was the iconic Halekulani Hotel, a true gem that consistently delivers an unmatched luxury experience. Having recently emerged from a year-long renovation, the hotel shone with stunning results.

Much of the work focused on behind-the-scenes infrastructure, ensuring a seamless stay. While the new Toto washlet toilets were a welcome addition, we harbored hopes for a more extensive bathroom overhaul, perhaps with double sinks and updated countertops. Still, the Halekulani's first-class service and amenities remain exceptional.

Honolulu's Gastronomic Gems

The Honolulu culinary scene proved to be a vibrant tapestry of flavors, from sophisticated wine bars to casual, fresh eateries.

• Amuse Wine Bar at Stage Restaurant: A definite highlight was our meal at the Amuse Wine Bar, nestled within Stage Restaurant at the Honolulu Design Center.

  Our appetite was immediately whet by a divine amuse-bouche - a delectable biscuit with lemon mascarpone and bacon jam. This currently outdoor, oceanfront spot for cocktails and pupus (appetizers) boasts some of the island's finest traditional Hawaiian music.

  We even had the pleasure of seeing the current Miss Hawaii, Courtney Choy, dancing the hula! While renovations are underway to expand the space to include a pool bar and exhibition kitchen, offering all-day service, the current evening ambiance makes it a truly destination-worthy retreat.

• Moku: For a more casual yet equally satisfying experience, Moku offered fresh, seasonal food perfect for lunch.

  Their menu featured a delightful array, including fresh fish tacos, local greens, crispy fries, deviled eggs with shrimp, hand-tossed pizzas, and a great burger.

Adventures in the Capital City

Beyond its dining scene, Honolulu offers a wealth of activities and sights to explore:

• Electric Bike Coastal Cruise: Renting electric bikes from GoGo Rentals and biking along the coast to Diamond Head, then back along the Ala Wai Canal, was an invigorating way to see the city.
• Botanical Wonders:
  • Lyon Arboretum: A research garden affiliated with the University of Hawaii, just a short drive from Waikiki (reservations recommended).
  • Hoomaluhia Gardens: Located on the East Shore near Kailua, these peaceful gardens offer hiking trails leading to a gorgeous lake.
• Cultural Immersion: The beautiful Byodo-In Buddhist Temple near Kailua, built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Japanese arrival in Hawaii, is a serene and photogenic stop.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • Waimea Falls: On the North Shore (advance reservations recommended).
  • Waikiki Beach: Still one of the world's most beautiful beaches, offering stunning relaxation with Diamond Head as its impressive backdrop.

Kauai: The Enchanting Garden Isle

From Honolulu, our adventure continued to Kauai, the "Garden Isle," which truly embodies the spirit of "old Hawaii." Though we opted for outdoor dining for safety, Kauai's charm was undeniable.

Coastal Comforts: Hanalei Bay Resort

Instead of our usual stay at the SeaLodge condominiums in Princeville, this time we chose the Hanalei Bay Hideaway condominiums at Hanalei Bay Resort.

Our third-floor units provided sweeping views of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai, along with numerous amenities including tennis courts, swimming pools, beach access, and the lively Happy Talk lounge. These recently renovated units featured a modern style and three generous decks, allowing for both wonderful family gatherings and welcome privacy.

Kauai's Fresh Flavors

Kauai's culinary scene is thriving, with new chefs bringing exciting innovations to the island.

• Seasonal & Craft Cuisine: We discovered a seasonally-driven and craft cocktail haven offering the freshest and most innovative cuisine and spirits, including pan-seared fresh island fish, kimchee grilled cheese, buttermilk fried chicken, and exquisite craft Mai Tais.

  An adjoining gourmet food retailer provided everything needed to spice up a Hawaiian kitchen.

• A Thanksgiving Tradition: Chef Ginger's Private Feast: For Thanksgiving, we indulged in a truly special experience: a private chef, Ginger, prepared our meal in our condo kitchen.

  She arrived promptly, cooking with a mask while we enjoyed cocktails on the lanai. The menu was a delight: fresh vegetarian rolls, kale salad with macadamia nuts and purple carrots, the tastiest fresh Kauai shrimp and ahi tuna, and a decadent mango cheesecake. Ginger not only set the table and served us but also handled all the cleanup!

  Our entire family enthusiastically recommends Ginger, and we've found our new Thanksgiving family tradition.

Exploring Kauai's Natural Beauty

Kauai offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and natural discovery:

• Kauai Botanical Garden: This vast garden features formal gardens, hardwood and wild forests, and picturesque flowers blooming year-round.

  During our visit, we were captivated by the sight of famous albatross birds nesting! Both walking and riding tours are available (reservations required).

• Kauai Chocolate Farm: A fascinating tour where you can sample various chocolates, beans, and tropical fruits grown right on the farm.
• Pristine Beaches: Anini Beach and Lydgate Beach are excellent for snorkeling, offering frequent opportunities to swim alongside sea turtles.
• Limahuli Gardens: Located at the base of Bali Hai, this attractive garden offers a one-hour walking tour on a verdant hillside with breathtaking ocean views.
• Challenging Trails: For avid hikers, the renowned Kalalau Trail presents a significant challenge.

Hawaii's Welcoming Spirit: LGBTQ+ Friendly Venues

Beyond its stunning landscapes and culinary delights, Hawaii embraces a welcoming and inclusive spirit, with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, particularly in Honolulu.

While Amuse Wine Bar at Stage Restaurant stands out for its sophisticated ambiance and exquisite food, it's primarily recognized as a wine and dining destination. For those seeking dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces and lively nightlife, Honolulu offers several well-known spots:

• Hula's Bar & Lei Stand: Located in the Waikiki Grand Hotel, Hula's is widely known as Waikiki's quintessential gay bar, welcoming to all.
• Bacchus Waikiki: A popular spot offering a relaxed atmosphere.
• Scarlet Honolulu: Known for its energetic vibe and drag shows.
• Wang Chung's: A fun karaoke gay bar.
• Tapa's Waikiki: Another notable spot in the Waikiki scene.

The islands' inclusive spirit extends beyond dedicated bars.

We had the good fortune to sample peppermint-flavored truffle fudge holiday chocolates from John Kelly Chocolates, a renowned gay-owned chocolatier in Los Angeles—a delightful treat perfect for impressing friends. Furthermore, the annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy, featuring the indefatigable lesbian comedienne Lisa Gedulgig, returns virtually, partnering with Lazy Susan Chinese for food, highlighting the broader community and artistic contributions.

Conclusion

Hawaii continues to evolve, yet its core essence - breathtaking beauty, warm hospitality, and a commitment to incredible experiences - remains untouched.

From the refined elegance of Honolulu's luxury hotels and culinary hotspots like Amuse Wine Bar, to Kauai's untouched natural wonders and hidden gastronomic delights, the islands offer a multifaceted journey. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or vibrant cultural immersion, Hawaii truly delivers a destination-worthy experience that lingers long after you've said "Aloha."