Named for the wife of “Merrie Monarch” King David Kalakaua, the boutique Queen Kapiolani Hotel overlooks her namesake park and glittering Le‘ahi, known in English as Diamond Head. Don’t overlook the subtly mid-century modern styling and ocean hues of its 315 rooms, the on-trend island cuisine at its open-air Deck restaurant and Knots Coffee Bar, or the convenience of taking lessons from the onsite Hans Hedemann Surf School. Welcoming to all, the hotel has long offered warm aloha to LGBT travelers, some of who find their way to Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, the venerable gay watering hole next door.

Photo courtesy of Queen Kapiolani Hotel