Honolulu Gay Pride 2026

Honolulu Gay Pride 2026

Hawaii's largest city, Honolulu hosts the Honolulu Pride celebration each year, now being held in mid- to late October.

• Stay at Espacio, The Jewel of Waikiki, rated “Exceptional” by guests, offering superb suites and a stunning infinity pool with views of the beach. It is also close to the gay friendly bars on the island.

The Event

• Friday 16th October, 2026 – Sunday 18th October, 2026 – Honolulu Pride features a daytime parade through Waikīkī and a big outdoor festival with stages, local performers, nonprofit booths, food trucks, and merch.
• Expect beach and pool parties, bar takeovers, cultural shows, and community events across Waikīkī and nearby neighborhoods across the same weekend.

Opening Party

• Friday, October 16th, 2026  – The Official Honolulu Pride Opening Party.
• Typically starts at 10 pm with guest DJs and live performances.
• Scarlet Honolulu.

The Honolulu Pride Parade

• Saturday October 17th, 2026 – from 3 pm to 6 pm – With more than 20,000 parade viewers, 60 parade entrants, 115 moving units and 1,500 participants, the Honolulu Pride Parade gets bigger and more festive every year.
• The event includes a parade that departs  from Magic Island (on the oceanfront, just south of Ala Moana Center, at the east end of the park), proceeds through the heart of Waikiki along Kalakaua Avenue, toward Waikīkī Shell.
• The event is always held the third Saturday of October and is the culmination of two weeks of events for Hawaii’s LGBTQ+ community.

Best Places to view the parade

• Find a spot clsoe to the Duke Kahanamoku statue area — good viewing, shade, central positioning along Kalākaua. Arrive early — by ~2 p.m. or earlier is wise to claim curb spots.
• Alternatively, head to the finishing point / near the Zoo / Kapiolani Park — once the parade enters the final stretch, you’re close to festival site.

Pride Festival Day

• Saturday October 17th, 2026, from 5 pm to 9 pm.
• Celebration is held at the Waikiki Shell and includes live entertainment and a full program of shows and events.
• The event attracts more than 4,000 party revelers.
• Featuring 70+ booths and four hours of entertainment.

Hulas Bar After Party

• Saturday October 17th, 2026 – Events continue after the festival on Saturday with the official festival after party at Hulas Bar and Lei Stand.
• The party runs from 9 pm to 2 am, and gets busy after the Pride festival ends.

Velvet Pride Party

• Saturday October 17th, 2026 – Saturday night is the main event, baby — and Velvet is pulling out all the stops.
  Get ready for a fierce & fabulous night featuring guest DJs and serving up the most glamorous beats.

Drag Brunch

• Sunday October 18th, 2026 – The “Official Pride Brunch is Sunday.
• Event runs from 11 am to 1 pm, right before the Pool Party.
• Admission includes buffet brunch, hosted mimosa, meet & greet.
• Venue to be confirmed.

The Pool Party

• Sunday October 19th, 2025 – The Annual Lei Pride Pool Party by NMG. From 1 pm to 6 pm.
• The highly anticipated pride pool party of the year makes a big return this year with internationally known guests and entertainers. Private cabanas, bottle service, all-access VIP, and General Admission tickets are available.
• Enjoy drinks, food, music, and giveaways.
• 2026 Venue to be confirmed – The Alohilani Resort – Across the street from Waikiki Beach on the Pacific Ocean, this upscale hotel is a 10-minute walk from Royal Hawaiian Center shopping and a 9-minute walk from Honolulu Zoo. The hotel is famous for its 280,000 gallon, two-story saltwater Oceanarium in the middle of the lobby.

Closing Party

• Sunday 18th October 2026 – Venue to be confirmed.
• “The Hangover” closing at White Sands Hotel/Green Lady Cocktail Room.
• Intimate, vintage speakeasy tucked behind a bamboo wall — “ask for Room 8” is your entry key.
• Inventive cocktails in dimmed rooms, with indoor seats + a hidden outdoor courtyard ambiance.

The Gay Beach

• Kaimana Beach, also known as San Souci Beach, is a popular stretch of sand located at the far eastern end of Waikiki, right by the foot of Diamond Head Crater.
• Its name, “Kaimana,” is derived from the Hawaiian words “Kai” (meaning sea) and “Mana” (meaning power or spirit), representing the power of the sea.
• Kaimana Beach is situated next to the Kaimana Beach Hotel and right by the Waikiki Aquarium. It's far enough from central Waikiki to avoid the densest crowds but close enough to still feel the vibrant energy of the area.
• For more information, check out our full guide to the gay scene in Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu. 

Popular Gay Bars

While Honolulu doesn't have a designated “gayborhood” like some cities, the area around Waikiki tourist district has long been a hub for LGBTQ+ life and culture.

• Velvet Honolulu: Sleek LGBTQIA+ nightclub with heavy beats, top DJs, and a dance-centric energy, about a 10-15 minute walk east from the heart of Waikīkī.
• Scarlet Honolulu: Located in Chinatown, Scarlet boasts pulsating dance floors, wild theme nights, and drag shows. Expect a crowd of locals and tourists, all looking to have a good time.
• Hula's Bar & Lei Stand: A Waikiki institution since 1974, Hula's is a gay bar with a laid-back vibe, perfect for sipping cocktails and watching the sunset. They also have some lively events and occasional drag performances.
• Wang Chung's: Touted as “the most fun karaoke bar in Waikiki,” it's a cozy, welcoming place. Great for those who love to belt out their favorite tunes.
• Bacchus Waikiki: Named after the Roman god of wine, this bar offers a variety of wines, beers, and cocktails, along with occasional themed nights and events.

Recommended hotels in Hawaii

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

The Royal Hawaiian,    Hotel Renew,    The Surfjack Hotel,    Castle Waikiki Shore

Gay Guides to Hawaii and the islands

• For more information, check out our full guide to the gay scene in Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu. 
• Explore the other islands, including Maui, The Big Island and more.