In terms of scenery, the one Hawaiian island that comes closest to living up to the expectations of many first-time visitors is Kauai, a comparatively small but magnificently lush isle of rain forests, towering seaside cliffs and secluded beaches.
Hikers flock to the Na Pali Coast, which is on the remote northwestern tip of the island, just beyond the picturesque village of Hanalei (which has been the setting for such films as South Pacific, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park). The eastern side is dominated by the waterfalls of the Wailua River Valley, southern side by Poipu’s stunning beaches and upscale resorts, and the western side by gargantuan Waimea Canyon – there’s unparalleled beauty wherever you look. Kauai remains largely unspoiled and slow-paced, an ideal spot for devotees of the outdoors – loyal admirers often vacation here exclusively and skip the other islands.
There’s just an incredible amount to do on this island (although nobody will look oddly at you if you choose simply to laze around the beach all day). More energetic types will want to drive the main highway encircling much of the island, from south to north, and hop out at various points of interest to hike and explore. The one section you can’t reach by car, the famed Na Pali Coast with its sheer 4,000-foot cliffs, you can access in other interesting ways. Perhaps take a catamaran cruise up the west coast of Kauai – the five-hour tours offered by Capt Andy’s Sailing Adventures are great fun and include an opportunity to snorkel right off the boat.
Outfitters Kauai offers rigorous but highly rewarding kayak tours around the Na Pali Coast as well as a wide range of both extreme and easygoing adventures – easy kayak trips up the placid Hule’ia River, bike rides into spectacular Waimea Canyon and Ziplining treks in several different areas.
If you’re in good shape and game for an independent adventure, you can always hike into the Na Pali highlands via the famed 11-mile Kalalau Trail – access the trail from Ha’ena State Park (itself home to a lovely beach), at the end of Kuhio Hawaii on the north shore. Easier options for sightseeing include driving the viewpoints at Waimea Canyon State Park – they don’t call this the “Grand Canyon of Hawaii” for nothing. The 10-mile-long canyon is 3,000 feet deep and is one of Hawaii’s best photo ops.
You’ll find beautiful beaches all around the island, including a few with gay followings. The easiest to reach is Lydgate State Park, just south of Kapaa off the Kuhio Highway - walk south from the parking area for the gay-popular section. Donkey Beach, off Kuhio HIghway a bit north of Kapaa, is enjoyable both for sunbathing or swimming and it draws a mix of gays and straights. Just keep in mind that the surf can be intense, so exercise caution. You’ll see the parked cars on the side of the road as you head north out of Kapaa, between mileposts 11 and 12. From here just follow the trail down to the water. Nudity is permitted at this beach.
Kauai has always excelled when it comes to super-fresh produce and seafood, but in recent years many more sophisticated, urbane restaurants have opened, making the island a genuine hotspot among gourmands. One of the best examples of this transformation is the Beach House, which serves exceptional contemporary Hawaiian-Asian fare (wasabi-crusted snapper with lilikoi-lemongrass beurre blanc) from a dining room with stunning view of the ocean – it’s one of the top special occasion restaurants on the island.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai has several good restaurants on-site, including romantic Tidepools steak and seafood eatery, the most elegant of the bunch. This resort is also a good option for experiencing a traditional luau – these feasts are held on Sundays evenings and are open to nonguests (reservations are recommended). In the early evening, the Hyatt’s Seaview Terrace is a breezy and relaxing spot to sip wine or cocktails and sample some terrific pupu (appetizers), and clubby Stevenson’s Library – thought known primarily as a cocktail bar – also serves a full menu of super-fresh sushi from Friday through Monday evenings.
Other Poipu culinary notables include the Kauai outposts of two restaurant brands that have become legendary among foodies in Hawaii: Merriman’s, which opened recently and features farm-fresh, healthful regional cuisine and Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, a longtime favorite in the area.
Up on the north shore, charmingly laid-back Hanalei is a cluster of restaurants, some of them quite good. For lunch, Hanalei Gourmet is hard to beat for fresh salads, coconut-shrimp and sandwiches from the gourmet deli. A few doors down, Javakai serves some of the best coffee on the island. And romantic Postcards Cafe is a good bet for sophisticated seafood and modern Hawaiian fare.
Kauai has no shortage spots specializing in tasty short-order fare and tempting snacks, including the rich yet relatively low-cal gelato and sorbetto served at Papalani Gelato, the first-rate premium ice cream served at the statewide chain Lappert’s (there are three branches on Kauai), and the decadently sweet and uniquely Hawaiian frozen treats doled out at Jo Jo’s Anuenue Original Shave Ice in Waimea.
On the savory side, and also in Waimea, do not miss Shrimp Station, which serves super-fresh, deliciously seasoned shrimp platters – a favorite being the spicy Thai shrimp. Poipu’s Puka Dog has been featured on television’s No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain and is renowned for piquant-sweet hot dogs topped with tropical mustards and sauces. Just north of Poipu, the Koloa Fish Market prepares super-fresh plate lunches and bento boxes to go (try the ahi poke bento) - they’re perfect for a picnic. And if you’re headed north of Kapaa toward the north shore and craving a snack, be sure to check out Duane’s Ono-Char Burger in Anahola.
Kauai has no gay nightlife per se, although the entire island is so welcoming that you’re liable to bump into “family” at just about any bar on the island. One spot that many local gays and lesbian do frequent, especially during the “gay nights” held the first Saturday of each month, is Nawiliwili Tavern, near the Kauai Marriott and the airport in Lihue.
Kauai has a nice range of accommodations in all prices ranges, from posh resorts to gay-friendly B&Bs. Poipu, on the south shore, has the greatest concentration of distinguished lodgings, including the fairly new Koa Kea Hotel, a hip and stylish boutique property whose rooms surround a pool that overlooks the ocean. The hotel’s Red Salt restaurant is stellar.
The aforementioned Grand Hyatt Kauai ranks among Hawaii’s most sumptuous full-service resorts – rooms have smart, contemporary furnishings and such cushy amenities as iHome stereos and beverage chillers. The Hyatt is also home to the superb Anara Spa – set amid lush gardens and waterfalls – as well as a top-notch golf course. With an enviable perch overlooking the ocean, Whaler’s Cove has developed a loyal following over the years for providing upscale suites and amenities at fair prices – the one- and two-bedroom units are beautifully appointed, quite huge, and directly facing the ocean.
Gay-owned Poipu Plantation Resort comprises an atmospheric 1938 B&B as well as nine individual rentals - it’s steps from the beaches, is run by friendly and helpful innkeepers, and has warmly furnished, reasonably prices rooms (with full breakfast included in the B&B rooms). It’s steps from the beach and several restaurants.
Other nice lodgings around the island include Outrigger at Lae Nani, which is run by one of Hawaii’s most gay-friendly hotel brands, and the similarly GLBT-welcoming Aston Islander and Aston Kauai Beach hotels. On the north shore, both the elegant Hanalei Colony Resort and ultra-swanky St. Regis Princeville are well recommended.
Another option, especially worth considering if you’re staying for more than a few days or traveling with a group of buddies, is renting a vacation house or condo. With properties all around the island, the Parrish Collection is a reliable, reputable and gay-friendly vacation rental agency, and it manages a wide variety of lodging options, from simple one-bedroom condos starting around $115 per night to over-the-top-luxurious homes with multiple bedrooms and designer kitchens.
The Little Black Book
Aston Islander and Aston Kauai Beach www.astonhotels.com
Beach House www.the-beach-house.com
Capt Andy’s Sailing Adventures www.napali.com
Grand Hyatt Kauai http://kauai.hyatt.com
Hanalei Colony Resort www.hcr.com
Hanalei Gourmet www.hanaleigourmet.com
Javakai www.javakai.com
Kalalau Trail www.kalalautrail.com
Kauai Visitors Bureau www.kauaidiscovery.com
Koa Kea Hotel www.koakea.com
Lappert’s www.lappertshawaii.com
Merriman’s www.merrimanshawaii.com
Nawiliwili Tavern www.nawiliwilitavern.com
Outfitters Kauai www.outfitterskauai.com
Outrigger at Lae Nani www.outrigger.com
Papalani Gelato www.papalanigelato.com
Parrish Collection www.parrishkauai.com
Poipu Beach Resort Association www.poipubeach.org
Postcards Cafe www.postcardscafe.com
Puka Dog www.pukadog.com
Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine www.roysrestaurant.com
St. Regis Princeville www.princevillehotelhawaii.com
Shrimp Station www.shrimpstation.com
Whaler’s Cove www.whalerscoveresort.com
Andrew Collins covers gay travel for the New York Times-owned website About.com and is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA. He can be reached at OutofTown@qsyndicate.com.
WhistlePig and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Wind Tunnel-Trialed Whiskey Is a Ryed You Don’t Want to Miss
SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.
The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.
Like Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s signature C43 racing vehicles, trial barrels were tested in the team’s wind tunnel in Switzerland before hitting the track. Select barrels then endured varying levels of G-Forces at the WhistlePig farm and distillery for the finishing touch, accelerating the interaction between the whiskey and the wood, staying true to the physical nature of Formula 1.
“Partnering with WhistlePig has been a very exciting experience. Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is dedicated to being the best on the track, and the crew at WhistlePig is fearless in their pursuit to create the best whiskey out there,” said Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “We’re really looking forward to fans tasting our custom Rye Whiskey and raising a glass to the rookies, veterans, legends and the exhilarating sport of F1.”
"Joining forces with WhistlePig to release a Single Barrel Rye Whiskey that represents my culture and team has been an honor,” said Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “Formula 1 brings together fearless, thrill-seeking motorsports professionals, and WhistlePig has a shared passion for boundary-pushing innovation. Together, we’ve selected something alarmingly good for fans to enjoy this season when the cars are not on track.”
The Limited Edition Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel will be available for purchase online starting around September 13 for $49.99 MSRP per 750ml bottle and sold in select stores across the U.S. Consumers can win VIP merchandise by scanning the QR code on the back of each bottle.
"We're taking our third Legends Series release on a ryed like never before,” said Meghan Ireland, WhistlePig Head Blender. "Our experiments with dynamic aging went full throttle during finishing trials at the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake wind tunnel, in turn inspiring new ways to expose barrels to G-forces back at the WhistlePig Farm. The herbal and floral notes of the lychee and tea barrel selected with the team create a new, podium-topping experience for PiggyBack Rye."
Fans and collectors have followed WhistlePig PiggyBack Legends Series, celebrating those who give 100% in the name of greatness, since its launch in March 2022 with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, David Ortiz (“Big Papi”), followed by Country Music Duo Brothers Osborne in November 2022.
To learn more about WhistlePig Whiskey, visit whistlepigwhiskey.com. You can also check out WhistlePig Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About WhistlePig Whiskey
Located off the grid on a 500-acre Vermont farm, WhistlePig Whiskey is crafted by a new generation of whiskey distillers and blenders driven to reinvent and unlock the flavor of Rye whiskey. Through their rebellious pursuit of experimenting and pushing boundaries in the industry, WhistlePig has become the leading independent craft whiskey brand for innovation. WhistlePig is committed to becoming the best whiskey on and for the planet, starting with its locally sourced ingredients and sustainable supply chain and distilling process. For more information, head to whistlepigwhiskey.com.
Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz
When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.
I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.
If you don’t have a primary care physician who specializes in LGBTQ+ care in your community, you may need to educate yourself (and your provider). But, before you seek such therapy, here are five things you should know!
- Monitor closely. At Spectrum Medical Care Center, we screen patients for certain risks before starting anyone on hormones. We frequently monitor patients in the first year to ensure there are no adverse reactions and lab results are within safe ranges. Follow-up care is also important to assess your comfort with the transition as well as the social impact and social support you’re experiencing.
- Some changes are permanent, some temporary. For transmasculine individuals going on testosterone, they’ll experience these permanent changes: deepened voice, clitoral enlargement (also known as bottom growth), more body, facial hair, and male pattern baldness. Reversible changes include cessation of menses, increased muscle mass and strength, body fat redistribution, and skin oiliness or acne. For those going on estrogen therapy, the most permanent change is breast growth. Feminizing hormone therapy can also cause atrophy (shrinkage) of the genitals and loss of erectile function that may not be reversible. Estrogen will thin body hair, soften the skin, can increase scalp hair, and decrease muscle mass and strength, all of which are reversible.
- You can’t pick and choose results. Unfortunately, you can’t pick and choose the physical changes you want, which may feel challenging. Some of my patients will say, ‘Okay, ‘I’ve seen the permanent changes I want, and I don’t want it to go any further,’ and so at that point, we stop therapy. Low-dose hormone therapy can slow down the rate of changes, allowing for a more gradual physical transition. We counsel patients in advance about the common changes, and it’s up to the individual as to when they’d like to scale back and determine whether some benefits are worth the potential risks.
- Be aware of risks. Like any medical treatment, there are potential risks involved. Some risks with testosterone therapy include increased red blood cell mass, acne, hypertension, sleep apnea, weight gain, and dyslipidemia (increases the chance of clogged arteries). Cardiovascular disease is likely increased with additional risk factors for testosterone and estrogen therapy. Transfeminine patients going on estrogen therapy may experience weight gain, thromboembolic disease (when a blood clot breaks off and blocks another blood vessel), and a high level of triglycerides in the blood.
Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area
Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!
Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.
"Our entire team is honored to be named Best of the Best. To be the only gay men's resort recognized in the Top 1% is incredibly humbling," said Kent Taylor, General Manager at Descanso. "We appreciate Tripadvisor and we're grateful to all our guests who gave us such high marks and reviews to help us reach this achievement."
“Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who maZer most: your guests,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “With changing expectations, continued labor shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am con6nually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt.”
Santiago Resort was once again honored by Tripadvisor with a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award, placing it among the top 10% of travelers’ top reviewed des6na6ons. Twin Palms will become eligible for ranking in 2024.
Check out all the reviews, and discover more about Descanso Resort on Tripadvisor here. We have an excellent library of resort imagery available to accompany editorial and additional resources on our press page. Please contact Descanso Resort’s General Manager, Kent Taylor, at kent@descansoresort.com for further information.
About Descanso Resort
Inspired by Palm Springs’ history as a des6na6on for Hollywood stars to unwind in privacy, Descanso offers guests a casual yet modern take on the legendary style of that 6me. Created by the same hospitality team that revitalized Palm Springs’ much-loved San6ago Resort and recently launched the all-new Twin Palms Resort, the Descanso property opened in 2022 featuring 15 spacious guest rooms with custom-designed furniture, dreamy King-size beds, and luxe details. Ameni6es include continental breakfast, poolside lunch, welcome snack basket, and lots of special touches. For guests who need to stay connected, the entire property is equipped with blazing-fast Wi-Fi. Mul6-speed bikes are available for exploring the surrounding midcentury neighborhoods and public art installations. Like the Hollywood stars before them, guests at Descanso are encouraged to unwind, relax, and rest in style.
About Tripadvisor
Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.