For the queer couple seeking a romantic haven, the island of Maui is waiting to welcome you with  bright rainbow leis. From snorkeling to whale watching and lounging on a remote  gay beach, Maui is paradise found. With a  population of less than 150,000 people, the gay scene is  much smaller on Maui than in Oahu but there’s a small, tight knit LGBT  community and a lot of great activities geared toward the gay tourist.

Whether you want to surf, canoe or kayak,  opportunities abound on gay Maui for the  outdoor enthusiast. There are several companies that offer visitors equipment  and training. If you’re looking for something lower impact, Maui is the leading  whale-watching center in the Hawaiian Islands.  Head to the beach and try to spy a Humpback, dolphin or sea turtle. Stick  around and be sure to catch one of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever  experience.  No Ka Oi Adventures offers nature-based excursions organized for gay and  lesbian travelers. The operator specializes in nature-based excursions and  offers the queer traveler small group tours featuring off-the-beaten-path  destinations on the island.

The first step in planning your memorable jaunt to the Valley Isle  is finding the right accommodations. Luckily there are several gay and lesbian  owned or friendly hotels and resorts on the island. Some of these properties,  like the Maui Sunseeker, offer LGBT specific packages and host commitment  ceremonies. In 2010, Hawaii became the seventh  US  state to legalize civil unions.

The amazing coastline is one of the main reasons to visit Maui and Little Beach is the most popular gay beach on  the island. You’ll find this nude beach in Makena State Park,  South of Wailea at the end of Wailea    Alanui Road. You’ll have to walk past the Big Beach  and over the lava-flow trail to get there. It’s a great place to meet and greet  the local gay set and gay tourists from all points.

After a day of fun in the sun, you’ll want to experience the local  gay nightlife. Don’t expect to a wide variety of dance clubs and other gay  venues like you’d find in Honolulu,  but you’ll definitely have a great time. One of the most popular bars for gays  and lesbians on the island is Ambrosia. Named by Maui Time Weekly as best bar  (two years in a row), Ambrosia offers daily entertainment and eclectic décor.  If you want to try some exotic local drinks, you’ll fall in love with Ambrosia.  Their wide varieties of specialty martinis are extremely popular and are the  perfect way to cap off an adventure-packed day. There are also great drink  specials and a happy hour every night from 6pm to 9pm.

Betty’s Beach Café is also a great place to eat, drink and be  Mary! Their Sunday brunch is out of this world, featuring amazing omelets, egg  scrambles and signature cocktails. No trip to this tropical venue would be  complete without trying one of their "Betty" drinks. From the Bettie Paige (red  wine, peach schnapps and pineapple) to the Betty Rubble (a Blue-beri Hawaiian),  there’s truly a vice for everyone. Happy hour is always a blast at Betty’s.  Every afternoon from 2pm to 5pm enjoy $3 Mai Tais and $4 Longboard Kona Beers.  Stay or come back later in the evening for Betty’s evening happy hour, from 9pm  to 11pm every day.

October is a great time for gay travelers to experience Maui. Maui Pride is October 5-7, 2012 and it’s always a  celebration to remember. The festivities begin that Friday with an Aloha  Reception at the Maui Sunseeker. This mixer is a great opportunity to get to  know the local queer community and hobnob.

The main event will be held at the Maui Tropical Plantation on  Saturday, October 6. Entrance is free and there will be a wide variety of  vendors and activities. That morning the Pride committee will also be  sponsoring drag races and other fabulous events. Saturday night, return to the  venue to hula your ass off! DJs will be spinning and live performances  (including the local Deborah Vial Band) are scheduled to entertain the masses.  The final day of the Pride festivities kicks off at Stella Blues for breakfast  (8am to 10am). Cap off the final day with a snorkel tour or hidden waterfall  hike.

Before you leave Maui, during  Pride or any other time of the year, you MUST take a helicopter ride  overlooking the island. Air Maui and other  operators offer flights for tourists and it’s only about a 45-minute flight.  The sea cliffs are breathtaking! The waterfalls, awe-inspiring.

When the luau is over and you’re depressed that you have to leave  the dream vacation of a lifetime, take solace, when you say "aloha" it means  goodbye and hello. The friendly islanders will be there to welcome you back  with sweet, sun-kissed smiles!