Gay-focused travel festival kicks off today in Waikiki

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

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Tourism festival for the gay community Highlights: Mai Tai Party kick-off event, from 8 p.m. today to 4 a.m. tomorrow, at Fusion in Waikiki. Admission: $20 at the door Volcano Party, from 8 p.m. today to 3 a.m. tomorrow, at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Admission: $65 at the door After Hours Party, from 3 a.m. tomorrow, at Maze in Waikiki. Admission: $25 at the door Weekend Pass: $95, good for all events, available at the door Information: (877) 242-4900

The event, which benefits the Maui AIDS Foundation, includes a round of night-time parties in Honolulu this weekend, including a main event at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

The other part of the event is a Neighbor Island cruise aboard the new Norwegian Star, a big-ticket item that is drawing passengers from across the country.

"It's virtually sold out, with about 2,200 participants," said Eduardo Hernandez, a volunteer consultant to the festival, themed the Volcano Party.

Why an O'ahu party for a Maui beneficiary?

"The ship doesn't spend enough time in port on Maui," Hernandez said. The ship docks there for a day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hernandez said that the grant from the tourism organization was to the Maui AIDS organization, which sought support through the HTA's festival financing program.

The money was mostly used to sell the Volcano Party concept to travelers across the nation in gay-friendly publications. "But two are coming from Hong Kong," said Hernandez.

Similar gay cruises to Miami, Montreal, Sydney and other vacation destinations have proven to be successful, and Hawai'i was a natural spot, too, said Hernandez.

Honolulu businesses that cater to the gay marketplace, including Hula's Bar & Lei Stand, are involved in cross promotions, helping to bolster Hawai'i's flagging tourism industry. Aloha Airlines is underwriting some inter-island shipping costs.

"The visitor trade is beginning to realize that there is a market worth tapping," Hernandez said. "This is a young, hip, spending crowd — people who travel a lot, frequently and far. It's very much our hope to grow it in future years."

Among the participants at the Hawai'i Convention Center party will be Frank Abraham, originally from 'Aiea, who now is a noted deejay in the Bay Area, spinning discs at the club Universe.

The presenters are calling this "the world's largest gay cruise." Participants arrive today for the land events and board the ship Sunday for the sail through the Neighbor Islands.

Hernandez, who is a board member of the Honolulu Gay and Lesbian Cultural Foundation, said Volcano Party plans were launched last June.