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January 30, 2004 Pikake Suites |
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Marc Carignan, a former Silicon Valley executive and personal friend of 3AF, recently opened Pikake Suites (formerly Ha'aheo Waikiki), a gay owned and operated luxury resort on Cartwright Road in Waikiki. The resort is intimate with 7 two-bedroom suites and caters to gay and lesbian travelers. (The following is a modified verbatim referenced from Kelly Yamanouchi, August 17, 2003, The Honolulu Advertiser) Carignan says he's surprised there isn't a larger gay tourism industry (in Hawai'i). He estimates there are as many as 190,000 gay travelers to Hawai'i annually. "That's very compelling," he said. "Hawai'i is a great gay destination because people are very tolerant and accepting." The niche market (of gay friendly travel establishments) is important to some travelers because vacationing can intersect with personal life in uncomfortable ways. In a hotel, for example, gay travelers may feel awkward if they are second guessed at the front desk for booking a room with one bed. "We make it very clear when people book with us that we are a gay property, but we welcome anyone who is comfortable with that environment." Carignan said. Pikake, which is the word for the Hawaiian Jasmine used in leis for the royals, competes with the Cabana at Waikiki, a gay hotel with 15 rooms across the street. David Tobias, marketing director at the Cabana, said there are enough gay travelers for both properties, which are close to such gay hotspots as Queen's Surf Beach and Hulas's Pacific Ocean Holidays owner Joshua Kay, who sells Hawai'i travel packages to gay travelers said his customers are looking for accommodations catering to the gay population. In fact, he says, many expect to find gay resorts here, "but that just doesn't exist in Hawai'i." (end reference) So folks, if you are planning to go to Waikiki and wanted to know where to stay, don't waste your money at those giant hotels and resorts. Go to Pikake Suites. Why? Well frankly because it's gay, and if you're gay then it makes things a hell of a lot easier. For instance, if you are staying at one of the many big resorts, I'm sure the desk service would be happy to help you out if you ask where the night spots are or where the gay hang outs are in the area. However, they will probably have to look it up in some fashion and that information will be skewed or out of date. At a gay resort like the Ha'aheo, not only will you be treated like a king, you afford the freedom of being in a gay friendly environment, that is gay owned, and have the reassurance that when you ask where the gay scene is in Hawaii, you will get the truth "straight" from the horses mouth. And when your on vacation, time is valuable. And as stated before, it's close to the gay hotspots such as Queen's Surf Beach (a popular gay beach) and is 3AF approved. "Come feel the Aloha" Make your reservations now, tell'em Nam from the 3AF sent ya! http://www.pikakesuites.com info@pikakesuites.com |
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