EDGE Miami

On the south shore of Oahu rises the neighborhood of Waikiki. For years favored by the Hawaiian monarchy, the fabled stretch of beach is famous for its luxury resorts, high-end shopping, and exemplary surfing, all of which make for beautiful photos.

Ever since its admission to the United States in 1959, Hawaii has been synonymous with paradise in the American imagination - and Waikiki the definitive manifestation of a lush and luxurious tropical life.

Wade Holmes, Maui’s gay tour guide par excellence, knows the island like the back of his hand. Hell, he knows Maui better than you know your own back hand, and he’s happy to show you wonders no one else knows about.

I was barefoot and drenched, holding fast to the railing of the 34-foot Sea Breeze as it zipped through the water. The jagged cliffs of the Napali Coast jutted to my right and the Pacific, in limitless shades of blue, stretched over the horizon.

Long a destination for weddings, Hawaii extended the aloha spirit this year to civil unions and wedding planners are anxiously awaiting the stroke of midnight on December 31 when LGBT couples take advantage of the new law

Sterling Tours Limited Edition is offering an 8-day active vacation for gay men in April, 2012. Guests spend 4 nights on Maui and 4 nights on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The number of occupied hotel rooms in Hawaii rose slightly in August despite a decline in the number of visitors from the U.S. mainland and Japan, according to a report from a tourism industry consultant.

LGBT guests now save 15% on Kauai vacation rentals from The Parrish Collection Kauai. The recently announced Rainbow promotion is offered on many of their distinguished island homes and condominiums to show support for the gay community.

The Walt Disney Co.’s new upscale, beachside Hawaiian resort Aulani opens Monday, thousands of miles from the nearest Disney theme park. And while Mickey Mouse and friends can be found, Hawaii’s culture, history and natural beauty are the biggest stars.

On July 1, Hawaii will celebrate the birthday of a very special American icon who was born and raised in the Hawaiian Islands - despite the fact that the state cannot turn up a birth certificate as proof of citizenship: the aloha shirt.