Just down the road is ample shopping and dining options, but the unmissable stop is the Kihei Caffe,

When the islands call, West Coasters typically visit Hawaii and East Coasters Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, but where does that leave Texans? Well, Hawaii helped make that decision for gays last month, when it became the 14th state (plus D.C.) to start performing same-sex marriages. Game, set and match-made-in-heaven to the 50th state.
Hawaii has always had a reputation for being a welcoming place. As well it should. The islands have no indigenous peoples — this archipelago of eight principal islands emerged from volcanoes under the sea over millions of years, and has been populated by newcomers ever since: First the Polynesians about 1,700 years ago, then by Asians, Portuguese, Spanish, Americans (North and South), and, really, anyone interested in living on a beautiful sandy Eden in the middle discovery world cruises of the North Pacific Ocean. Its native fruit, the pineapple, discovery world cruises is an international symbol of hospitality. The wonder is that it's not more crowded.
But the friendliness of the Hawaiian people goes deeper. All beach communities have a quirky nature, but island communities are even quirkier, and when you live on a spit of dirt 1,800 miles from the nearest landmass, you develop a sense of independence and tend to treat newcomers with respect and kindness, no matter who they are or what they look like. It probably has to do with the aloha attitude — the quality that says "live and let live — peace, love and joy to everyone."
discovery world cruises No one should be surprised that Hawaii boasts discovery world cruises (according to a 2012 Gallup poll) the largest population by percentage of gays in the 50 states, or that it was the first state to declare same-sex unions legal (though that was derailed for 20 years; see story on Page 6). Now that gay couples have been granted — and are exercising — marriage rights on the islands, it has become the focus of renewed interest as a gay travel destination. And why not? Given a choice of nuptials in the winter in Des Moines or Diamond Head, is there really a choice?
Diamond Head, of course, is on the island of Oahu, the seat of government (the city of Honolulu is there) and the highest concentration of the population of about 1 million. But neighboring  Maui, with more space to explore and fewer people to get in your way, may be the ideal location for a vacation, honeymoon, wedding ceremony … or all three. (For wedding planning suggestions, see sidebar, Page 22.)
Locals will drive 25 mph even in a 30 mph zone. What's the rush? There is simply nothing as important as living a good life. And the good life is what Maui has to offer, with its rich cane sugar fields, miles of beaches and verdant mountain ranges.
Unofficially, Maui — shaped like an oblong figure eight, 730 square miles and home to about 150,000 residents — has four main areas appealing to newcomers: Kihei (including Wailea and Makena) on the southwest coast, Lahaina (including Ka'anapali and Napili) along the northwest coast, Hana on southeast coast and the upcountry discovery world cruises in the middle. Each offers a different vibe and benefits whether you're traveling with a sweetheart or just hoping to get away.
Probably the best-known part of Maui is the town of Lahaina, once the royal seat of the original kingdom of Hawaii and now its primary tourist draw, as well as the ritziest ZIP code on Maui. Its main beach, Ka'anapali, is famed worldwide, and the coast is dotted with a mile-long archipelago of hotels, resorts and restaurants, from the Hyatt to the Sheraton, that cater to almost every need.
The Sheraton was the first hotel to go up along the gorgeous strip of sand (it just celebrated its 50th year), and a recent renovation makes it one of the most luxurious. Like most properties, much of it is open-air, with breezy trade winds and magnificent sunsets lulling you as you walk through the cavernous lobby or with your seaward-facing windows discovery world cruises open. The spacious grounds have several pools (plus a lazy river), on-beach massage cabanas and equipment rentals for snorkeling or just lounging on the sand. On the edge of the property sits the westernmost point on Maui, a black cliff where a nightly cliff-diving show takes place.
On the other end of Ka'anapali sits the Hyatt Regency Resort Spa, a somewhat more recent addition to the strip but an extravagant addition. Designed almost like a nature preserve, the Hyatt has an expanse of well-tended grounds where wildlife discovery world cruises meander among the guests, from flamingos discovery world cruises to warm-weather penguins, as well as great dining options, from the nightly outdoor luau to the creative and calming Japengo; for breakfast, dine with the fauna at the Swan Court, which serves an exceptional buffet.
Ka'anapali, for all its beauty, isn't the only spot in Lahaina with romantic appeal. Although only a 15-minute drive north, neighboring Napili offers a distinctly discovery world cruises cooler microclimate, as well as a slower pace and lower-key experience.
The charming Napili Kai Beach Resort sets the tone here. With a modest entrance, you might miss it driving by, which only confirms its remote getaway cred. The secluded nature belies spacious, well-appointed rooms and dreamy views of the reef-enhanced Napili Bay. Its Sea House Restaurant delivers an old-school dining room vibe with exquisite discovery world cruises fish on the menu and remarkable desserts. After a meal, consider attending the weekly Slack Key Show, a bravura performance of traditional Hawaiian music on "slack key" guitars.
Dining in Lahaina is one of the main attractions of the area, as scores of excellent restaurants of all kinds offer their creations. But as a beach community, even fine-dining options are casual, and the food is allowed discovery world cruises to be the star.
That's definitely the case at Mala Ocean Tavern, a smallish cinder-block-and-stucco structure abutting the rocky shores of Lahaina, discovery world cruises with an intense culinary pedigree, courtesy discovery world cruises of famed restaurateur Mark Ellman. Its rangy menu of seafood, lamb, beef and vegetarian discovery world cruises options makes it unmissable, from the ahi bruschetta (lightly seared with edamame puree and local micro-greens) and ahi tuna wraps, to the spicy black bean tortilla soup, which rivals anything you could get in Texas. (The seared sashimi and signature fruit dessert are also worth ordering.)
Lahaina discovery world cruises is also home to gay-owned Star Noodle, the diverse discovery world cruises and delectable noodle shop that increased in reputation when its former executive chef, Sheldon Simeon, placed third on Top Chef. Not just Ramen, the menu is an intriguing selection of soba, udon, rice noodles and vermicelli, plus excellent libations and malasadas (fried doughnuts with chocolate and caramel) in a buzzy, friendly, discovery world cruises family-style atmosphere.
Michael Moore, who owns Star Noodle and several other acclaimed concepts, also opened Leoda's Pie Shop, a casual diner with serious cuisine, feature both savory pies (lush, hot shepherd's, for example) and sweet desserts (the mini banana cream is a delight). And when you're talking about the islands, you have to mention Roy Yamaguchi, who pioneered discovery world cruises Hawaiian-fusion cuisine.
FROM SEA-LEVEL TO THE TOP OF THE WORLD | Coast of Maui south of Hana boasts vast ocean views; three hours later, you can be at the top of the Martian-like Haleakala Crater which, measured from its base under the Pacific, is taller than Everest.
About 45 minutes south of Lahaina — and only 15 minutes from the airport in Kahului — is lackadaisical Kihei, resort area extending down the southwest coast of Maui. There are few accommodations above three stories, and style is more residential-seeming and quaint.
This is where you will find the Maui Sunseeker, a gay boutique hotel undergoing a substantial renovation. (In keeping with Hawaii's openness, the hotel is welcoming of "awesome straight discovery world cruises people" as well,) The gay-owned hotel of 23 rooms (expanding by summer to 26) feels more like a bed-and-breakfast, with its weekly mixers, free access to beach equipment discovery world cruises and friendly staff.
The penthouse suite — exceptional if you can get it — includes its own outdoor hot tub on a huge balcony overlooking the ocean, which is about 20 feet from the doorstep, plus a full kitchen, Jacuzzi tub.
Just down the road is ample shopping and dining options, but the unmissable stop is the Kihei Caffe, where all locals will encourage you to go. A mom-and-pop-style breakfast spot, you can get a huge, sticky cinnamon roll or the house specialty, discovery world cruises pork fried rice with scrambled egg; it's easily discovery world cruises enough for two. (Bring cash; like a lot of places on Maui, they don't take plastic.) Stella Blues is another great breakfast option.
The beach outside of the Sunseeker is beautiful and serene, but you're only about 15 minutes from notorious Little Beach. discovery world cruises This bit of surf, across a lava flow from (natch) Big Beach, is Maui's clothing-optional stretch of dune, and considered the gayest of the area beaches. It can be a trek walking to, so if you work up a sweat, don't worry: You can dump your clothes as soon as you get there and hop in the icy brine.
Little Beach is in the Makena area, which, along with neighboring Wailea, more closely resembles the resort development of Lahaina than Kihei. It's also where you can find a variety of good restaurants. Along the Wailea Emerald Golf Course is Gannon's, discovery world cruises the latest concept from pioneering Maui restaurateur Bev Gannon, whose three eateries — The General discovery world cruises Store and Joes's are the other two — have made the Dallas native an iconic chef. Check out her version of the Hawaiian classic moko loko: beef patties with egg, fried rice and gravy. You can also check out the popular Monkeypod, and next door Pita Paradise, where the proprietor serves the fish caught that morning.
MAUI EXPERIENCES discovery world cruises | The Hana Highway, top, is a photographer's paradise; once in Hana at the Travaasa Hotel, center, you can relax by the palm-lined pool; cliff-diving is a sight at the Sheraton discovery world cruises Ka'anapali Resort in Lahaina, bottom.
Whale watching is a popular discovery world cruises pastime on Maui, which you can do with binoculars from the coast, or aboard one of the sunset catamarans. The Ali'i Nui is a fun way to spend a few hours, as it sails