Dear #PASSPORTERs,

I’m writing this from the deck of the ship, somewhere between islands, where the ocean looks like melted sapphire and the breeze feels like it’s carrying secrets. August has always been my favorite month to travel but this cruise through the Hawaiian Islands has turned it into something unforgettable.

We started in Nāwiliwili, where Kauai greeted us like an old friend. The cliffs were impossibly green, the air smelled like plumeria, and the queer travelers onboard seemed to instantly find one another a little constellation of rainbow energy exploring the Garden Isle. I wandered through tiny shops, talked story with locals, and watched the sunset paint the harbor in colors I didn’t know existed.

From there, we sailed to Honolulu, and stepping off the ship felt like stepping into a pulse. The city was alive with surfers, artists, drag performers, activists, all woven together in a way only Oahu can pull off. I found myself at a queer‑owned café in Waikīkī, sipping something iced and delicious, listening to travelers swap stories like trading cards. Pride isn’t just a season here; it’s a heartbeat.

Next came Kahului, where Maui’s quiet magic wrapped around us. I spent the morning exploring the coastline and the afternoon at a queer‑friendly beach where laughter carried across the water. There’s something about Maui that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and remember who you are. Maybe it’s the mountains. Maybe it’s the ocean. Maybe it’s the way the island holds you gently.

Then Kona, warm and golden, with coffee farms tucked into hillsides and beaches that feel like they were made for daydreaming. I met a couple celebrating their anniversary, two women who told me they cruise every August because “the world feels softer this time of year.” I believed them.

And finally, Hilo, lush and wild, where waterfalls crash into emerald pools and the rain feels like a blessing. I wandered through the farmer’s market, bought earrings from a queer artisan, and ended the day soaking in the ship’s hot tub under a sky full of stars.

Now, as the ship hums beneath me and the islands fade into the horizon, I’m thinking about how travel in August always feels like a love letter — to ourselves, to our community, to the world. This cruise reminded me that queer joy isn’t tied to one place. It’s something we carry, something we share, something that grows every time we explore somewhere new.

Sending love from the ocean,

Until the next adventure!