Pride Across the Pacific with UnCruise Adventures

As June ushers in Pride Month, UnCruise Adventures proudly highlights LGBTQ+ milestones, heritage, and the vibrant communities we explore—from Juneau’s first-ever Pride Parade to ancestral māhū traditions in Hawai‘i. Our commitment to queer travelers and crew remains resolute, shaped by history and driven by celebration.

Southeast Alaska (Juneau & Beyond)

Juneau's First Pride ParadeJuneau is preparing to host its inaugural Pride Parade on June 22, 2025, it's to be a colorful and historic march along Savikko Road, organized by the Southeast Alaska LGBTQ+ Alliance (SEAGLA). The parade kicks off a dynamic week filled with events, including a Pride Prom, pet parade, queer dip-ins at Auke Recreation Area, drag shows, and community mixers, celebrating unity, visibility, and pride.

Trailblazers in Alaskan Culture

• Ellen Hope Hays (1927–2013): First Alaska Native woman appointed superintendent by the National Park Service at Sitka National Historical Park, bridging Native culture with public stewardship.
• Nora Marks Dauenhauer (1927–2017): Tlingit poet and scholar who preserved indigenous language and oral traditions, honored as Alaska’s State Writer Laureate.
• Elizabeth Peratrovich (1911–1958): Advocate whose work resulted in the groundbreaking 1945 Anti-Discrimination Act, the first in U.S. territorial history, celebrated annually as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day.

Landmarks of Culture and Heritage

• Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI): Promotes Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian culture, language, and arts from the Walter Soboleff Building in Juneau.
• Sitka National Historical Park: A testament to Ellen Hope Hays' commitment to integrating native cultural preservation within Alaska’s natural heritage.

Hawai‘i (O‘ahu, Molokai & Neighboring Islands)

Māhū Tradition & “The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu” ExhibitThe Bishop Museum’s exhibition unveils the powerful māhū legacy, four revered healers from Tahiti whose spiritual essence lives in sacred stones located on Waikīkī Beach. Presented in English and ʻōlelo Ni‘ihau, this immersive experience highlights erased histories of gender diversity through engaging multimedia narratives.

Trailblazers in Hawaiian Culture

• Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu: A respected māhū kumu hula (teacher), filmmaker, and outspoken advocate for indigenous and transgender rights in Hawai‘i, recognized internationally for the documentary "Kumu Hina."
• Joseph Kahahawai (1909–1932): A Native Hawaiian whose tragic death galvanized local communities and highlighted racial and social justice issues, remembered through ongoing advocacy.
• Kim Coco Iwamoto: The first openly transgender woman elected to a statewide position (Hawaii Board of Education), serving as an influential advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, education, and social justice.

Landmarks of Culture and Heritage

• Bishop Museum: Hawai‘i's premier cultural institution, preserving Polynesian history, artifacts, and showcasing māhū artists and exhibitions highlighting LGBTQ+ narratives.
• Kaunakakai, Molokai: While Molokai maintains deep-rooted traditional culture, events and dialogues around LGBTQ+ visibility are gently emerging, reflecting both reverence and evolving acceptance.

Our Pride Commitment

• Inclusive Crew & Guests: Continuous sensitivity and inclusivity training makes sure we have a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ guests and crew alike.
• Community Partnerships: Showcasing our commitment to understanding and welcoming the LGBTQ+ community through our membership in the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA).
• Amplifying Culture and History: Celebrating regional stories of resilience, from Alaskan civil rights victories to Hawaiian māhū traditions, fostering deeper connections aboard our journeys.

Pride Highlights by Region

Southeast Alaska

• Attend Juneau’s historic Pride Parade, Pride Prom, pet parade, queer dips at Auke Rec, and drag showcases.
• Explore native heritage at Sealaska Heritage Institute and Sitka National Historical Park.

Hawai‘i

• Experience "The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu" exhibit and virtual tours at Bishop Museum.
• Discover the stories of māhū leaders and trailblazers contributing significantly to Hawai‘i’s inclusive cultural tapestry.

Join the JourneyFrom glaciers under the midnight sun in Alaska to sacred māhū traditions and aloha spirit in Hawai‘i, UnCruise Adventures invites you to deepen your connection to diverse histories and vibrant LGBTQ+ communities. This Pride Month—and always—our voyages celebrate authenticity, amplify untold stories, and strengthen community through shared discovery.

Let’s journey forward together, proudly.