Lei-a-Bear Weekend in Waikiki will focus on good times, mental health

When you go to Lei-a-Bear this coming Memorial Day Weekend (US) in Honolulu, you will not only have a guaranteed great tropical time, you will also be helping to improve the mental health of all LGBTQIA++ who inhabit the islands.

Times have been tough everywhere, to include Hawaii.  The Lahaina (Maui) fires of 2023 is still leaving a scar of hurt across the islands.  Just trying to keep your head above water is more than a challenge, even in Paradise.

The Aloha Bears, who are sponsoring Lei-a-Bear, know the trauma all too well, but rather than focus on themselves, they will be helping local charities help all Queer people and their families in Hawaii.

“In the world we live in these days, people in general need help and resources but more importantly [they need a strong] LGBTQ+ community,” said Jack Francione, president of The Aloha Bears.

That’s why money raised this Memorial Day will go to SafeHaus Foundation, a group that provides one-on-one mental health (and other wraparound) services for gay men – and indeed, all men. 

Donations will also go to Spill the Tea Café, a mental health clinic which offers support for trans and non-binary teens and adolescents. Social and drop-in programs are also available.

“As the current government is looking to cut back on funding in these areas, now more than ever they rely on financial support from groups like The Aloha Bears,” said Francione.

See, you can go enjoy the island magic of Hawaii and help others at the same time!

To register for Lei-a-Bear, click here.  All activities during the run (to be held from Thursday, May 22, to Memorial Day, Monday, May 26) are a-la-carte, so you can pick and choose the Honolulu Bay booze cruise, the Secret Island adventure… and you are always welcome to all the bar and picnic events. 

And if you have not yet gotten yer hands on The Aloha Bears 2025 calendar, there are still plenty to enjoy. Each month features a local Bear model from Hawaii who shows us how Bears really look, how much fun Bears can have – and how sincere we can be when we just simply be ourselves.  This is a great way to support our fellow Bears, and all proceeds go to charity. 

Now is the Hour (to quote an old Hawaiian song) to make your reservation and join the Aloha Bears for fun and sun, Speedos and banana hammocks, papaya and dragon fruit – and more.

We all need some mental health help. Get some with a big ocean splash of Bear Brotherhood.