10 Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day With Your Gal Pals in Honolulu

Because it’s only the best day of the year.

By Jayna Omaye

Originally published: Feb. 2018; Updated: Feb. 2020

Images: Giphy

On Feb. 13, Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) and her favorite gal pals from the sitcom Parks and Recreation leave their husbands, boyfriends and partners at home to celebrate one of the best things in life: friendship. Galentine’s Day is all about ladies celebrating ladies. Even though the fictional holiday falls on a Thursday this year, here are 10 ways to spend your much-needed girl’s day or night out (or in) with your ladyfriends. Because we all know girls run the world.

1. Sunrise or sunset hike

Photo: DAVID CHATSUTHIPHAN

Burn calories while taking in O‘ahu’s beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Some of our favorite sunrise hikes to capture the moment include Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail, Lanikai Pillbox Trail, Koko Crater Trail and Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge Trail. For sunset hikes, check out Ka‘ena Point and Diamond Head Crater. (Keep in mind that with both sunrise and sunset hikes, you’ll be walking in the dark at some point, so take it easy and play it safe.)

SEE ALSO: 24 O‘ahu Hikes We Really Like

2. Picnic at the beach or park

With nearly 300 city parks spread over 5,100 acres on O‘ahu, you and your friends have many options to choose from to soak up the sun while getting in that much-needed girl chat. If you want to burn off some calories, go running on the track at Magic Island and sprawl out on the sandy shoreline or the grassy areas for a picnic.

3. Art classes

Paint the night away while sipping wine with your friends. You don’t have to be artistic to take a wine and design class—instructors usually take you step-by-step through the process (for all of the folks who struggle to draw a stick figure, you are not alone). Hit up places like Painting With a Twist in Kaka‘ako and Wine & Design in downtown Honolulu. Wine & Design has a BYOB event, Bubbles are a Girl’s Best Friend, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, for $45. Or paint the ceramic piece of your choice at Clay Café in McCully Shopping Center. Clay Café also offers “takeout parties” to book so you and your friends can paint pottery in the comfort of your own home. (A minimum order of 15 pieces priced at $23 or more per piece is required, so be sure to invite the whole squad over!)

4. Road trip

On an island, “road trips” are kind of limited. But if you’re up for it, drive to the North Shore and grab some grub from Hale‘iwa Joe’s and Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and shave ice from Matsumoto’s. Depending on where you live, you might also consider a “road trip” to Kapolei—go shopping at Ka Makana Ali‘i, catch a movie at the theaters, grab some poi mochi from Uncle Lani’s ($7 to $8 for a dozen) and indulge in the poke nachos (market price) and Spam fries ($8) at Plantation Tavern.

SEE ALSO: 25 Reasons We Go Kapolei

5. Movie night

Staying at home to stream? Spend the night with your BFFs binge watching Hawai‘i-based films and TV shows: Hawai‘i Five-0, 50 First Dates, The Descendants, the Magnum, P.I. reboot and both the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World franchises. Top the night off with a potluck filled with your favorite local foods (boba from Coffee or Tea? and a poke bowl from Tanioka’s, anyone?).

SEE ALSO: The 10 Best Movies and TV Shows Shot in Hawai‘i

6. Staycation

Photo: COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS RESORT O‘AHU AT KO OLINA

Turn your girl’s night out into a girl’s weekend out. If you and your gal pals are looking for a longer celebration, book a staycation in Waikīkī or Ko Olina. Several hotels offer kama‘āina discounts, and with all of the restaurants, shopping and beach time, your time (and money) will be well spent.

7. Karaoke

Book a private room for you and your gal pals to sing the night away. Air Park Karaoke on Pi‘ikoi Street and Nocturna Lounge in Kaka‘ako feature small, medium and large rooms to reserve for any sized squad.

8. Spa

Indulge with a relaxing day at the spa filled with massages, facials and mani-pedis. Check out Ho‘ala Salon and Spa in Ala Moana and Ka Makana Ali‘i, Laka Skin Care & Spa in Kaka‘ako and Heaven on Earth Salon and Day Spa in downtown Honolulu for individual or couples massages (for you and your BFF, of course).

9. Bar hopping

If you plan on bar hopping (and want to spend quality time chatting with your girls), hit up places like Tchin Tchin! Bar and Bar Leather Apron in downtown Honolulu. Or head to Hi Brau Room, Bevy, Honolulu Beerworks, Hana Koa and Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room in Kaka‘ako.

SEE ALSO: Drink Local Guide: Where to Get Locally Crafted Beer, Wine and Spirits in Hawai‘i

10. Grab a meal together

Nothing can beat a simple lunch or dinner (or both) at your favorite restaurant with your best friends. Several of the fancier restaurants may be booked already, so head to other fun oldies but goodies: Dave & Buster’s, The Alley Restaurant in ‘Aiea and Side Street Inn. Or try food courts like The Lānai and Shirokiya Japan Village Walk in Ala Moana where no reservations are needed. Sip some afternoon tea at the Moana Surfrider along with your lunch. The possibilities are endless.