9 Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day With Your Gal Pals in Honolulu
Because it’s only the best day of the year.
Originally published: Feb. 2018; Updated: Feb. 2021
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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
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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). But it could be difficult setting up a night out at a boozy painting class during the pandemic. This year we’re planning a night in with wine and a puzzle from local puzzle company, Surf Shack Puzzles. All of Surf Shack’s puzzles feature charming and cheery prints from artists all around the world, including Kim Sielbeck’s Beachin’ print, reworked to fit on the 19-by-28-inch space. Suh-weet!
SEE ALSO: A Hawai‘i Puzzle Company Is Helping Families De-Stress During Pandemic Times
4. Road trip
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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: The Best Places To Eat Outside at O‘ahu’s North Shore Right Now
5. Movie night
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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
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. Escape Room
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Chambers Escape Games opened in Kaka‘ako in early 2019, offering two experiences: a live-action escape from The Temple, and virtual reality escape games. We were invited to check it out for free, so we sent treasure hunters Robbie Dingeman, Katie Kenny, Christine Labrador, Stacey Makiya, Jayna Omaye, Shelley Shiroma and Katrina Valcourt into The Temple (we went as a group of seven but with the current health and safety precautions, only five people are allowed per group). We had 60 minutes to find the pharaoh’s idol and make it out with our lives.
8. Bar hopping
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If you plan on bar hopping (and want to spend quality time chatting with your girls), hit up places like Tchin! Tchin! Bar in downtown Honolulu. Or head to 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. Check out our extensive list of Valentine’s Day dine-in and takeout options on Frolic Hawai‘i.
