Amazing Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas From Local Businesses and Designers

Can you believe it’s February?! There’s only eleven more days to Valentine’s Day; we’re still recovering from Christmas–gift wise. If you’re in the same love boat as us, this list will save you, and your relationship. We reached out to our talented friends and creatives in the local community. They dished on what they would give to the lovely gals and guys in their lives. We’re fully crushing on all their picks. Plus, scroll to the bottom, there’s a cool lineup of activities for couples, singles and girl gangs to do.

2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Green Thumb print from $35, Dusty Dozen print from $35. Photo courtesy of Kristen Hook.

For the Girl Who Loves Pink

“I love pink! And, for all the girls who also love the blush hue, and the men who need something unique to buy for their sweethearts, I’m offering 20% off anything pink, excluding scarves and sarongs—check out @lolapillar for the code.”

—Kristen Hook, owner/artist Lola Pillar; lolapilarhawaii.com, @lolapilarhawaii

Oversized wahine sweater tops, $82. Photo Courtesy of Megan Tasaki.

For the Lady Lounger

“My oversized sweatshirts are perfs for the socially conscious woman who loves to lounge about in pieces that are super cozy and comfy. This style is a customer favorite and I’ve seen girls match it with bike shorts, fitted dresses, the matching sweatpants and tights. And it does get softer with every wash.”

—Shaiyanne Dar, owner/designer Dolkii; dolkii.com, @dolkii

Fighting Eel’s Love Edition Love More and Aloha tees, $48 each. Photo courtesy of Renee Shaefer/Fighting Eel.

For V-Day Love

“Our Love Edition tees are great gifts for all women: girlfriends, moms, tutus, daughters and wives. The super-soft fabric feels like silk on the skin, and the prints are all about aloha. Perfect for celebrating love month.”

—Lan Chung, owner/designer Fighting Eel; Multiple locations, fightingeel.com, @fightingeel

Comfy Sunrise joggers, $158. Image courtesy of Marian Jean.

For the Woman Who Deserves Self-Love (Ahem, Every Woman)

“My favorite pants are the Sunrise Jogger and I am obsessed with our two newest prints—charcoal plaid and denim plaid. Of course, I would gift these to my friends, mom and, especially, myself. These joggers are flattering and add an edgy, punk feel to an outfit. For me, it brings out my inner Gwen Stefani!”

—Allison Izu Song, owner/designer Allison Izu; 2572 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 5-215, (808) 349-1013, allisonizu.com, @allisonizu

Pleasant Place: Nasturtiums, $16.00, Delicious Metropolis: The Desserts And Urban Scene of Wayne Thiebaud, $30.00. Photo courtesy of Aly Ishikuni.

For the Book Buff

“I recommend Delicious Metropolis for your valentines! This book brings together two worlds, desserts and cityscapes, painted by the incredible Wayne Thiebaud. He’s best known for his pastel-hue paintings of pastries and cakes, and what better gift for my sweetie than a book filled with sweets.”

—Ashley Miryo Wells, Bās Bookshop employee

Pleasant Place 2: Nasturtiums:

“This is an interesting zine about the art of gardening. This particular issue focuses on nasturtiums, which is a beautiful flowering plant. Interestingly, most parts of the plant are edible.”

—Travis Sasaki, owner Bās Bookshop

“What’s the perfect gift that’s personal, festive, and amazingly scrumptious? Magazine F’s Beer issue! Nothing says, ‘I love you,’ like a magazine entirely about beer for the zythophiles in your life. Not only will the mag make your valentine want to tank an ice-cold ale with you, it’ll ignite a passion to travel and try all of the unique flavors of beer from breweries and bars all around the world.”

—Aly Ishikuni, owner Bās Bookshop. 

1154 Nu‘uanu Ave., (808) 545-8901, basbookshop.com, @basbookshop

Hale‘iwa gemstone/chain bracelet, $105. Photo courtesy of Katrina Cordova.

For the Jewelry Junkie

“Beautiful, faceted 8 mm gemstones paired with rounded box chain—this is perfect for someone who loves to stack bracelets and needs a statement piece that adds color and shines.”

—Katrina Cordova, owner/designer Katrina Cordova Designs; @katrinacordovadesigns

Huggie hoops, $48, zodiac necklaces, $55. Photo courtesy of Laine Honolulu. Photo courtesy of Laine Honolulu.

“I would recommend Birthstone Huggie Hoops and Zodiac Necklaces since they are universal and can be gifted to anyone this Valentine’s Day!”

—Shana Hesira, owner/designer Laine Jewelry; Ala Moana Center, 2958 East Mānoa Road, lainehonolulu.com, @lainehonolulu

Signature seasonal bouquet from $150, garden rose bouquet, $175-$185. Photo courtesy of Gentle Beast Hawai’i.

For the Flower Lover

“Gorgeous garden red or pink roses are thoughtfully arranged in our signature blue box; they’re unique, easy to transport and low maintenance. Or our signature omakase arrangements. Trust us, the seasonal flowers whimsically designed are sure to bring a smile to your special someone.”

—Kai Wang, owner/flower designer Gentle Beast; Ward Centre, (808) 312-4556, gentlebeasthawaii.com, @gentlebeast_hi

Photo courtesy of Pekuna Hong.

For the Retro Duo

“Kaimukī Lei Stand is having a mu‘umu‘u promotion now until Feb. 14. Buy one mu‘umu‘u or vintage aloha shirt and receive a free tuberose lei ($20 value). We also have a selection of hard-to-find ‘honeymoon sets,’ which are matching mu‘umu‘u and aloha shirts that come with two lei. This set is a one-of-a-kind gift for that vibrant love in your life.”

—Keoni and Maka Williams, owners and lei makers Kaimukī Lei Stand; @thekaimukileistand

Misha One Shoulder Pine Dress, $108, Jules + Gem Hawai‘i Spa Set, $50. Photo courtesy of Ten Tomorrow.

For the Date-Night Diva

“The Misha is our ultimate date-night dress! Show off a little sexy shoulder action while staying comfy in this loose-ish, blousy fit. Or if you’re celebrating galentines, take this dress out for drinks and dancing. It’s subtle yet eye-catching, for sure. Another great date night accessory is the Jules + Gem Hawai‘i Spa Set. It’s a lovely at-home kit complete with bath salts, sugar scrub and candle to encourage someone to slow down, relax, and take time for themselves.”

—Summer Shige, owner/designer Ten Tomorrow; 1114 11^th Ave., (808) 591-6219, tentomorrow.com, @tentomorrow

Salty girl ring, $1,250; Heart, kamaboko, cherry blossom hair clips start at $16; Keane mini hoops earrings, $80; Mau House google-eyed V-Day cards, $5; Lindquist calf-leather bag, $490; Nette’s Twelfth Night candle, $75. Photo courtesy of Stacey Makiya

For the She’s-Got-Everything Girl

“I picked items that ranged from high-end to affordable. The Salty Girl red carnelian gemstone ring with diamonds is perfect for V-Day from a longtime boyfriend or husband. Lindquist’s Ray bag is a lil’ frivolous, flirty accessory for a nice dinner or wedding. Perfect for moms or other family members is Nette’s Twelfth Night candle; its scent is like if someone wearing a tuberose or pīkake lei hugged you. For galentine’s gifts, our hair clips are perfect. They won’t break the bank so you can buy one for each one of your friends. And, the Mau House googly-eyed cards are super fun and one-of-a-kind!”

—Andrew Mau, owner Island–Boy Shop; 307c Kamani St. (808) 221-3676, islandboy.shop, @islandboy.shop

Moglea cards, $7 each; Lit Rituals pair of candles, $20. Photo courtesy of Ginger13.

For the Gal Who Appreciates All the Small Things

“There’s nothing like a hand-painted card to hold your sweet messages, love-spell candles (that are really too gorgeous to light) and a date that is healthy for you—the Date Better nut-stuffed dates are gluten free, vegan and won’t ghost ya!”

—Cindy Yokoyama, owner Ginger13; 22 S. Pauahi St., (808) 531-5311, ginger13.com, @ginger13hawaii

Fortune cookies dipped in dark chocolate covered in festive sprinkles, $3.99 each. Photo courtesy of Choco le‘a.

For the Chocolate Nut

“Our dark chocolate fortune cookie is a fun and inexpensive gift for anyone who wants to see if love is in their future! For someone that deserves everything, The Sweetest gift set contains all of our special products including solid dark chocolate heart, dark chocolate red vines, dark chocolate Oreos, dark chocolate bear hugs, dark chocolate fortune cookie, strawberry cookies and cream bar and more.”

—Erin Uyehara, owner Choco le‘a; 2909 Lowrey Ave. (808) 371-2234, chocolea.com, @chocoleahawaii

KOHO Chocolates Spring Seeker 6-piece box, $16. Photo courtesy of KOHO Chocolates.

“Using only the finest ingredients, the Spring Seeker featuring our newest flavors – Vanilla Caramel and Cherry Blossom Caramel  – would be great for the romantic who loves spring and the newness it brings.”

—Theresa Tuxhorn, managing director of KOHO; kohochocolates.com

Strawberry Guava Hawaiian Sea Salt chocolate bar, $10. Photo courtesy of Robbie Dingeman.

Editor’s pick:

Mānoa Chocolate maker/founder Dylan Butterbaugh emerges from the factory with a bar so newly created that it hasn’t even been wrapped in plastic: Strawberry Guava Hawaiian Sea Salt. The color’s perfect—deep pink—and the taste sets it apart from a small batch concoction: a little coconut-y, creamy not cloying. “It’s kind of like a sweet, tart fruit,'”he says. “It’s even vegan, made with coconut milk.”

—Robbie Dingeman, Editor at Large HONOLULU Magazine; 333 Uluniu St., Kailua, (808) 263-6292, manoachocolate.com, @manoachocolate

Indigo Monstera linen,$135, Field Daisy Rose, $125, Orchid Paradise white, $125. Photo courtesy of Roberta Oaks.

For Mr. Aloha

“We’ve picked three options from our original print collection, and you can’t go wrong no matter what. The Field Daisy with its tone-on-tone rose and burgundy is on theme for the lover’s holiday, but he also might love our fresh new white release in the Orchid white, which is a multi-color print of a tropical harvest from the backyard. We’ve also got a special linen release for the occasion, our Indigo Monstera is sure to be a staple for any beau. The structure and weave of this linen-cotton blend has become a fan favorite fabric for a reason. It’s got just enough weight to it, breaks in nicely and is sure to stand the test of time, just like your love.”

—Roberta Oaks, owner/designer Roberta Oaks; 1152 Nu‘uanu Ave., (808) 526-1111, robertaoaks.com, @robertaoakshawaii

2023 Valentine’s Day Experiences on O‘ahu

Pasta, Pasta, Pasta

Learn from the master pasta maker himself, Chef Andrea Onetti of Onda Pasta, who will transport guests to the eating capital of the world, Rome. Hosted by Hana Kitchens Hawai‘i, students will learn how to create some of the chef’s favorite pastas: bucatini all’ amatriciana and spaghetti aglio e olio con peperoncino. He’ll also treat guests to delectable canapé, bruschetta and panna cotta. Students will be working in a commercial kitchen space and comfy clothing and covered shoes are strongly recommended.

$135 per person; Saturday, Feb. 11, 5 to 8 p.m.; for more information and to reserve your spot visit eventbrite.com.

SEE ALSO: Hana Kitchens incubates new culinary community

Sweet Notes

Take in the sweet Hawaiian tunes of Josh Tatofi at his Valentine’s Experience concert at the Neal Blaisdell Arena.

Ticket prices start at $39; Tuesday, Feb. 14, doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert begins at 7:30 p.m., blaisdellcenter.com

Double Date

A glass of wine, some chocolate and an evening spent with a special someone: That’s the latest experience offered at the Kailua tasting room of Mānoa Chocolate, from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Wine bar manager John Fujimoto can suggest a flight ($22 for three 3-ounce pours) of natural wines, made traditionally—without additives, herbicides or pesticides—or you can select a glass of some hard-to-find wines ($10 to $18 a glass) as you nibble chocolate samples surrounded by the scents of freshly crafted treats.

333 Uluniu St., Kailua, (808) 263-6292, manoachocolate.com, @manoachocolate

Laugh Out Love

Researchers confirm that laughter improves our health, so an evening enjoying the dry wit of humorist and best-selling author David Sedaris sounds like doctor’s orders for a fun night out. Maybe you’ve heard Sedaris on the radio, reading his outrageous Santaland Diaries tales of working as a department store elf, or you’re eager to listen to the latest from Happy-Go-Lucky, a collection of personal essays. Either way, his latest trip to Honolulu’s Blaisdell Center promises an evening filled with laughter.

$52-$67 plus fees, Saturday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m.,  777 Ward Ave., Blaisdell Concert Hall, (808) 768-5252 (box office info line), blaisdellcenter.com, ticketmaster.com 

SEE ALSO: 62 Thoughts We Had While Watching Jo Koy’s Netflix Special

Eat, Learn, Love

Where does your food come from? You’ll find out at Nurture and Bloom’s engaging event, where guests will be treated to a Zen-filled experience that includes exploring a vegetable garden. The lush scenery in Waimānalo provides a perfect backdrop for a romantic night that also includes a yoga break, an intentional breath work segment and freshly made mocktails.

$222 for two people, Feb. 18, 4 to 7:30 p.m., 41-756 Mahailua St., eventbrite.com

Heart to Art

If your significant other is an art aficionado, the MAMo Wearable Art Show is an excellent treat. If he or she isn’t, turn it into a galentine’s celebration. Held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort, guests will enjoy a night full of stunning work from Ari South, Kākou Collective by Kea Peters, Kawika Lum-Nelmida and Marques Marzan, Lauren Good Day, Lotus and Lime by Kim Ryusaki Marrero, Michael Pili-Pang and Kanoelani Davis of PōMahina Designs. Attendees can purchase tickets for just the show, or the show and a dinner buffet.

Doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m., eventbrite.com

Let’s Dance

It’s a dance party! Join an Arthur Murray class on Feb. 12, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and put it all out there on the dance floor. Get down on your own, with a partner or with the help of an instructor. There will be Champagne, light bites and chocolates to put more swing into your steps.

$50 for two, 770 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 115, eventbrite.com

SEE ALSO: Local boy and Former Lady Gaga Dancer Gets The Party Started At Home

Star-Crossed Lovers

Gaze into each other’s eyes, and at all the twinkling stars, at Windward Community College’s Hokulani Imaginarium. The V-Day special event will include stories of love, loss and affairs of the heart revolving around the constellations. The $15 admission price includes a flower favor, sparkling drink and photo booth.

$15, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m., 45-720 Kea‘ahala Road. windward.hawaii.edu

Pic of the V-Day

Snap a free pic in front of the vintage VW known as The Photo Bus. It will be pimped out in everything that screams love: flowers, teddy bears and red hearts. Staff members will help with the photos; however all photos must be taken with your own phone or camera. The ride will be sanitized after every session.

Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday Feb. 12; 1 to 7 p.m., 4450 Kapolei Pkwy., kapoleicommons.com

Circle of Friends

Grab your girl budz and hit a lei-making class for Galentine’s Day! Put on by Lei by Dillyn, the class will be held Feb. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Po‘ai by Pono Potions. The event includes a selection of locally foraged flora, all lei-making materials, one-on-one instructor guidance and a fun, cool atmosphere.

$87.50 per person, 1119 Smith St., leibydillyn.com