Honolulu, HI

The sun started creeping lower and lower into the Honolulu skyline. There were throngs of people crowded in front of the galleries, walking to each one in a row. I was excited to experience First Friday at downtown Honolulu’s Gallery walk for the first time since moving back to my home from Las Vegas. Even before getting out of the parking garage, I could hear the sound of the crowds and live music coming from above. I knew I was in for a great evening.

The great thing about the Gallery Walk is that it isn’t exclusive to First Fridays. Located on Nu’uanu and Beretania avenue, every gallery is open every weekday from 11 am to 5 or 6 pm, some might even be open on the weekend. The only thing you must prepare for is the wait to get a parking stall. There are numerous municipal parking structures spread out through downtown that you can park at. My gang and I parked at the municipal parking structure on Beretania and Smith. It is 75 cents per half an hour, but after 5pm it is 50 cents per half an hour. Another alternative is to catch the bus into downtown. It costs only a few dollars and it definitely saves money on gas.

My group, which consisted of my mother, my sister, my best friend Tyler and I, made our way to the galleries. In many of the galleries, there is a map you can take that has a guide to where all the galleries are along the streets. Or, if you forget to pick up a guide, just follow the crowds of people and you are sure to find yourself at a gallery. I could feel the type of energy each gallery gave; some were loud and full of energy, while others were laid-back and chill. Each had their own uniqueness and you can definitely the vibe each artist gives off the moment you step into the gallery.

First Friday is free, but each artist asks for a monetary donation (minimum is one or two dollars) and in return, you get a glass of red or white wine. That was enough incentive for me to donate! Some galleries even had silent auctions for their pieces. Although a lot of adults were at First Fridays, I did see quite a few families as well. So, don’t hesitate to bring your little one if you are interested in them getting into arts!

Every gallery had their own feel - from traditional art to ecological art to even landascape art. My favorite gallery was of spray-painted surfboards at the Chinatown Boardroom. The crowd was full of young adults who enjoyed that type of laid-back lifestyle, kind of like myself. They were even serving the ever famous Primo beer there. They even had free live entertainment at the Hawaii theatre. That night, Guy Cruz played three forty-five minute sets and the music was absolutely wonderful.

My favorite thing about this event was the amount of twenty-somethings that were there. As a twenty-something, I know a lot of people (including myself sometimes) that would rather spend a Friday night bar-hopping or getting drunk. Little do they know that the downtown bar scene is vibrant every weekend, so wanting to have a good time at the bar is a definite option after the Gallery Walk. There are also a ton of restaurants in the area, so if you come hungry, you won’t have to leave hungry.

The night went on and First Friday was over for us. All in all, it was a great experience that I would like to go to once a month. Remember, the Gallery Walk isn’t exclusive to First Fridays. The galleries are open daily, like regular businesses, so if you don’t have time to make it or you forget about First Friday, you can check it out any other day (except Sunday). As the night ended, I bid my sister and mother both farewell as Tyler and I headed to bar 35. But, that’s another story for another day…