Tea time
Jo Kamae Byrne, 58, and her girlfriends schedule tea at least every two months. "Always around birthdays, but also for 'emergencies,' " said the Honolulu resident. Since starting the tradition more than 10 years ago, the women have enjoyed tea time at venues such as the Sheraton Moana Surfrider and Tea at 1024. But these days, high tea typically takes place at one of their homes, where it can last from the afternoon until midnight. "We do a lot of talking, bonding, supporting and advising each other — invaluable time for us on many levels."

Go for a run
One of Marian Tsuji's favorite ways to stay connected with one of her girlfriends is by going on a weekly, 8- to 10-mile run with her. "The more we have to talk about, the slower and further we run," said Tsuji, president and CEO of Lanakila Rehabilitation Center. For Tsuji, time with her girlfriends — whether running or spending an annual night in a Waikiki hotel suite among a group of seven — is a safe place to be herself, she said. "You know there'll be no judgment, only love and support," said Tsuji, 47, of Honolulu.

Daily dish
For Mona L. Hirata, 35, respecting the relationship with friend Grace Yonehara is as simple as devoting a window of time each day to chatting with her. The two women call each other every day in the morning and afternoon during Yonehara's commute to and from town. "I even set my alarm clock to talk to her in the morning," said Hirata, a Honolulu resident who owns Weddings By Grace & Mona, a wedding planning company. "My day just doesn't feel complete if I don't get a chance to catch up on the latest news, or even the silliest things, with my best friend."

Try a book club
It offers an opportunity for stimulating discussions among bookworms. Just ask Kaimuki resident Pam Tom, 46, who has been part of a book club for nearly 10 years. The group of about 10 women have shared their diverse takes on books of all genres, such as David Guterson's "Snow Falling on Cedars," Anita Diamant's "The Red Tent" and Barack Obama's "Dreams From My Father." Their current read is "Digging to America," by Anne Tyler. Tom, a wedding coordinator, lives in a household of all men — her husband and two sons — like many others in the book club. "For us to be able to get together with our girlfriends, it's just nice to have that female perspective and that female input," Tom said.

Do a good deed
For nearly a year, Kaneko and some of her girlfriends would get together about once a month to do crafts. Their favorite project? Making greeting cards. As if it weren't already a feel-good pastime, the women have also donated 275 of their creations to Keiki Cards, a nonprofit organization that sends out handmade greeting cards to children who have life-threatening illnesses. Other do-good ideas to consider? Participate in a beach cleanup, volunteer at a shelter or offer to run errands for an elderly neighbor.

Pamper yourselves
This suggestion comes from Kappa Delta Sorority, the creators of National Women's Friendship Day — which will be Sept. 21 this year. The organization suggests visiting a spa together, making appointments for manicures and pedicures, and getting makeovers.

Make a meal date
This is the glue that keeps Kitagawa and her gang together. "We always do birthday and holiday dinners," said Kitagawa, an associate director of leadership development at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa.

Take a trip
Another activity for Kitagawa and her group of gal pals: taking a vacation. In previous years, they have ventured to Washington, D.C., Las Vegas and Maui.

Catch a chick flick
Why not celebrate your friendship with a marathon of movies made just for girls? Hallmark, best known for its greeting cards, suggests these favorites (and don't forget the popcorn, pizza and ice cream): "Steel Magnolias," "Beaches," "Thelma & Louise," "Fried Green Tomatoes," "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," "Where the Heart Is" and "Mystic Pizza." Rather not stay in? Consider a girl-friendly flick at the theater.

Beach weekend
For the past two years, Diane Wood and nearly a dozen friends have rented a North Shore beach house on Labor Day weekend. They're already planning this year's outing. "We wanted a time to really relax and take care of each other," said Wood, who started the tradition when one girlfriend was going through cancer treatment. Among their beach house diversions: lounging on the sand, cooking dinner and enjoying it with a bottle of wine, dancing "like crazy."