[COVID 19] I usually go to the Aina Haina or Hawaii State Public Library, but the two books I wanted were only available at this Hawaii Kai location, right across from Koko Marina center on Lunalilo Home Road. There's abundant parking, and the pickup system is fast and efficient. After placing a hold on your books online and choosing an appointment day & time, you just go to the front where a worker will scan your library card and hand you your books. That's it! Fast, easy, and pretty contactless. Books can be checked out for 3 week periods. read more

See all

Used to come here all the time with my Granny after school to study in the carrells. This was my place where I could read, study, relax, and the librarians were very friendly. I read many books here before cell phones and iPads were a thing. We used to eat snack in the parking lot before going in. Great memories here. read more

This is not my first time here .... I do enjoy the "space" and privacy as they have cubicles - cubbies in the general area, computer area, and about 5 charging stations for your electronic needs- that is absolutely a bonus. They also offer donation printing of 15 cents... it's cheap and very convenient when you know you might forget when you go home.... that's my problem. LOL The restroom for the ladies are always clean and never short of toiletries. I asked a gentleman what he thought about the men's side and he had the same sentiments as I. So that is a plus!!! Especially if you plan to spend awhile here They have a pretty decent selection of children books. The also have a bookstore available for cheap book purchase with all sorts of selections from adult, youth, children and various genres!!! Books are good to fairly good condition. They also have free donation books upstairs!! Overall compared to other libraries I have been to around the island for an older library I give it a thumbs up with many smiley faces!! -Happy Camper!! read more

See all

I've been on maternity leave for a couple of months and in my spare time (when baby is sleeping) I've taken to reading books. I don't think that I've ever read so much in my life! It's great though, I feel like I'm expanding my mind. I really like their online catalogue and having the ability to look for books without having to go into the library. I've found all of my books through the online catalog. Before when I would find a book that I would want to read, I would find where it was and just drive to that location and pick it up. But I've discovered a way better way that I should've been using from the beginning. You can request books online and it will be sent to your library of choice. It's really great and I love it. As a new mother, I don't have much time to go driving around to different libraries to borrow books. I just put a request in for a book online and they just send me an email when it's ready. All you have to do is just go up to the circulation desk and just present your library card and they'll check you out. And because it's so easy, it keeps me motivated to keep reading. I put a request in and get the book and it motivates me to read it fast so that I can pick up the next book. And if you're not much of the borrowing book type, you can buy books downstairs because they have a book store. I'm not sure what the hours are but they have a good selection of books for a very reasonable price. read more

Hawaii State Public Library System - Hawaii Kai Library - Great selection of board books - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

LOVE this library !!!! let me count the ways ..... 1. they offer Storytime & Crafts upstairs on Thursdays @ 10:30 am - every first Thursday of the month @ 10:30 am they have Puzzletime downstairs.... for 3-5 year olds with an accompanying adult - free 2. friendly staff 3. lots of parking available 4. air conditioned & clean 5. ongoing booksale right outside the door - honor box system 6. great selection of magazines ... they let you take up to 5 free 7.the big booksales organized throughout the year are wonderful 8. conveniently located across Koko Marina Shopping Center 9. activities throughout the year like magic shows, choirs, etc. 10. grew up going to this library & now love sharing it with my daughter read more

Yes, I still go to the library and read real books with words! For people around my age, they just stopped going to the library after college. They find it odd that I still go to the library to borrow books because I'm not a kid and don't have kids, or an elderly, and they think I'm living in the past because you can now read books on a tablet or phone. I enjoy holding an actual book and flipping through pages rather than staring at a computer screen and swipe to the next page. I think I need new friends lol. Anyway, back when I was going to school, I have been to almost all the libraries around the island. I just stop at the closest library wherever I am to get some work in. Out of so many libraries, I still feel Hawaii Kai Library is the best. I like its spaciousness and cleanliness. There's a good amount of chairs and tables. The AC is always super cold. The staff here are very helpful and friendly. There is covered parking, which is a huge plus! But there aren't that many spaces, and it can get very busy at certain times, but you can park along the road outside. There's also a bookstore downstairs, which is very well organized, well-stocked, and well-staffed, and with excellent prices. You get find some hidden gems there at a great prices. They always have 50% off sales too! You can also request something, so if they see someone donated something you want, they will contact you. How great is that? The public libraries are very good at updating they inventory with new books, movies, and TV shows. A great thing about the public library is you can request books and DVDs on their search website, and pick it up at any library location you want. You can even request items that's not on this island! I just requested something that's in transit from Lanai Public Library! Remember: "A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone." -Tyrion Lannister read more

I adore this public library! I've lived in Hawaii Kai the majority of my life so needless to say, this is the library I frequent the most. It has a small town feel when you walk in the door. There is a small kids section to the left and everything is kids size. Meaning it's on their eye level, which is kind of cute. There is a dvd/cd rental, just flip through the plastic sheets and take to the counter where they will pull the videos/cds for you. Continue on there is the adult sections which takes up majority of the library. The employees have been here as long as I can remember and they are all very helpful. There is a security guard that patrols the library - seems like a pretty chill job. On the only downfall of this library: the parking. It's not so much the size (although on a busy day it's pretty annoying because it's hard to turn around in this parking lot to go somewhere else). It's the other drivers that cannot manage to park. The stalls are big and it's obvious there are numerous stalls - PICK ONE AND PARK!!! But don't worry, I am not dinging the library start status I gave because their customers decide to be idiots on their driving skills. read more

Hawaii State Public Library System - Hawaii Kai Library - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Today I went to pick up a video held for me. Because I forgot to bring my vaccine card, the security, Lloyd MacFarlane, would not allow me to enter the building. Being very accommodating, he called the front desk and had the video brought to me at the door. This saved me another trip to the library. Thank you, Lloyd. read more

Such wonderful staff at this library! They let my daughter (12), stay 15 minutes after closing time, until I got there with her library card. She was so excited that she found all her favorite books and didn't want to leave without them. They went above and beyond job duties for us. Their love for books, kids and the community shines. Thank you, Hawaii Kai library, for being such a wonderful place for the community. We appreciate you more than you know!! read more

The most annoying thing about the library is all the folks who sit in their cars in the parking lot, taking up valuable real estate. I don't even think they are waiting for someone in the library, they are just hanging out listening to the radio. The library is upstairs from the lot and is a fairly spacious space. There's also a conference room I haven't seen. The selection is not bad, their magazine selection is vast. The library is closed on Fridays, even though supposedly all libraries were supposed to be open for Furlough Fridays, and Sundays. read more

The Hawaii Kai public library is your community / state funded library in the heart of Hawaii Kai. Sometimes, I would come here and just hang out when I have nothing better to do but gain knowledge without having to sit in front of the computer and be on Facebook. That's what my iPhone is for. One Saturday morning, I wanted to do research for my novel I am currently writing, so I came here in the morning for a couple of hours before heading across the street to Koko Marina Shopping Center to spend the rest of the day. As mentioned before, the Hawaii Kai public library is located directly across the street from the Koko Marina shopping complex in beautiful Hawaii Kai. There is covered private parking, as most state libraries do. While it can get busy with everyone coming here, I found it very convenient to take the bus out here from Kaimuki and make a day trip out of it to explore. The library itself is basically on two floors, but the main floor is on the 2nd floor. The set up is the same for all libraries, so you just go to the computer databases and look up by subject, title, author, or keywords. Unless you are like me, you would go through the aisles and browse aimlessly before realizing what you are here to do. Discovering is awesome that way and the mind is excellent for that! What I really love about this library is that they are open on Saturdays! That's awesome! It's a lost art for libraries these days when everything and anything is online at your fingertips! Coming to a state library here in Hawaii Kai or anywhere on the island brings me back to simple ways of reading a book, versus reading a computer screen and enjoying the benefits of your local library. The library is great since you can borrow reading material for free or read there at the library at your leisure. I'm sure a lot of people do that and it has a positive effect on those who do. The staff here at the Hawaii Kai public library is always friendly and excellent, if you need help in finding a book or something else. Like all libraries, you can borrow DVDs as CDs, so that's awesome. They have a nice assortment of magazines to read and borrow, so they will let you borrow up to 5 at a time. There is plenty of space to sit down and enjoy your favorite book or magazine and, of course, the library is clean and air conditioned. Love coming to this library once in awhile when I need to. While I can easily look stuff up online, it's a nice change of pace when you can go to the library and let your mind wander in a good book. The best part is that its mostly quiet, so that's great when the kids aren't running around and causing a ruckus. Support your local library! It's awesome. And free! Support local! B+ read more

I used to come here regularly since I live near and I'd bring my young daughter every Thursday for story time and arts & crafts. She loved the little children's reading section as well as the changing selection, while I on the other hand was stuck dealing with an incredibly RUDE employee, only to eventually discover that rude woman was the manager! She's not only rude to customers, but I've seen her belittle and be angry at the other employees who were just doing their job. When I ran into her in public places such as the bus or sidewalk, I'd say "hi" only to get a grumpy response with a scowled face. She yelled at me because I didnt have my library card because I read with my daughter for an hour or so. When she left, I asked to speak with the manager over that and was told she WAS the manager! Needless to say, I stopped going there. It's been a few years and hopefully she's gone. read more

This library really needs two reviews, one for the library itself and another for the Friends of the Hawaii Kai Library Bookstore downstairs. Let's start with the library, where patrons have a good selection of materials -- print, audio & video -- all well-arranged. You can check on-line beforehand to see if your particular book is in at the time. The library also has regular movie matinees for the kids and it's FREE. Importantly, on the hottest days, this is where to be reading and relaxing in air-conditioned comfort with the fine luxury of wi-fi at your fingertips. BUT HERE'S MY FAVORITE PART: THE BOOKSTORE There's a bookstore downstairs that sells donated books for literal pennies. Frankly, I "borrow" my material here -- usually for no more than fifty cents -- and return it when I'm done so it can be resold. They've got the best selection and it's orderly and easy to browse. You have to come and see it to believe it. Forget other bookstores, new or used. This is the best way to get your read on. And by the way, the volunteers who run this place are awesome: helpful and friendly all the way. read more

As far as I am concerned, HK library is the best library in the state, and I consider myself to be an avid library goer. The staff has always been very friendly and helpful, and I enjoy going to this library to get some work done and relax. The library is always very peaceful and the quiet hum of the AC makes for excellent white noise to read to. Their selection of books is great, I can always find an interesting book to read in my downtime. I have read at least 2000 books in the past 47 years that I have been going to this library and am looking forward to reading thousands more. When I die, I hope to be cremated and my ashes scattered in the library so that my ghost can live in the library forever. read more

We've been coming to this library for 7 months and have received good customer service. There have been a couple of times that I've seen a representative that is somewhat short with patrons, but I haven't experienced that firsthand. We've been encouraged to check out different events or initiatives that are available. There is many books and genres to choose from and the trivia contests as well as young adult opinion surveys are appreciated. We absolutely love the Friends of Hawai'i Bookstore and will be returning monthly for the Wednesday specials when we move. The older security guard that is on site is not helpful at all. read more

I went to this library for the bookstore so this review is ONLY based off of my experience at the bookstore & not the library itself. On the bottom floor of the library there is a small bookstore with quite a good variety of genres. I am a huge fan of YA novels so obviously I made myself to that section. Let me tell you, they had an awesome variety ! They are a little on the pricey side compared to Kaneohe library bookstore and Kialua library bookstore but still really cheap ! They price there books based off of the condition it's in I believe. The most expensive book I saw was $2, which is really cheap ! The workers are very kind & helpful. They will do there best to help you find a book that you might want but you can't be picky, what's there is what they have. It's always super exciting to find little treasures here and there. Most of there books are books that they no longer need in the library and many more are donations ! So if you have some books looking for a new home donate them here or to any bookstore of the libraries ! Below I included the books I got and how much I paid compared to retail price. These are all YA books. - Looking for Alaska $2 (retail $9.99) - Stolen by Lucy Christopher $0.50 ( R $17.99) - Tricks by Ellen Hopkins $0.50 (R $10.99) - Gone by McMann $1 (R $9.99) - Fade by McMann $1 (R $9.99) - Rampant by Peterfreund $1 (R $8.99) - Willow by Hoban $0.50 ( R $8.99) - Forever by Blume $0.50 (R $8.99) - Reached by Condie $2 (R $17.99) - Insurgent by Roth $2 (R $17.99) - Maybe I like him by Naylor $.50 ( $9.99) - Bree Tanner by Meyer limited white edition $1(R $10 ?) - Starkighter by Davis $0.50 (R $9.99) - Impossible by Werkin $0.50 (R $9.99) - The vow by Carpenters $0.50 (R $14.99) Total savings of ... $162.86 ! And may I say that all of these books are in really good condition ! No dark old age brown spotting, no bent pages, just good ! If you love books, you should go. If you would like to get into reading, you should go ! read more

Hawaii State Public Library System - Hawaii Kai Library - Went to the little bookstore downstairs & found some awesome books for only $9 - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

This is probably my favorite library. I love how it has covered parking. I also like how they have a small book store. They are usually open everyday till 5pm. The actual library is on the second floor, you walk in and their are so many books to choose from. Well of course its a LIBRARY. The copy machine is ($0.20 ea.) I guess that's good if you don't have a copy machine. I always get the load of books, my daughter loves the summer reading club, which we participate in every year. If I don't walk around I go straight to the counter to pick up my holds. read more

Hawaii State Public Library System - Hawaii Kai Library - Parking lot - Libraries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I mainly use this place to study & buy used books at the bookstore downstairs. They also have story time (for kids) on Thursday's, which my daughter seemed to enjoy. I think it's a relatively small library but lots of places to sit, read & study. read more

Even though the Hawaii Kai library looks like it's seen better days I'm still loathe to give it anything less than 4 stars...because it's a library. And you should go to one. Today. Seriously. Lots of goods and a pretty good sized kid and young adult (YA) section. Which is a little surprising given more seasoned demographics of the area (meaning: there's lots of old people around). It doesn't have that great a selection of in-house CDs or DVDs but the beauty of the Hawaii State Public Library System is that you can order anything from anywhere and pick it up at the library of your choice. Yes, you'll have to wait for more popular items (newer releases of books, CDs, and Movies) but it's worth it. I'm still waiting for season 4 of Game of Thrones...I think I'm #90 in the line. Books and CDs are free and DVDs (including Box Sets) are a $1. You can borrow as many books as you want but you're limited to 10 CDs or 10 DVDs. I know because I've hit my limit before. They have story time for kids and free movies at least once a month with SNACKS! What this library does have is a killer used book store on the first floor. They have everything from records (remember those?) to tapes (ringing a bell?) to cookbooks, mysteries, and lots of kids books (again, a little surprising given the area). Most of the books I've purchased are in the $0.25 to $0.50 range. This is the perfect little second hand store for little ones. Give your kid a couple of bucks and they can come home with some really great books. The staff is very friendly and of course there's free wifi (you have to log in with your library card ID) for those who want to do actual work. Don't have a library card? No problem. The caring staff of library professionals will help you with that. There's no coffee shop in the immediate vicinity (like the Aina Haina Library) but Taco Bell is across the street so if you have a rumbly in your tumbly you can make a run for the border. read more

I have been going to this library for 40 plus years. Growing up, this place was my sanctuary as I love to read. The other day, I took my grandchildren with me. I needed to return a couple of books and I had a question so I stopped by the circulation desk. The lady sitting behind the desk did not acknowledge our presence, she just ignored us altogether. I excused myself and told her that I had a question. She cut me off, telling me to wait. After a few minutes, she turned to us with the most unpleasant expression on her face, and harrumphed at us. (Who does that?!). I explained my situation. She went to speak with another librarian, returning, again, with her sour face, and again (I am not even exaggerating), harrumphed at us! She barked a reply to my question and turned away. Apparently, our conversation was over. I had my grandchildren with me so I counted to 10, took a deep breath and thanked her. As we turned to walk away, my 4 year old grandson asked me why was she so mean. This person is such a poor representative for this wonderful place. How many children have been intimidated or turned off as a result of this employee. I don't think I would have visited this library when I was younger had this person been there. She does not belong in a customer service position. It's been a few days since our visit but her horrible treatment still angers me. They need to move her out of that position and pronto! read more

I love the public library and all that it has to offer its patrons. Unfortunately it's an unhelpful and mean librarian that ruins the star ratings of this place. I had requested that a book be held for me at this library. When I approached the circulation counter I could tell that the librarian was already in an irritable mood. I informed her about my book request and handed her my card. She checked the computer and told me that I didn't make a request. I proceeded to tell her that I was sure that I did, but she wasn't interested, saying that there is nothing for me in the computer nor on the shelf behind her. I stepped to the side to look up the title of the book, then told her the title and asked if there was still one on the shelf. She scribbled down the call number on a piece of paper and asked if I was going to get it from the shelf or if I wanted someone to get it for me. I told her that I would get it. When I went to the shelf, there was an empty space in the exact spot the book I had requested should've been....as if someone had already pulled it from the shelf. When I went back to explain this to the librarian, she sharply cut me off mid-sentence and told me to stand in line at the reference desk. I was kindly helped by another librarian. I told her about my book request and how it was missing from the shelf. She went to the back room and came out with the book I had requested. Apparently it was pulled from the shelf per my request, however the person who pulled the book got busy and it never made it to the holding area. I understand that these things can happen. However, her attitude is what brings this review down to two stars. If she doesn't have good people skills, maybe she shouldn't be working at the circulation desk in a public library. A better position might be in the back where she doesn't have to deal with the public. read more

Today, they closed more than an hour early. Why? Who knows. What's the point of having posted hours when you're not going to go by them? Be forewarned. Save time and frustration and call them beforehand. read more

Library has convenient hours and the staff is very helpful and pleasant. They go beyond the call in helping find books and answering questions. The overall library system with its amazing computer database makes it a lot easier to find and request things. read more