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Na Mea Hawai'i

4.5 (82 reviews)
Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

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Cute gifts!
Donald C.

One of my favorite stores based on the collection of Hawaiiana and the snacks + such cute gifts. My wife and I stopped by to grab some children's books and lavosh. We also picked up this awesome palaka elephant. Service was exceptional.

Julie U.

Every time I am in the Ward Warehouse area I love to browse through Na Mea Hawaii as they have a collection of books, jewelry, Hawaiian and local items you will not find anywhere else. Last week I went to the book launch for Linda Paik Moriarity's book, Lei Ni'ihau at Na Mea Hawaii and there was music, food, and an overflow crowd, many wearing stunning Ni'ihau shell leis. We bought several books and had Linda autograph them for us and enjoyed browsing. For people visiting Hawaii, this should be a stop on your list! And for us locals, a business that we should keep supporting.

Pegge Hopper love!
Leah E.

I have so many regrets about all the things I didn't buy at Na Mea Hawaii. If you're looking for an authentic curated shopping experience that helps the Native Hawaiian community thrive this is it. The book section is unmatched and I love browsing all the crafts and clothes from local artists. This time the Pegge Hopper art and local sticker collection impressed me but there are a treasure trove of items to discover.

Table to the right as you enter the shop
Patricia S.

What a gem this lovely place is!!! My friend and I decided to patronize the remaining vendors at Ward Center before they close at the end of the year, thanks to further expansion of the Victoria Ward/Howard Hughes expansion. This little shop has so much Hawaiiana packed into one small space that you could literally spend an hour looking at everything, picking up stocking stuffers, gifts for friends and family both far and near. Lisa helped me check out, and while I paid for my purchases I noticed this gorgeous blue and white quilt which I discovered was painted! The artist had created smaller quilts and some that were framed. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find here. Prices are reasonable and selection varied. Drop in and you'll find out.

Alexander G.

Na Mea Hawai'i is a must-visit for anyone interested about Hawaiian culture, art, language, and history. It's primarily an art and book store, but they also offer cultural classes, lectures, and readings. It is the largest selection of books in 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, including modern popular books like the Hobbit and Harry Potter as well as history, culture, and other subjects. They also have many books about Hawai'i in English for those wishing to know more. The store is located in Ward Centre after having moved from a larger space in Ward Warehouse. It's brightly lit, colorful, and welcoming. Prices are worth the quality and local production; if you're looking for meaningful souvenirs actually made here by local artisans, this is worth your time. They have fabrics, jewelry, and other artwork. For visitors and residents alike, it's a unique place that is worth the visit to learn about the culture and history of the islands.

Pāpale lauhala
Wailana W.

I am a malihini (visitor) but I always stop by Na Mea when I am here. I finally bit the bullet bought a lauhala pāpale (lauhala hat) on this trip with the help of Dell. There isn't a large selection but I was fortunate enough to find one that I love and fit. As those who know, getting a pāpale is an investment and Dell gently guided me through the process and let me make my own decision which is what you want from a retail therapist. He had good knowledge about weavers so I felt confident and happy with my purchase. I will not only wear my hat when I visit again but also in New York when I return. Mahalo Dell and Na Mea!

Locally made women's Aloha wear
Lyla D.

Several years ago when this gift shop was at its original location, Ward Warehouse, we'd frequently stop in picking up locally made gifts or books for family and friends. Back then, this store had a larger footprint than its current relocation to Ward Centre. I remember this one time when my husband and his eldest brother were reading a book about Hawaiian Pidgin English while roaring in laughter. Some of the customers and friendly salespeople joined in with their banter in pidgin and soon everyone in the store was "crackin' up" and saying "Eh, you mento buggahs, you rememba wen...". It has been about 3 years since Na Mea Hawai'i had relocated into Ward Centre in a much smaller and intimate space but their customer service and fine artisan-made gifts ranging from hat bands made with loving hands by Hawaiian feather worker, men's and women's Aloha wear, jewelry with semi-precious stones, lovely wood turned bowls from local wood species to Hawaiian culture and history books. We went into Na Mea Hawai'i to browse but were focused on replacing some locally produced stationery (memo pads) for my brother-in-law. Yeah, he's old school to still use paper and pen to jot down his market lists or appointment reminders instead of inputting the information into his smartphone. Besides, the local memo pads are unique, and we were surprised that after 3 years, my BIL asked us to see if we could get more. Unfortunately, we didn't find what we were looking for but the friendly salesperson, Dawn, offered to speak with her manager about finding the source and possibly bringing in the product. We readily filled out their contact list with hopes that we'd be called when the product is available. Meanwhile, my husband roamed around the store and plopped himself in front of the bookshelves. He found the latest release of the Holy Bible translated into pidgin English which we're considering sending a copy to one of my relatives and several other fun books that made us reminisce about our childhood in Hawai'i. There were lei-making and Hawaiian medicine instructional books which caught my eyes. Hm, I chuckled to myself thinking about how I've changed from looking at artwork and considering how to incorporate the artwork into our home décor or buying apparel and jewelry for career wear to just reading books about Hawai'i's historical perspectives or how-to-make projects ...hm, learning never stops. Anyway, Na Mea Hawai'i is a wonderful gift store that features locally-made products and art that promote the Hawaiian culture. Expect to find culturally significant artwork with vintage and modern tastes as in gallery exhibitions. Many items here are NOT inexpensive trinkets and many items are worth passing on to the family but don't let that scare you away as there are fun and made for daily use items. We're hoping that we'll receive a call back from Dawn about those local memo pads and stationery for my brother-in-law, soon. Supporting this local business supports our Hawaiian culture.

Nathalie K.

Took a Lauhala class. Wasn't able to complete my lauhala project, Kaleo assisted me in finally finishing it. All I can say is Fabulous customer svc. Thank you Na Mea Hawaii!!

Christal P.

I stopped by the reopening party for the new location of Na Mea at Ward Centre. The old location was at Ward Warehouse which will soon be torn down to build (what else?) luxury high rises. The new Na Mea looks everything like you'd expect from a store that specializes in Hawaiian books, arts, jewelry, and apparel. I think this new home suits Na Mea even more than its former Ward Warehouse location. This new space is cozy, warm, and inviting. Because it is inside Ward Centre, noise from traffic is minimized, so you can spend even more time browsing all of the locally made items that are offered. As you know, most things that are local or handmade tend to be on the pricey side. However, prices here are comparable to other similar type of stores on the island. If you are in need of higher quality Hawaiian gifts for friends, family, and colleagues, Na Mea is an excellent place to shop.

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Na Mea offers AUTHENTIC Hawaiian literature, artistry, crafts, fragrance lines and much more. Great service as well.

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Beautiful stuff I love the books so much to look at really nice. Go shopping lol around plenty nice stuff to buy. Good for local people

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Review Highlights - Na Mea Hawai'i

. The store is located in Ward Centre after having moved from a larger space in Ward Warehouse

Mentioned in 5 reviews

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Skull-Face Books & Vinyl - Horror, true crime, counterculture, pop culture, sci-fi, and much more!

Skull-Face Books & Vinyl

4.9(29 reviews)
1.4 miDowntown
$$

When Jamie W and I heard that Josh Spencer, the owner of LA's legendary Last Bookstore (review:…read morehttps://yelp.to/PBt2J99ygG) had opened a bookstore in Honolulu, we decided to look for it on our recent Oahu adventure. It turned out to be in Downtown close to Chinatown. While it doesn't have the scale of the Last Bookstore, this store shares some of the unique design elements of its SoCal progenitor like curving shelves and large vinyl collection. A broad scan of the books on display reflects titles that seem more avant garde than more commercial curations with sections devoted to science fiction, horror, true crime, and rock music. Jamie found an existential book about his favorite band called "Queen and Philosophy" (Photo 9), while I bought an intriguing manga cosplay history book called "Otaku Japan" (Photo 5). We probably could've spent another hour in here, but we had manapua on our minds. RELATED - Exploring Hawaii? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/n9JWu5nlzl

I stopped by Skull-Face Books & Vinyl while walking through Chinatown and it quickly stood out as…read moreone of the more unique independent shops in the area. The store blends two cultures that often go hand in hand: underground literature and vinyl records. The space itself feels very curated. Instead of a large commercial bookstore layout, the shop has a smaller, more intentional selection of titles and records that reflect niche interests, counterculture themes, and independent publishing. It feels like a place built for people who enjoy digging through shelves to discover something unexpected. One of the highlights is the mix of books and vinyl. The store carries everything from rare or independent books to records that span multiple genres, which creates an environment where music and literature intersect. Browsing through the collection feels more like exploring a curated archive than a traditional retail store. The atmosphere fits well with the Chinatown neighborhood. Bethel Street has a strong creative and artistic identity, and Skull-Face Books & Vinyl contributes to that scene with its alternative aesthetic and independent spirit. What stood out most to me was how personal the shop feels. Independent stores like this often reflect the personality of the people behind them, and that character comes through clearly in the selection and layout. Overall, Skull-Face Books & Vinyl is a great place to explore if you are in Chinatown and enjoy independent bookstores, vinyl records, and creative spaces that feel a little different from mainstream retail shops.

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Skull-Face Books & Vinyl - Local treasures

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Barnes & Noble - Happy me with a pile of books, journals and puzzles.

Barnes & Noble

3.7(323 reviews)
0.7 miAla Moana
$$

I stopped by the Barnes & Noble at Ala Moana Center and it remains one of the most comfortable…read moreplaces in the mall if you want to slow down and spend some time browsing books. The store is spacious and well organized, with clearly arranged sections that make it easy to explore different genres. Walking through the aisles feels relaxed, and there is a wide selection of books ranging from best sellers and new releases to classics and specialty topics. One thing that stood out to me is how the store still maintains the traditional bookstore experience even though it is located inside a busy shopping center. The layout encourages browsing, and it is easy to spend a good amount of time looking through titles and discovering books you were not originally planning to buy. Another highlight is the range of non-book items available throughout the store. You will find journals, gifts, educational toys, and other reading-related merchandise, which adds variety to the experience. The atmosphere is calm compared to many other areas of the mall, and the store tends to attract a mix of students, families, and casual readers looking for a quiet place to browse. Overall, Barnes & Noble at Ala Moana Center is a great stop if you enjoy bookstores and want a comfortable place to explore books while spending time at the mall.

This specific store is noted for being a unique "cultural hub" in Honolulu with several standout…read morefeatures that distinguish it from a standard mainland location. 1. It serves as a major community gathering point, often hosting local author signings and cultural events that reflect the islands' literary scene. So now you can get your copy of Eat Lava Pray signed. 2. The in-store café serves official Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes, so you can skip the restaurant lines. 3. Reflecting Hawaii's deep cultural ties to Japan, this location features an exceptionally large manga and anime section that rivals international bookstores. 4. The store maintains a robust physical media section with a curated selection of vinyl records. I found Pois Don't Cry and Lei Lady Lei.

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Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble - Chocolate midnight cupcake from cafe

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Logos Bookstore of Hawaii - Crosses

Logos Bookstore of Hawaii

4.3(71 reviews)
0.6 mi
$$

Not just books…read more.. Though they do have wonderful selection on books for all ages I just love the other items they carry here from mugs to toys all are so cute and some specific for all occasions and with that they have a great selection of greeting cards as well. My favorite are the "Little Inspirations" as each one has a wonderful yet simple message that seem to express the cutest moment to help capture the vibe you're looking for and with that is $0.99 so you know I got a few along with some other items including cute gift items. The staff here are always so kind and welcoming browsing around here you'll never know what you'll find all done with such wonderful selection for family and friends and with them on the ground floor facing the parking garage getting there is easy. Thank you!

Back in 1983, Carl and Becky Ashizawa noticed limited resources on Christian book selections in HI…read morein contrast with the bigger stores on the Mainland. To provide the same resources to HI residents, the Ashizawas opened a bookstore at Fort St Mall in downtown Honolulu, which is part of a national chain of independently owned stores operating under the Association of Logos Bookstores. They named their store, Logos Bookstore of HI. "Logos" is a Greek word that means to reason, divine wisdom and in Christianity, refers to Jesus as the Word of God. Logos Bookstore carries bibles, spiritual guides, fiction books, music, gifts, and greeting cards. Being a Christian bookstore, its most important book is the Bible, and because they're expensive, Logos has a 15% discount to make it more affordable if purchased there. Logos has most of all Bible translations, and the Bibles come in various colors and sizes. At times, it was a struggle for the Ashizawas to keep the bookstore open. With Amazon, it was less expensive to purchase online instead of from a bookstore. The Ashizawas noted that it was free to ship books to the store for pickup and how purchasers could tap the knowledge of the Ashizawas in accessing resources in growing their relationship with Christianity. They've never closed but moved six times, seeking lesser rent. Logos has been housed at Ward Warehouse, then to Queen St, Halekauwila St, Keawe St, and now to Ward Centre. Hoping that this is their permanent location. I love the store's inventory! They have a wide range of items: * Bibles, and lots of them. * Crosses of all sizes, colors, and materials. * Church supplies (candles, communion trays, etc.). * Fictional and non-fictional books. * Colorful tote bags with scriptures printed on them. * Wired array of greeting cards. * Mugs with scripture sayings. * Children's books and games. * CDs and DVDs. * Anointing oil. * Jewelry. * Seasonal items - Mother's Day gifts, Christmas ornaments, Easter egg fillers. * Clothing. * Gift items. * Bookmarks and scripture cards. * Non-inventory special orders. I enjoy browsing in this store, as there is so much to look at. I love to purchase scripture cards, gift items, and greeting cards, which I have received compliments from those receiving them. Their gift items are thoughtful and Christ-centered, especially if one is seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ. I love their greeting cards, as Logos carries an extensive inventory of cute and beautiful cards for both Christian and non-Christian believers. And where else can you get personalized engraved names on bibles. Logos has a rewards program for military, clergy, and the public. For a set annual membership fee, you can get a percentage of books and most other items, including greeting cards! Plus, in receiving an e-mail newsletter each month, there is a 25% off coupon for any one book, music, DVD, or gift item of choice. Staff is very knowledgeable about their inventory, friendly and willing to help. Tap the wisdom and suggestions by the Ashikawas. Logos has a quiet atmosphere for you to browse leisurely. Staff leaves you alone, so no need to have someone watching over your shoulders. When paying, they will always ask if you have a rewards account so that you can get a discount. There is a fee for credit card purchases. With its glass walls and bright lighting, Logos stands out in the darkened covered area of Ward Centre in Ward Village. The store interior is very clean and bright. Merchandise is well displayed throughout the store, with every space taken to showcase their importance. Hours of operation are Mon to Sat 9:30a to 6p, Sun closed. I love the location of Logos, as it's on the ground floor in the middle of Ward Center and if you're fortunate enough, you might get score a space directly across from Logos. I've parked in these convenient spaces many times and have run in to get a greeting card and run out. These spaces and those in the regular parking structure are free and shared among the stores of Ward Centre. Logos is an excellent Christian bookstore for those seeking resources who want to deepen their relationship with Jesus. It's also an excellent bookstore for non-Christians to browse through their awesome inventory, some that are not necessarily faith-based. Glad that we have you, Logos! Support local!

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Idea's Music and Books - 670 Auahi St. A-6, Honolulu, HI 6813. Ph. 808-545-5002. In the Coral Commercial Center.

Idea's Music and Books

4.1(84 reviews)
0.7 miDowntown
$$

New name...same store. The new Jelly's with a new name brings back a ton of memories from when I…read morewas a kid. Love this place is still around! The selection of vinyl records, CDs and comic books is varied. You can spend hours here sorting through their stock just to see what you could possibly find. Many treasures and if you can sift through their stock. There is an organized chaos to their offerings. Some items require staff assistance and since they don't hover..you need to ask for what you need. Prices for the used books are okay. Love they have tons of sheet music for musicians or dabblers. They carry lotsa cool little action figures as well as funko pops! Parking is located in the front. Very easy to find.

This is a little late and might be a little moot since they're closing on 9/21. But I didn't even…read moreknow about this place until I saw an article that they were closing. Run by the same people who did Jelly's. I feel like anyone in the 80s and 90s will know them. It's pretty much the spiritual successor! I got hit by a wave a nostalgia stepping into the place. Tons of old comics and vinyl records, lots of books of various subjects lining their shelves. Even have figurines and CDs, DVDs and the like. They are currently having a closing sale with lots of things marked down 50% or more! If you have a chance make sure you stop by. I wish they could have continued to stay in business

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Idea's Music and Books
Idea's Music and Books
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BookEnds - Sitting place - surrounded by books

BookEnds

4.1(151 reviews)
10.1 mi
$$

Amazing customer service from Diana last night I called the book store to see if they had the…read morebigger Oahu map book . Diana advised me that she will put one on hold at the cashier desk . Took a drive out to Kailua this morning where this Bookends is located . Next door to Donut King and the old Times Kailua lots of parking available. I guess when you get old it's hard to see all the small Street names and locations in the regular size map book . Now i can see with this bigger Map book I'm a happy camper so now I can be efficient in my job . It's my first time at this book store looks like if you're looking for that hidden gem book that you can't find anywhere else come to this place they have all kinds of books . Support local

This store is huge in the amount of books it has. It's like your great grandpas library full of…read moredifferent books scattered everywhere, but in some sense of crazy Order, if that makes any sense, your ADHD brain could either be really activated or it could be overstimulated Price is vary. They're all over the place, but there is so much to choose from. The service here is really good unfortunately there was a lady here that tried to use a "" gift certificate that did not work and she was not very polite to the staff The staff handled it really well and they were still polite back, although it made for an uncomfortable experience everybody just carried on, and she proceeded to yell at people behind her as well. Some people just are having a day sometimes. I loved how many things there were to look at I unfortunately had to also think about the fact that I was gonna be flying home with weight but if you're a book lover, definitely stop by and give this place a look at

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BookEnds - Overwhelming

Overwhelming

BookEnds - Inside

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Book Off - Pearlridge Center - $1 books for youth

Book Off - Pearlridge Center

3.4(146 reviews)
8.5 mi
$$

Shoots, This Place is the So Da Bomb! Came in yesterday with two shopping carts stuffed with books…read moreand honestly didn't know what to expect -- but wow, this place totally exceeded my expectations! The owner greeted me right away with that warm, aloha spirit energy. No attitude, no long drawn-out process. She got straight to scanning my old dusty books while I waited, and when she was done, she texted me -- yes, texted me -- to let me know. Walked up, got my receipt, got my quote. Super professional, super smooth. Here's the best part: while I was waiting, I browsed around and found three gifts for my grandchildren that I knew they'd love. So in one trip I freed up a ton of space at home from books that had been taking up way too much room and knocked out some gift shopping. Win-win-win! The whole setup is easy too -- rolled the carts right from my car into the store, no stress. My friend was chillin' in the massage chair outside the whole time, so nobody's time was wasted. I was originally just gonna dump everything at Goodwill. So glad I didn't. I'm already planning to come back with my old DVDs and CDs just sitting my shed in the backyard. If you've got stuff collecting dust at home, bring it here first. You might walk out with cash in your pocket and a smile on your face. Highly recommend. 5/5, no question!

I wish this place was bigger. We still come by here when we are in the area, but a bigger location…read morewould be nice with quiet nooks for reading.

Photos
Book Off - Pearlridge Center - Figurines

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Book Off - Pearlridge Center - $1 books for adults

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Na Mea Hawai'i - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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