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Hawai‘i State Library
The Hawai‘i State Library is an authorized Passport Acceptance Facility. Learn about passport processing hours and requirements.
The library’s Audiovisual Section, which houses an extensive DVD and CD collection, is open daily. Monday through Friday the AV Section closes from 11:00 am to 2 pm. The AV Section is open for browsing Thursday evening, and all day Saturday.
About
Welcome to the Hawai‘i State Library, the flagship of the Hawai‘i State Public Library System! With financial assistance from Andrew Carnegie, the present location was acquired and the existing building was built and opened on Feb. 1, 1913. We have a variety of special resources, most notably our Hawai‘i & Pacific Section, the Edna Allyn Room Children’s collection, and also the Federal Documents Section, which has been a Selective Federal Depository Library since 1929. We are located in the historic capitol district of Honolulu, next door to the only Royal Palace in the United States.
Upcoming events at this branch
- March 9, 2026 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am
- Categories: Books, Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us in the Edna Allyn Room for Children for lap-sit storytime! Bring your babies (0-23 months) and a blanket for stories, interactive rhymes, and songs in this 30-minute program.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
All programs are subject to change. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required.
- March 14, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us for Children’s Storytime on Saturdays at the Hawai’i State Library. Families can enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, and crafts. Best for ages 3-5; all ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. Program schedule is subject to change.
- March 14, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Categories: Arts & Crafts, Culture, Learning
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Learn the art of lei making at the Hawaii State Library on the 2nd Floor, Art, Music & Recreation Section.
We will be making ti leaf lei just in time for your next graduation celebration or family lūʻau.
All supplies will be provided, just bring yourself and/or a friend or family member.
Space is limited, reserve your space by calling (808)586-3520.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to
participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more
before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change.
- March 16, 2026 - March 21, 2026
- Categories: Arts & Crafts
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us in the Edna Allyn Room for self-guided crafts during Spring Break (March 16-21).
While supplies last. First come, first served. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
- March 16, 2026 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am
- Categories: Books, Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us in the Edna Allyn Room for Children for lap-sit storytime! Bring your babies (0-23 months) and a blanket for stories, interactive rhymes, and songs in this 30-minute program.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
All programs are subject to change. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required.
- March 18, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
- Categories: Arts & Crafts
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Call all teens ages 12 to 18 years old!
Visit the downtown Hawaiʻi State Library and learn the art of kumihimo, a traditional Japanese braiding technique featured in the film Your Name and the manga/anime series, My Happy Marriage.
We’ll show you how to create a keychain in the colors of your favorite fandom with this method! While supplies last. First come, first served. Questions? Call the Young Adult Section at 808-586-3490.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
- March 21, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us for Children’s Storytime on Saturdays at the Hawai’i State Library. Families can enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, and crafts. Best for ages 3-5; all ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. Program schedule is subject to change.
- March 21, 2026 @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- Categories: Books, Branch book clubs, Culture
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us for our monthly Spanish Book Club!
El Rincón Literario de Hawaiʻi will meet to share and discuss “Eva Luna” by Isabel Allende. Limited copies of the book are available in the Hawaiʻi State Public Library system.
¡Únase a nosotros mientras lanzamos un nuevo club de lectura para hispanohablantes!
El Rincón Literario de Hawaiʻi se reunirá para compartir y discutir “Eva Luna” de Isabel Allende. Hay copias limitadas del libro disponibles en el sistema de bibliotecas públicas del estado de Hawáiʻi.
Para más información contacte a Pamela Shepard Garcia, (808) 570-9977.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
- March 23, 2026 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am
- Categories: Books, Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us in the Edna Allyn Room for Children for lap-sit storytime! Bring your babies (0-23 months) and a blanket for stories, interactive rhymes, and songs in this 30-minute program.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
All programs are subject to change. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required.
- March 28, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am
- Categories: Storytime (for kids)
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Join us for Children’s Storytime on Saturdays at the Hawai’i State Library. Families can enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, and crafts. Best for ages 3-5; all ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. Program schedule is subject to change.
Hours
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | CLOSED - CLOSED |
Access
| Parking spots | 0 |
| Parking fee | Metered |
| Handicap parking spots | 0 |
| Book drop off | Yes |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Services
| Computers | 54 |
| Magazines | 208 |
| Newspapers | 24 |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Friends' book store | Yes |
| Free computer classes | Yes |
| Meeting rooms | No |
| Photocopying | Yes |
| Test proctoring services | No |
