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.

Address

478 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
Directions

TEL: 808-586-3500

Hawaii State Library

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

Parol Exhibit
A traditional star-shaped Filipino Parol

Celebrate the season with color and creativity! All December long, the Hawaiʻi State Library will feature a festive Parol Exhibit in the front lobby, open for viewing during all regular library hours. This special display is presented in collaboration with the Filipino Association of University Women.

A Parol is a bright, star-shaped lantern from the Philippines, traditionally made from bamboo, paper, or capiz shells. Parols have been crafted for generations and are now cherished as a joyful symbol of community, hope, and Filipino cultural pride. Their origins go back to early Filipino traditions of creating handmade lanterns to light up towns and neighborhoods during year-end celebrations.

Teen Holiday Scavenger Hunt
teen looking for a book on the top shelf

Get to know the Teen Section at the downtown Hawaii State Library! Grab a game sheet at the Young Adult Reference Desk and find all the video game icons hidden in our space! Return completed sheet for a prize! While supplies last. Recommended for ages 12 to 18 years old. 

Parol Exhibit
A traditional star-shaped Filipino Parol

Celebrate the season with color and creativity! All December long, the Hawaiʻi State Library will feature a festive Parol Exhibit in the front lobby, open for viewing during all regular library hours. This special display is presented in collaboration with the Filipino Association of University Women.

A Parol is a bright, star-shaped lantern from the Philippines, traditionally made from bamboo, paper, or capiz shells. Parols have been crafted for generations and are now cherished as a joyful symbol of community, hope, and Filipino cultural pride. Their origins go back to early Filipino traditions of creating handmade lanterns to light up towns and neighborhoods during year-end celebrations.

Children’s Storytime
cartoon animals reading a book

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.

Parol Exhibit
A traditional star-shaped Filipino Parol

Celebrate the season with color and creativity! All December long, the Hawaiʻi State Library will feature a festive Parol Exhibit in the front lobby, open for viewing during all regular library hours. This special display is presented in collaboration with the Filipino Association of University Women.

A Parol is a bright, star-shaped lantern from the Philippines, traditionally made from bamboo, paper, or capiz shells. Parols have been crafted for generations and are now cherished as a joyful symbol of community, hope, and Filipino cultural pride. Their origins go back to early Filipino traditions of creating handmade lanterns to light up towns and neighborhoods during year-end celebrations.

Baby Storytime
seated parent with child on lap look at book. ABC, music notes, and stars surround them
  • December 22, 2025 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 pm
  • 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. 

Parol Exhibit
A traditional star-shaped Filipino Parol

Celebrate the season with color and creativity! All December long, the Hawaiʻi State Library will feature a festive Parol Exhibit in the front lobby, open for viewing during all regular library hours. This special display is presented in collaboration with the Filipino Association of University Women.

A Parol is a bright, star-shaped lantern from the Philippines, traditionally made from bamboo, paper, or capiz shells. Parols have been crafted for generations and are now cherished as a joyful symbol of community, hope, and Filipino cultural pride. Their origins go back to early Filipino traditions of creating handmade lanterns to light up towns and neighborhoods during year-end celebrations.

Parol Exhibit
A traditional star-shaped Filipino Parol

Celebrate the season with color and creativity! All December long, the Hawaiʻi State Library will feature a festive Parol Exhibit in the front lobby, open for viewing during all regular library hours. This special display is presented in collaboration with the Filipino Association of University Women.

A Parol is a bright, star-shaped lantern from the Philippines, traditionally made from bamboo, paper, or capiz shells. Parols have been crafted for generations and are now cherished as a joyful symbol of community, hope, and Filipino cultural pride. Their origins go back to early Filipino traditions of creating handmade lanterns to light up towns and neighborhoods during year-end celebrations.

Carol Singing
Three carolers holding books and with mouths agape.

Celebrate the season with song! Join us on the second floor in the Arts, Music, and Recreation reading room for casual, midday musical merriment. Sing, strum, and/or jingle along to your holiday favorites!

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.

Parol Exhibit
A traditional star-shaped Filipino Parol

Celebrate the season with color and creativity! All December long, the Hawaiʻi State Library will feature a festive Parol Exhibit in the front lobby, open for viewing during all regular library hours. This special display is presented in collaboration with the Filipino Association of University Women.

A Parol is a bright, star-shaped lantern from the Philippines, traditionally made from bamboo, paper, or capiz shells. Parols have been crafted for generations and are now cherished as a joyful symbol of community, hope, and Filipino cultural pride. Their origins go back to early Filipino traditions of creating handmade lanterns to light up towns and neighborhoods during year-end celebrations.

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 2
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

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ALERT | In holiday observance of Christmas, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
On Christmas Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 24) all public libraries that normally offer evening hours will close no later than 4 p.m.

ALERT | In holiday observance of New Year's Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
On New Year's Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 31) all public libraries that normally offer evening hours will close no later than 4 p.m.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, all public libraries will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Presidents' Day, all public libraries will be closed from Saturday to Monday, February 14 to 16, 2026.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, March 26, 2026.