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Hawai‘i 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.
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.
Upcoming events at this branch
- April 22, 2026 - May 21, 2026
- Categories: Books, Games, Learning, Poetry
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Discover hidden poetry around the library through May 5, 2026!
Explore the Language, Literature & History section in honor of National Poetry Month! You can collect stickers as mini rewards. Completed scavenger hunts are eligible to receive a prize!*
For ages 13 +
*One prize per participant while supplies last
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.
- April 22, 2026 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Categories: Community, Culture, Environment
- Contact: 808-586-3500
In celebration of Earth Day, the Hawaiʻi State Library’s Social Science and Philosophy section is giving away free plant cuttings from April 22-25, 2026 (while supplies last). Please visit the Social Science and Philosophy Reference Desk to choose a small plant cutting.
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.
- April 23, 2026 - May 22, 2026
- Categories: Books, Games, Learning, Poetry
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Discover hidden poetry around the library through May 5, 2026!
Explore the Language, Literature & History section in honor of National Poetry Month! You can collect stickers as mini rewards. Completed scavenger hunts are eligible to receive a prize!*
For ages 13 +
*One prize per participant while supplies last
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.
- April 23, 2026 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Categories: Community, Culture, Environment
- Contact: 808-586-3500
In celebration of Earth Day, the Hawaiʻi State Library’s Social Science and Philosophy section is giving away free plant cuttings from April 22-25, 2026 (while supplies last). Please visit the Social Science and Philosophy Reference Desk to choose a small plant cutting.
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.
- April 24, 2026 - May 23, 2026
- Categories: Books, Games, Learning, Poetry
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Discover hidden poetry around the library through May 5, 2026!
Explore the Language, Literature & History section in honor of National Poetry Month! You can collect stickers as mini rewards. Completed scavenger hunts are eligible to receive a prize!*
For ages 13 +
*One prize per participant while supplies last
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.
- April 25, 2026 - May 24, 2026
- Categories: Books, Games, Learning, Poetry
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Discover hidden poetry around the library through May 5, 2026!
Explore the Language, Literature & History section in honor of National Poetry Month! You can collect stickers as mini rewards. Completed scavenger hunts are eligible to receive a prize!*
For ages 13 +
*One prize per participant while supplies last
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.
- April 25, 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.
- April 25, 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.
- April 27, 2026 - May 26, 2026
- Categories: Books, Games, Learning, Poetry
- Contact: 808-586-3500
Discover hidden poetry around the library through May 5, 2026!
Explore the Language, Literature & History section in honor of National Poetry Month! You can collect stickers as mini rewards. Completed scavenger hunts are eligible to receive a prize!*
For ages 13 +
*One prize per participant while supplies last
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.
- April 27, 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.
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 |
