Welcome to the Hilo Public Library! Our library is the largest library on Hawai‘i Island and opened on Jan. 20, 1951. The Naha, one of two historic stones located in front of the library, is believed to be what King Kamehameha lifted to affirm the prophecy that he would unite the Hawaiian Islands. Well-known Hawai‘i Island artist Henry Bianchini’s donated sculpture “Involuntary Journey” is located in the library’s atrium.
Game on! Join us Wednesday evenings on the library’s lanai from 4:30-6:30 pm for Scrabble play and more. We also have an assortment of other board games to choose from.
Please check out games from the Reference Desk and enjoy them quietly on the designated lanai tables. You may also bring games from home to share.
Program is suitable for ages 8 to adult. Children must be always 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 and will not be held on State holidays.
Location: Program Room
Are you curious about textiles and handcrafted items? Welcome to the beautiful craft of handweaving!
Join us at Hilo Public Library the third Saturday of each month to show off the latest projects you have been working on, learn about new techniques, and enjoy the company of fellow handweaving enthusiasts! Open to handweavers of all skill levels.
Visit Hawaii Handweavers’ Hui for more information.
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.
Meet our newest therapy dog Adaka! This program is designed to give children and teens a chance to enjoy reading aloud with no pressure and no judgment. However, if you don’t want to read to the dog, you can just visit. All the dogs that participate are specially trained and can help kids of all ages practice reading aloud without judgment. If you want a comfortable setting to practice your reading fluency, reading comprehension, or comfort with canines in general, this is the event for you. Registration is not required.
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.
This program is designed for ages birth through early elementary. Participants will use interactive props and and instruments to encourage musical participation. Attend one class or all ten. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience. Registration is not required and instruments/props will be provided. This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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.
Game on! Join us Wednesday evenings on the library’s lanai from 4:30-6:30 pm for Scrabble play and more. We also have an assortment of other board games to choose from.
Please check out games from the Reference Desk and enjoy them quietly on the designated lanai tables. You may also bring games from home to share.
Program is suitable for ages 8 to adult. Children must be always 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 and will not be held on State holidays.
Our community partner, Parents and Children Together, will be hosting a special story time and craft. Join us in the children’s room for this program. Recommend for ages 2 and up with adult supervision. Caregivers and families welcome.
To learn more, visit: Parents and Children Together
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.
This program is designed for ages birth through early elementary. Participants will use interactive props and and instruments to encourage musical participation. Attend one class or all ten. All classes will be taught by Melissa Sigh, who has 26 years of teaching experience. Registration is not required and instruments/props will be provided. This program is free to participants and funded by a grant through Hawaii Community Foundation and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
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.
Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra
The Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society is a nonprofit charity dedicated to bringing live, high-quality orchestral music to audiences on Hawai‘i Island. The Kamuela Philharmonic celebrates and promotes the timeless beauty of classical music, as well as the rich cultural and musical traditions of the Hawaiian people.
Through our Children’s Concerts and other forms of educational and community outreach, we nurture a love and understanding of orchestral music in young people.
Game on! Join us Wednesday evenings on the library’s lanai from 4:30-6:30 pm for Scrabble play and more. We also have an assortment of other board games to choose from.
Please check out games from the Reference Desk and enjoy them quietly on the designated lanai tables. You may also bring games from home to share.
Program is suitable for ages 8 to adult. Children must be always 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 and will not be held on State holidays.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | CLOSED - CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | CLOSED - CLOSED |
| Parking spots | 50 |
| Parking fee | Free |
| Handicap parking spots | 3 |
| Book drop off | Yes |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Computers | 10 |
| Magazines | 50 |
| Newspapers | 8 |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Friends' book store | Yes |
| Free computer classes | No |
| Meeting rooms | No |
| Photocopying | Yes |
| Test proctoring services | No |
ALERT | In holiday observance of Presidents' Day, all public libraries will be closed from Saturday to Monday, February 14 to 16, 2026.
ALERT | Access to the Scholastic BookFlix electronic resource will be discontinued effective May 21, 2026.
ALERT | All public libraries will be closed in state observance of King Kamehameha Day on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
