Hilo Public Library

Address

300 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, United States
Directions

TEL: 808-933-8888

Hilo Public Library

About

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.


Upcoming events at this branch

image of board games

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.

closeup of woven fabric

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.

Adaka Dog

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.

kids playing musical instruments

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.

image of board games

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.

Cartoon animals reading books. Storytime

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.

kids playing musical instruments

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.

Philharmonic Music

Kamuela Philharmonic OrchestraThe 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.

image of board games

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.

How Democracies Die book cover
Discussion of How Democracies Die; What History Reveals About Our Future.
A 2018 bestseller about democratic back sliding and how elected leaders can gradually subvert the democratic process to increase their power.
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.

Hours

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

Access

Parking spots 50
Parking fee Free
Handicap parking spots 3
Book drop off Yes
Restrooms Yes

Services

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.

ALERT | All public libraries will be closed in observance of Memorial Day from Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25, 2026.

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