Kailua-Kona Public Library

Address

75-138 Hualalai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States
808-327-4327
Kailua-Kona Public Library

About

Welcome to the Kailua-Kona Public Library! Designed by architect George Iwasaki, our library opened on a leap day – Feb. 29, 1992. It is the second largest and second busiest library on Hawaii Island. We have a drive-through bookdrop and won an exemplary architectural design award from the Commission on Persons with Disabilities.


Upcoming events at this branch

Pen Pals Project sign with Summer Reading Challenge logo and postal stamps for Hawaiʻi and Arizona

PROJECT SCHEDULE:

  • WRITE TO PEN PALS: Tuesday-Saturday, June 1-July 28, All Day Drop-In Activity
  • PEN PAL ZOOM PARTY: Saturday, July 29 at 10:00 A.M.

Make new friends and learn about Arizona! Visit the library throughout the summer to write postcards to the keiki of the Apache Junction Public Library.

Remember to return to the library often to read and reply to mail from our friends abroad!

On Saturday, July 29th at 10:00 A.M., join us at the Kailua-Kona Public Library for a Zoom party with the friends we’ve made in Apache Junction, featuring goodies from Arizona!

This program is suitable for keiki in 2nd grade through 5th grade. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.

Mahalo nui to the Friends of the Libraries, Kona(F.O.L.K.) for sponsoring this program!

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.

 

Muolaulani hula dancers

Celebrate the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge!

Mu‘olaulani is a contemporary Hawaiian dance company showcasing hula at its highest art form. Artistic Director and Kumu Hula (Dance Master) Michael Pili Pang brings to the stage Hawaiian rituals, myths, and legends with a contemporary flair, to tell the stories of Hawai‘i and its rich culture.

This free 45-minute program is suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i and the 2023 Summer Reading sponsors. This program is a production of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Outreach College Statewide Cultural Extension Program with funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

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.

Intro to ʻukulele with Maka. SRC logo and ʻukulele with ferns.

Celebrate the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge!

Learn the basics of playing the ʻukulele with Maka! Maka is a singer-songwriter, recording artist, and accomplished performer on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Known for her unique play style, versatility, and powerful voice, Maka continues to create music that is true to who she is.

B.Y.O.U. (Bring Your Own ʻUkulele) or reserve an ʻukulele and tuner online while supplies last; please call the library if you need assistance with reservations.

This free 1-hour program is suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. Mahalo nui to the Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.) for sponsoring this program!

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.

The No-Cook Cookbook book cover

Join us for this fun food event. Learn some easy, no-bake recipes and taste test them all!

Suitable for ages 12+ and requires advanced registration. Please inform the event organizer of any food allergies prior to the event.

Program is proudly sponsored by Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.).

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. 

movie poster Moana

Join us for movie matinees this summer! Fun for the whole family. Bring a comfy chair and relax and beverages in closed containers are allowed. Light snacks will be provided.

June 15: Moana ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi  (voiced in the Hawaiian language with English subtitles) (Rated PG; 113 minutes)

July 6: Lilo and Stitch (Rated PG; 85 minutes)

July 20: Big Hero 6 (Rated PG; 102 minutes)

This program is proudly sponsored by Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.).

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. 

 

Web graphic for Listen! Taste! Create! Kalo Story Time featuring the Summer Reading Challenge 2023 logo and clipart of an open book with stars

Celebrate the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge!

Join Ms. Jen the Kids Librarian for a sensory exploration of kalo, commonly known as taro.

  • Listen to a story about kalo and its connection to ʻohana (family)
  • Taste samples of Hawaiian kalo dishes, including poi and kūlolo
  • Create hand-print stamp art of your moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy)

This program is suitable for children and families.
Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult 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.

Mahalo nui to the Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.) for sponsoring this program!

Family Game Day

Bring your family, bring your friends to family board game nights this summer at your library!

Tuesday June 27, July 11, July 25.

Light snacks will be provided by our sponsor, Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.). Beverages in closed containers are permitted.

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. 

Decorative

2023 Summer Reading Challenge logoIn celebration of the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge!

In pre-war and the World War II years of the 1930’s to 1950’s, Hawai‘i entered the world scene. From the popular radio show, “Hawai‘i Calls” hosted by Webley Edwards and the appeal of Hawaiian music on the mainland which featured such legendary artists as Gabby Pahinui, Johnny Alameida, Alfred Apaka, and the hapa-haole music of R. Alex Anderson.

The World War II years, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, were an era of dramatic transition and change culturally, socially, economically, environmentally and politically. How those changes affected the lives of ordinary residents during that era were recorded and published by the Center for Oral History. Their words will be dramatically interpreted by narrators from the Statewide Cultural Extension Program Readers’ Theatre Ensemble with a sampling of music from that period.

Readers’ Theatre Ensemble members:
Nyla Fujii-Babb, Joseph Miller, Janine Oshiro, Dann Seki, and Bailey Matsuda


This is a production of the University of Hawai‘i Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program with funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the University of Hawai‘i.

Photos provided by the University of Hawai‘i Center For Oral History.


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.

Lilo & Stitch movie poster

Join us for movie matinees this summer! Fun for the whole family. Bring a comfy chair and relax and beverages in closed containers are allowed. Light snacks will be provided.

July 6: Lilo and Stitch (Rated PG; 85 minutes)

July 20: Big Hero 6 (Rated PG; 102 minutes)

Sponsored by Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.).

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. 

a turtle made from folded book

Try your hands at book folding and create a honu design. Perfect for beginners but fun if you’ve tried book folding before. Snacks will be provided.

Suitable for ages 12+, online RSVP required and space is limited. Call the library with questions.

This program is proudly sponsored by Friends of the Libraries, Kona. (F.O.L.K.)

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 CLOSED - CLOSED
Tuesday 12:00PM - 7:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Friday 11:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday CLOSED - CLOSED

Access

Parking spots 23
Parking fee Free
Handicap parking spots 2
Book drop off Yes
Restrooms Yes

Services

Computers 20
Magazines 38
Newspapers 5
WiFi Yes
Friends' book store No
Free computer classes Yes
Meeting rooms No
Photocopying Yes
Test proctoring services Yes

In state observance of the Memorial Day holiday, all public libraries will be closed Saturday through Monday, May 27 to 29, 2023.