Kalihi-Pālama Public Library

Address

1325 Kalihi St, Honolulu, HI 96819, United States
Directions

TEL: 808-832-3466

Kalihi-Palama Public Library

About

Welcome to the Kalihi-Pālama Public Library! Designed by architect Vladimir Ossipoff,  called “the master of Hawai‘i modern architecture,” our library opened on Sept. 9, 1949. One of the few HSPLS libraries with an auditorium, ours is unique and popular- booked a year in advance. On Sept. 9, 2014, our library celebrated its 65th Anniversary.


Upcoming events at this branch

Pug standing on a stack of books

Join us for a special keiki storytime with therapy dogs at the library! Keiki will enjoy listening to a story first before getting a chance to either pet or read aloud a story of their own without pressure and judgement to a therapy dog. This program is free and suitable for all ages. Parent or caregiver must be present when child is participating in this program. A sign up sheet will be available at the Reference Desk on the day of the program. Sessions with a therapy dog are 10 minutes long. Walk-ins welcome as space permits. This program in collaboration with volunteers from K9 TheraPets.

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.

T-shirt bag with pac-man game characters

Join us on Friday in the teen loft. Bring in a well-used t-shirt and upcycle it into a no-sew bag!  It is easy to make, use, and clean. If you don’t have one, we’ll have a few shirts on hand. Program is suitable for those in Gr. 5 and up. Limit is 10 people and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

Picture of children and families with books

Join us for a special storytime!

Story time is a wonderful way to explore the world of books and learn new things. Join us in hearing stories from a volunteer reader with Ohana 100, DKAFF. As a part of Ohana 100, DKAFF’s commitment to early literacy and education, they will be giving away free books at the storytime. This program is suitable for children aged 0 – 5.

Program hosted in partnership with Ohana 100, DKAFF.

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.

cartoon cat and lion next to stack of book with words story time

Join us for keiki storytime. Keiki will enjoy a few stories, rhymes or songs, and do a craft or creative activity. Materials will be provided. Program is best suited for children ages 3 – 5 years old, but families are welcome. 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. All programs are subject to change.

preschool kids on books like a playground

Come enjoy games or puzzles at the library! A small selection of games or puzzles of different varieties and difficulties will be on hand. With games and puzzles, children can improve spatial awareness, cognitive abilities, social skills, and more through play. Suitable for all ages. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver at all times.

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.

A person doing a job search on a laptop

How can I get help with my job search and applying for a new job? How can I level up my computer skills and resume to be a better job candidate? Visit the library to meet with a representative from WorkHawai‘i who will help patrons answer these questions and more. Receive one-on-one job placement assistance and informational resources about WorkHawai‘i programs. This program is a partnership with the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Community Services.

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.

cartoon cat and lion next to stack of book with words story time

Join us for keiki storytime. Keiki will enjoy a few stories, rhymes or songs, and do a craft or creative activity. Materials will be provided. Program is best suited for children ages 3 – 5 years old, but families are welcome. 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. All programs are subject to change.

popcorn and filmstrip

Come in to see a free rated-R movie. Participants must be 18 yrs. and older to watch the movie.  The movie is Nobody (2021) – an action film starring Bob Odenkirk. See it right before the sequel comes out! An alternate movie will be shown if viewing rights change closer to the program date.

You may bring in outside food and drink. A light snack will be available while supplies last. Audience limit is 10, and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

cartoon cat and lion next to stack of book with words story time

Join us for keiki storytime. Keiki will enjoy a few stories, rhymes or songs, and do a craft or creative activity. Materials will be provided. Program is best suited for children ages 3 – 5 years old, but families are welcome. 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. All programs are subject to change.

Picture of children and families with books

Join us for a special storytime!

Story time is a wonderful way to explore the world of books and learn new things. Join us in hearing stories from a volunteer reader with Ohana 100, DKAFF. As a part of Ohana 100, DKAFF’s commitment to early literacy and education, they will be giving away free books at the storytime. This program is suitable for children aged 0 – 5.

Program hosted in partnership with Ohana 100, DKAFF.

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 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 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 36
Parking fee Free
Handicap parking spots 2
Book drop off Yes
Restrooms Yes

Services

Computers 10
Magazines 40
Newspapers 5
WiFi Yes
Friends' book store Yes
Free computer classes Yes
Meeting rooms Yes
Photocopying Yes
Test proctoring services No

ALERT | In holiday observance of Statehood Day, all public libraries will be closed on Friday, August 15, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Labor Day, all public libraries will be closed August 30 to September 1, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Veterans Day, all public libraries will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

ALERT | Northstar Digital Literacy will have a scheduled downtime on Thursday, July 17 starting at 6pm HST, in order to implement improvements. Northstar will be unavailable during this time. We expect the downtime to last 2 hours. Mahalo for your patience.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Thanksgiving Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Christmas Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of New Year's Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026.