Kalihi-Palama 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-Palama Public Library! Designed by architect Vladimir Ossipoff,  called “the master of Hawaii 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

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.

Arts & Crafts

Let’s be creative and fun. Come and join us for arts and crafts time at the library! Crafts from previous storytimes and other library programs will be available once again for patrons to make. All materials will be provided while supplies last. All young children must be accompanied by an adult. Open to children and adults.

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.

Musician Grant Kono headshot

A kickoff to our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge program

Join us as musician Grant Kono shares mele (songs) and mo’olelo (stories) of his journey to merge his music and singing skills with his love of Hawaiian music. Grant, along with Dane Fujiwara and Ekolu Chang, form the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning group Ei Nei. Learn more about the group at Ei Nei Website. Program is suitable for families.

This program is sponsored by Friends of the Kalihi-Pālama Public Library.

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 music group Kualoa At Dawn and hula dancer

A kickoff to our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge program

Come and enjoy musical group Kualoa at Dawn as they share Hawaiian mele (songs) and hula (dance). Along with musicians Poki’i Vaughan and Leonard Jenkins, hula dancer Caroline will encourage audience participation in hula. Program is suitable for families.

This program is sponsored by Friends of the Kalihi-Pālama Public Library.

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 avatar of librarian Ruby Redona

A kickoff to our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge program

Learn about the relationship between music and stories with school librarian and Zumba instructor Ruby Redona. She’s a seasoned educator, who has worked as an elementary school teacher and a librarian in Hawai‘i public schools. She is currently the K-3 Library Media Specialist at Kamehameha Schools – Kapālama. After the presentation, Ruby will lead the audience in a series of Zumba songs! Program is suitable for an elementary-aged audience, but all ages are welcome.

Limit is 24 for the Zumba portion due to space limits, and is first-come, first-served.

This program is sponsored by Friends of the Kalihi-Pālama Public Library.

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.

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 connects to our Summer Reading theme of mele. It is Anna and the Apocalypse (2017) directed by John McPhail. It’s a zombie Christmas musical. 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.

Bubbles against blue sky

Join us for a special themed storytime for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Keiki will enjoy a few stories, rhymes or songs, and an outdoor activity. Materials will be provided. Program is suitable for all ages.

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.

Hawaii forest

2025 is the Year of Community Forests. Pua Heimuli from the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry & Wildlife will share information about native plants, animals and insects found on Oʻahu. This free one-hour event is suitable for all ages. Learn more about native flora and fauna before the event by checking out our display of featured books.

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 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 King Kamehameha Day, all public libraries will be closed on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Memorial Day, all public libraries will be closed from Saturday to Monday, May 24 to 26, 2025.