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

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.

Kpop demon hunters standing in the round with backs to each other

Join us for the last Teen Table of 2025! We’ll do some K-pop Demon Hunter paper activities in the auditorium.  All materials are provided. Light snacks will be available, while supplies last. Program is suitable for those in Gr. 6 to 12. Limit is 12, 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.

Picture of children and families with books

Story time is a wonderful way to explore the world of books and learn new things. Join us for a special keiki storytime with Elizabeth Mattson, author of A Beach Day with Pa, A Summer Job with Pa, and First Day of School with Mrs. Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. 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, the Daniel Kahikina Akaka Family Foundation (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.

Bundle of Ti-leaf lei

Join librarian Ku’ulei Vaughan to make a simple ti-leaf lei as college graduations and the holidays begin. All leaves are provided and were gathered from our library’s ʻāina (land). Program is suitable for those in Gr. 5 to Adults. There are 10 spots available, and sign-up is required, either in-person or by phone at the library branch. There is no wait list, but walk-ins are welcome on the program day for any open spots.

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 may be holiday-themed and is TBD – to be determined. 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.

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.

Santa Claus Story Time 2025

Celebrate the holiday season at the Library!

Santa Claus will be spreading joy through a delightful 30-minute story session, sharing beloved holiday tales, and taking photos with keiki and their families. Use your own camera to capture the special moment with Santa! Keiki will receive a special gift, while supplies last.

Recommended for children ages 3 to 6, but all ages are welcome to this free event. All children must be accompanied by a parent or 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.

Ōlelo Community Media logo

Get your voice heard and showcase your media creativity on local television!

Join us at the Kalihi-Palama Public Library as staff from ʻŌlelo Community Media, Oʻahu’s nonprofit community Public, Education, and Government (PEG) access provider, introduce their state-of-the-art video equipment and training services!

Whether you want to use media as a creative, educational, or professional tool, their classes and workshops provide you with a range of skillsets and certifications, from basic camera operations and digital editing to studio productions and live event broadcasts.

When your voice thrives, so does your community!

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 | Support Hawaiʻi’s communities by donating canned and nonperishable food items at your local public library now through November 14.

ALERT #2 | In holiday observance of Veterans Day, all public libraries will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

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.