Kalihi-Pālama Public Library

Address

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

TEL: 808-832-3466

Kalihi-Palama Branch Picture

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

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.

Storyteller Dave Del Rocco

Storyteller Dave Del Rocco will share folktales from different parts of the world. These tales, appropriate for all ages but especially for children ages 5-12, are mostly funny and explain how different cultures view aspects of their world.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i. This is a production of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension 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. Program schedule is subject to change.

popcorn and filmstrip

This summer, come see a free PG-13 movie. Viewers must be 13 yrs. and older to watch the movie.  The movie is connected to the Summer Reading Challenge theme of food. Attendees will choose from 2 movie selections, which is TBA. You may bring in outside food and drink. A light snack is provided, 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.

Illustration of a coastal environment including beaches, tide pools, fish ponds, native birds, native plants, and people. Text reads "Year of our Coastal Kuleana"

2026 is Makahiki Kuleana Kahakai: the Year of Our Coastal Kuleana.

Discover Hawaiʻi’s living shoreline, learning about limu, coral reefs, native fish, and how nearshore ecosystems support life across our islands. A local expert will share insights into nearby coastal habitats, the species that depend on them, along with hands-on ways to help protect, restore our waters through conservation and volunteer efforts. This free, 30-minute program is suitable for all ages.

Presented by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife, in partnership with local conservation organizations.


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.

Image credit: Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources

Movie posters for the movies: "The wild robot" and "Cloudy with a chance of meatballs"

The Wild Robot from 2:00pm – 3:45pm: After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island’s animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs from 4:00pm – 5:45pm: An inventor and a weather-reporter intern try to discover why the sky is raining food instead of water in this adaptation of the children’s book by Ron and Judi Barrett.

Both movies are rated PG. Light refreshments will be provided while supplies last. Outside food is permitted.

Sponsored by the Friends of 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. 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.

Loose colored Perler beads.

Visit our Teen Table to do a creative activity. This month, we’ll make a Perler bead food charm. All materials will be provided, including some patterns. Program is for those in Gr. 5 to 12. Limit is 10, and is first-come, first-served.

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

Sign up for a reading buddy!

This program is designed to give people a chance to enjoy reading aloud without pressure or judgement, which can help to build confidence and improve reading skills. Come and practice your reading, and participate in games and activities.

There are 3 slots available for this program. Sign up is highly encouraged.

As a part of Ohana 100, DKAFF’s commitment to early literacy and education, they will be giving away free books at every session. This program is suitable for children aged K-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.

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.

preschool kids on books like a playground

Come enjoy games and puzzles at the library!

A small selection of games and 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.

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 #1 | Libraries will observe the Independence Day holiday July 3–5, 2026.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE | In observance of Statehood Day, all public libraries will be closed on Friday, August 21, 2026.

ALERT | In observance of Labor Day, all public libraries will be closed Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, 2026.

ALERT #2 | Network Maintenance – Sunday, July 5, 2026, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm HST. Access to our website and online services will be unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.