Welcome to the Nāʻālehu Public Library! One of the smallest libraries in HSPLS, our 775- sq. ft. “portable” library building opened in its present location on Feb. 24, 1994. Following a two year expansion project, the newly-renovated 1,676-sq. ft. library reopened on November 15, 2021. The Library expansion project was a partnership between the Hawai‘i State Public Library System, the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i, and the United States Department of Agriculture that provided grant funding to expand the building.
Nāʻālehu is considered the “southernmost community in the USA” which would make our library the “southernmost library in the USA.” Our library serves patrons from Nāʻālehu through Ocean View.
The Nāʻālehu Public Library participates in ʻOhana Readers, a literacy program that focuses on reading with family as an affiliate program of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program offers high-quality, age-appropriate Imagination Library books each month to children who are under the age of five.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program is a ZIP code based mailing program. Families must live a specific Hawaii Island ZIP codes to participate.
To register, click your ZIP code to download the registration form or visit the branch. You may return the form by mail or drop it off at the branch. The participating library will also offer programs that complement the books the children receive, and will provide other activities to promote literacy and reading.
For more information, visit the ‘Ohana Readers website.
Drop-in between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm every Tuesday evening to enjoy an evening of games with family and friends.
We’ll have our games available (Clue, Sorry!, Candyland, Tsuro, and many more), or bring family-friendly games you’d like to share.
Children aged 5 and younger must be accompanied by an 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. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
Join us as we celebrate Mele with a free local documentary film screening!
Li‘a: The Legacy of a Hawaiian Man is an award-winning documentary that celebrates the music and spirit of revered Big Island performer and composer, Sam Liʻa Kalainaina (1881-1975). It is also about a place, Waipi‘o Valley, and a life shaped and nourished by that place. This 74-minute film is suitable for ages 7 and up.
Free documentary copies will be provided, while supplies last.
Mahalo to The Hawaiian Legacy Foundation for generously sponsoring this film screening event and for their gracious donation of DVD and CD copies.
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.
Come one, come all to our very first Musical Talent Show! Seasoned and first-time performers of all ages are invited to share their music-related talents in honor of our Summer Reading Challenge theme: Mele.
Singing, dancing, poetry – all are welcome!
This will not be a judged event; instead, everyone who participates will be entered into a lucky prize drawing for fun and unique musical instruments.
Please visit the library or call 808-939-2442 for more information or to sign-up!
Please note that there will be a mandatory dress rehearsal July 11, 2025 at 1pm at the 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 at librarieshawaii.org/events
Drop-in between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm every Tuesday evening to enjoy an evening of games with family and friends.
We’ll have our games available (Clue, Sorry!, Candyland, Tsuro, and many more), or bring family-friendly games you’d like to share.
Children aged 5 and younger must be accompanied by an 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. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
Join us as we celebrate Mele with a free local documentary film screening!
Those Who Came Before: The Musical Journey of Eddie Kamae pays tribute to three remarkable teachers that have guided Eddie Kamae: the great author and translator Mary Kawena Pukui, the “Songwriter of Waipiʻo” Sam Liʻa, and “Aloha Chant” author Pilahi Paki. One by one, they entrusted Eddie with key pieces of Hawaiʻi’s heritage – inspiring him to understand, perform, and pass that heritage on to the children of Hawaiʻi. This 57-minute film is suitable for ages 7 and up.
Free documentary copies will be provided, while supplies last.
Mahalo to The Hawaiian Legacy Foundation for generously sponsoring this film screening event and for their gracious donation of film copies.
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.
Drop-in between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm every Tuesday evening to enjoy an evening of games with family and friends.
We’ll have our games available (Clue, Sorry!, Candyland, Tsuro, and many more), or bring family-friendly games you’d like to share.
Children aged 5 and younger must be accompanied by an 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. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
Join us as we celebrate Mele, our 2025 Summer Reading theme, with a free local documentary film screening!
Words, Earth & Aloha: The Source of Hawaiian Music honors the profound role of music in Hawaiian life. Focusing on a pivotal era from the 1870s to the 1920s, the film pays tribute to a remarkable generation of Hawaiian composers whose mele (songs) continue to resonate today. This screening is a moving journey into the heart of Hawaiian music—its origins, meanings, and enduring legacy. The 58-minute film is suitable for ages 7 and up.
Free documentary copies will be provided at the event, while supplies last.
Mahalo to The Hawaiian Legacy Foundation for generously sponsoring this film screening event and for their gracious donation of film copies.
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.
Join us for stories and songs all about music, in honor of our Summer Reading Challenge theme: Mele
We’ll read, sing, dance, and make a craft. Intended for toddlers and preschoolers.
Children under the age of 5 must be accompanied by an 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. See a schedule of upcoming events at librarieshawaii.org/events
Drop-in between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm every Tuesday evening to enjoy an evening of games with family and friends.
We’ll have our games available (Clue, Sorry!, Candyland, Tsuro, and many more), or bring family-friendly games you’d like to share.
Children aged 5 and younger must be accompanied by an 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. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
Drop-in between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm every Tuesday evening to enjoy an evening of games with family and friends.
We’ll have our games available (Clue, Sorry!, Candyland, Tsuro, and many more), or bring family-friendly games you’d like to share.
Children aged 5 and younger must be accompanied by an 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. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.
Date | Time |
---|---|
Monday | 9:00AM-12:00PM & 1:00PM-4:00PM - |
Tuesday | 10:00AM-12:00PM & 1:00PM-6:00PM - |
Wednesday | 9:00AM-12:00PM & 1:00PM-4:00PM - |
Thursday | 10:00AM-12:00PM & 1:00PM-6:00PM - |
Friday | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Saturday | CLOSED - CLOSED |
Sunday | CLOSED - CLOSED |
Parking spots | 16 |
Parking fee | Free |
Handicap parking spots | 1 |
Book drop off | Yes |
Restrooms | Yes |
Computers | 5 |
Magazines | 2 |
Newspapers | 2 |
WiFi | Yes |
Friends' book store | Yes |
Free computer classes | No |
Meeting rooms | No |
Photocopying | Yes |
Test proctoring services | Yes |
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 | In holiday observance of Thanksgiving Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025.