Hawaiʻi State
Public Library System

• June 30, 2025 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
• Categories: Community, Culture, Entertainment, Films & Movies, History, Learning, Music
• Contact: 808-338-6848

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.

• July 3, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
• Categories: Community, Learning, Reading programs
• Contact: 808-338-6848

Join us for 4 interactive workshops for families with children from birth to 5 years old! Family Hui Hawai’i staff will highlight the benefits of play-based learning for young children. Registered participants will receive a copy of the Embracing Your Journey as Your Child’s First Teacher family guide as well as new children’s books and activities to take home each week.

Pre-registration for Family Hui Hawaii Journey Workshop is required to ensure there are enough materials for all participants. Children are welcome to attend with the supervision of their adult caregivers.

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.

• July 7, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 5:45 pm
• Categories: Culture, Entertainment, History, Learning, Music
• Contact: 808-338-6848

Celebrate Summer Reading! Our theme is E Heluhelu Kākou: Mele, and Hawaii’s public libraries will be celebrating the power of storytelling through music, chants, and poetry.

Join guitarist and composer Ian O’Sullivan for a journey into the soul of Hawaiian music—beyond lyrics.

This free 45-minute performance highlights instrumental mele—music that speaks through rhythm, harmony, and technique. Featuring works by early composers like Ernest Kaʻai and Henry Kailimai, and Slack-Key masters such as Ledward Ka‘apana, Leonard Kwan, and Raymond Kāne, the program celebrates the beauty and depth of Hawai‘i’s instrumental heritage. Suitable for ages 11+.

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 with additional funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the University of Hawai‘i.

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.

• July 23, 2025 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
• Categories: Arts & Crafts, Community
• Contact: 808-338-6848

Do you need a kickstart for that novel you’ve been meaning to write? Have you gotten “stuck” in the middle of writing your memoirs? Or would you like feedback on your latest poem? If so, consider joining the West Side Writers’ Group at the library!

This drop-in group is open to adults who write creative fiction, nonfiction, and/or poetry. We begin with a writing prompt to warm up, then the rest of our time is for sharing work and giving feedback.

Since writing is usually a solitary activity, it can be helpful to join a gathering of people who share your interest. Please note that this is not a formal class, but a casual workshop to offer and receive encouragement. Group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

For ages 18 and up. Light refreshments will be served thanks to the Friends of Waimea 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.