Hawaii State Public Library System – Hawaii Kai Library

You’d think that at this point in my college career I’d be better about not waiting until the last minute to get my books for class, but alas, procrastination is the name of this scholar’s game.
Anyway, it was Wednesday, and I needed to pick up Rodney Morales’ collection of short stories «Speed of Darkness”* for class on Friday, and the independent bookstore I usually support didn’t have any available copies. So, I hopped online and searched for the text through the HI State Public Library System and found that the Hawaii Kai location had one copy available. Although (by Hawaii’s standards) Hawaii Kai is a ways away from Kaimukī (my hood), it was well worth the drive.
Before heading out, I called the library, and the helpful librarian checked to see if they had the book I needed. As soon as she found it she put it on hold for me. Once I arrived, I easily found parking and perused their Friends of the Library Bookstore. I’m a sucker for bargain books and good causes, so maybe it’s better that I didn’t have cash on hand! Otherwise, I’d have left with a whole new collection of old books to add to my queue!
The library itself is quite spacious and airy with high ceilings, and they have a wide selection of books available for loan. I also noticed that the library always seems to host free events for the public such as movie nights, crafting sessions, and readings. Plus, the librarians were cheery — a far cry from the usual stereotype — and the one I worked with was especially patient as we updated my contact info.
I’d definitely recommend checking out the Hawaii Kai Public Library if you’re in the area and have the time. I know I’ll definitely be back, and not just to return the book I borrowed!
*As someone who mostly writes in the MLA style, I feel mildly frustrated that I’m not able to italicize the title of this book! Oh well, such is social media, I suppose. Also, check out Morales’ text if you’d like to read up on the complexities of cultural/​racial/​local issues in Hawaii!

Library has convenient hours and the staff is very helpful and pleasant. They go beyond the call in helping find books and answering questions. The overall library system with its amazing computer database makes it a lot easier to find and request things.

Even though the Hawaii Kai library looks like it’s seen better days I’m still loathe to give it anything less than 4 stars… because it’s a library. And you should go to one. Today. Seriously.
Lots of goods and a pretty good sized kid and young adult (YA) section. Which is a little surprising given more seasoned demographics of the area (meaning: there’s lots of old people around). It doesn’t have that great a selection of in-​house CDs or DVDs but the beauty of the Hawaii State Public Library System is that you can order anything from anywhere and pick it up at the library of your choice. Yes, you’ll have to wait for more popular items (newer releases of books, CDs, and Movies) but it’s worth it. I’m still waiting for season 4 of Game of Thrones… I think I’m #90 in the line.
Books and CDs are free and DVDs (including Box Sets) are a $ 1. You can borrow as many books as you want but you’re limited to 10 CDs or 10 DVDs. I know because I’ve hit my limit before.
They have story time for kids and free movies at least once a month with SNACKS!
What this library does have is a killer used book store on the first floor. They have everything from records (remember those?) to tapes (ringing a bell?) to cookbooks, mysteries, and lots of kids books (again, a little surprising given the area). Most of the books I’ve purchased are in the $ 0.25 to $ 0.50 range. This is the perfect little second hand store for little ones. Give your kid a couple of bucks and they can come home with some really great books.
The staff is very friendly and of course there’s free wifi (you have to log in with your library card ID) for those who want to do actual work. Don’t have a library card? No problem. The caring staff of library professionals will help you with that.
There’s no coffee shop in the immediate vicinity (like the Aina Haina Library) but Taco Bell is across the street so if you have a rumbly in your tumbly you can make a run for the border.

I went to this library for the bookstore so this review is ONLY based off of my experience at the bookstore & not the library itself.
On the bottom floor of the library there is a small bookstore with quite a good variety of genres. I am a huge fan of YA novels so obviously I made myself to that section.
Let me tell you, they had an awesome variety ! They are a little on the pricey side compared to Kaneohe library bookstore and Kialua library bookstore but still really cheap ! They price there books based off of the condition it’s in I believe. The most expensive book I saw was $ 2, which is really cheap !
The workers are very kind & helpful. They will do there best to help you find a book that you might want but you can’t be picky, what’s there is what they have. It’s always super exciting to find little treasures here and there.
Most of there books are books that they no longer need in the library and many more are donations ! So if you have some books looking for a new home donate them here or to any bookstore of the libraries !
Below I included the books I got and how much I paid compared to retail price. These are all YA books.
— Looking for Alaska $ 2 (retail $ 9.99)
— Stolen by Lucy Christopher $ 0.50 (R $ 17.99)
— Tricks by Ellen Hopkins $ 0.50 (R $ 10.99)
— Gone by McMann $ 1 (R $ 9.99)
— Fade by McMann $ 1 (R $ 9.99)
— Rampant by Peterfreund $ 1 (R $ 8.99)
— Willow by Hoban $ 0.50 (R $ 8.99)
— Forever by Blume $ 0.50 (R $ 8.99)
— Reached by Condie $ 2 (R $ 17.99)
— Insurgent by Roth $ 2 (R $ 17.99)
— Maybe I like him by Naylor $.50 ($ 9.99)
— Bree Tanner by Meyer limited white edition $ 1(R $ 10 ?)
— Starkighter by Davis $ 0.50 (R $ 9.99)
— Impossible by Werkin $ 0.50 (R $ 9.99)
— The vow by Carpenters $ 0.50 (R $ 14.99)
Total savings of … $ 162.86 !
And may I say that all of these books are in really good condition ! No dark old age brown spotting, no bent pages, just good !
If you love books, you should go. If you would like to get into reading, you should go !

This library really needs two reviews, one for the library itself and another for the Friends of the Hawaii Kai Library Bookstore downstairs. Let’s start with the library, where patrons have a good selection of materials — print, audio & video — all well-​arranged. You can check on-​line beforehand to see if your particular book is in at the time. The library also has regular movie matinees for the kids and it’s FREE.
Importantly, on the hottest days, this is where to be reading and relaxing in air-​conditioned comfort with the fine luxury of wi-​fi at your fingertips.
BUT HERE’S MY FAVORITE PART:
THE BOOKSTORE
There’s a bookstore downstairs that sells donated books for literal pennies. Frankly, I «borrow» my material here — usually for no more than fifty cents — and return it when I’m done so it can be resold. They’ve got the best selection and it’s orderly and easy to browse. You have to come and see it to believe it. Forget other bookstores, new or used. This is the best way to get your read on. And by the way, the volunteers who run this place are awesome: helpful and friendly all the way.

This is probably my favorite library. I love how it has covered parking. I also like how they have a small book store. They are usually open everyday till 5pm. The actual library is on the second floor, you walk in and their are so many books to choose from. Well of course its a LIBRARY. The copy machine is ($ 0.20 ea.) I guess that’s good if you don’t have a copy machine. I always get the load of books, my daughter loves the summer reading club, which we participate in every year. If I don’t walk around I go straight to the counter to pick up my holds.

The Hawaii Kai public library is your community /​state funded library in the heart of Hawaii Kai. Sometimes, I would come here and just hang out when I have nothing better to do but gain knowledge without having to sit in front of the computer and be on Facebook. That’s what my iPhone is for. One Saturday morning, I wanted to do research for my novel I am currently writing, so I came here in the morning for a couple of hours before heading across the street to Koko Marina Shopping Center to spend the rest of the day.
As mentioned before, the Hawaii Kai public library is located directly across the street from the Koko Marina shopping complex in beautiful Hawaii Kai. There is covered private parking, as most state libraries do. While it can get busy with everyone coming here, I found it very convenient to take the bus out here from Kaimuki and make a day trip out of it to explore. The library itself is basically on two floors, but the main floor is on the 2^nd floor. The set up is the same for all libraries, so you just go to the computer databases and look up by subject, title, author, or keywords. Unless you are like me, you would go through the aisles and browse aimlessly before realizing what you are here to do. Discovering is awesome that way and the mind is excellent for that!
What I really love about this library is that they are open on Saturdays! That’s awesome! It’s a lost art for libraries these days when everything and anything is online at your fingertips! Coming to a state library here in Hawaii Kai or anywhere on the island brings me back to simple ways of reading a book, versus reading a computer screen and enjoying the benefits of your local library. The library is great since you can borrow reading material for free or read there at the library at your leisure. I’m sure a lot of people do that and it has a positive effect on those who do. The staff here at the Hawaii Kai public library is always friendly and excellent, if you need help in finding a book or something else.
Like all libraries, you can borrow DVDs as CDs, so that’s awesome. They have a nice assortment of magazines to read and borrow, so they will let you borrow up to 5 at a time. There is plenty of space to sit down and enjoy your favorite book or magazine and, of course, the library is clean and air conditioned. Love coming to this library once in awhile when I need to. While I can easily look stuff up online, it’s a nice change of pace when you can go to the library and let your mind wander in a good book. The best part is that its mostly quiet, so that’s great when the kids aren’t running around and causing a ruckus. Support your local library! It’s awesome. And free!
Support local!
B+

I adore this public library! I’ve lived in Hawaii Kai the majority of my life so needless to say, this is the library I frequent the most. It has a small town feel when you walk in the door. There is a small kids section to the left and everything is kids size. Meaning it’s on their eye level, which is kind of cute.
There is a dvd/​cd rental, just flip through the plastic sheets and take to the counter where they will pull the videos/​cds for you. Continue on there is the adult sections which takes up majority of the library.
The employees have been here as long as I can remember and they are all very helpful. There is a security guard that patrols the library — seems like a pretty chill job.
On the only downfall of this library: the parking. It’s not so much the size (although on a busy day it’s pretty annoying because it’s hard to turn around in this parking lot to go somewhere else). It’s the other drivers that cannot manage to park. The stalls are big and it’s obvious there are numerous stalls — PICK ONE AND PARK!!! But don’t worry, I am not dinging the library start status I gave because their customers decide to be idiots on their driving skills.

LOVE this library !!!
let me count the ways …
1. they offer Storytime & Crafts upstairs on Thursdays @ 10:30 am — every first Thursday of the month @ 10:30 am they have Puzzletime downstairs… for 3 – 5 year olds with an accompanying adult — free
2. friendly staff
3. lots of parking available
4. air conditioned & clean
5. ongoing booksale right outside the door — honor box system
6. great selection of magazines … they let you take up to 5 free
7.the big booksales organized throughout the year are wonderful
8. conveniently located across Koko Marina Shopping Center
9. activities throughout the year like magic shows, choirs, etc.
10. grew up going to this library & now love sharing it with my daughter

The most annoying thing about the library is all the folks who sit in their cars in the parking lot, taking up valuable real estate. I don’t even think they are waiting for someone in the library, they are just hanging out listening to the radio.
The library is upstairs from the lot and is a fairly spacious space. There’s also a conference room I haven’t seen. The selection is not bad, their magazine selection is vast. The library is closed on Fridays, even though supposedly all libraries were supposed to be open for Furlough Fridays, and Sundays.