Kealakekua Public Library
🏢 Hawaii State Public Library System · Kealakekua, Hawaii
Kealakekua Public Library
Designed by architect Howard Redfearn and opened October 14, 1950, the Kealakekua Public Library is one of the oldest public library buildings on Hawai'i Island's Kona side. Its original portion was built with native lava rock and ʻōhiʻa logs, giving it a distinctive character rooted in the land. Serving residents from Keauhou-Kona south to Ocean View in the Kaʻū District, it is also an authorized U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility and hosts some of West Hawaii's liveliest community programming.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm |
| Tuesday | 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm |
| Wednesday | 12pm-2pm & 3pm-7pm |
| Thursday | 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm |
| Friday | 12pm-4pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 81-6619 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Phone: (808) 323-7585
Website: librarieshawaii.org
Plus Code: 73F6G38H+5J (Kealakekua, HI)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Kealakekua Public Library
The Kealakekua Public Library serves a wide stretch of West Hawaii, from the resort corridor of Keauhou-Kona in the north down to Ocean View near the southern tip of the island, covering communities across the Kona and Kaʻū districts. The library building was designed by Honolulu architect Howard Redfearn and opened on October 14, 1950 — making it one of the longer-standing public library buildings in West Hawaii. Its most distinctive feature is its construction material: the original portion of the building is built of native Hawaiian lava rock and ʻōhiʻa logs, materials that tie the structure directly to the volcanic landscape of the Kona coast. A later addition expanded the building to accommodate 5 public computers, 10 magazine titles, a newspaper, free Wi-Fi, photocopying, and test proctoring services. The library is an authorized U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility, one of the most convenient passport offices for Kona-side residents. Programming is robust and community-focused: the Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.) sponsor Baby Time, knitting classes, a Science Lab for keiki, and a trivia night called Geeks Who Read. Other regular programs include Pokémon Club, a monthly Chess Club, free computer classes in partnership with Mapunawai and the Hawaii State Rural Health Association (participants may qualify for a refurbished computer), and visits from Ke Kai Ola to educate the community about Hawaiian monk seal conservation.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Opened October 14, 1950 — the original portion is built of native Hawaiian lava rock and ʻōhiʻa logs, uniquely tied to the volcanic Kona landscape
- Designed by architect Howard Redfearn, one of the distinctive mid-century library buildings in West Hawaii
- Authorized U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility — one of the most accessible passport offices for Kona-side and Kaʻū residents
- Serves one of the widest geographic footprints of any HSPLS branch: Keauhou-Kona south to Ocean View in the Kaʻū District
- Test proctoring services available, and free computer literacy classes in partnership with Mapunawai
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Kealakekua cardholders can borrow, stream, and research free through the HSPLS statewide digital collection:
📚 Services
- U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility (call for processing hours and requirements)
- Test proctoring services
- 5 public computers, 10 magazine titles, 1 newspaper, free Wi-Fi
- Photocopying and book drop-off
- 20 parking spaces (1 handicap), accessible building
- Free computer literacy classes in partnership with Mapunawai and Hawaii State Rural Health Association
- Interlibrary loan through HSPLS
🎸 Programs
- Baby Time (Little Learner's Lounge) — first Monday of the month, 10-10:30 a.m. for babies 0-2 and caregivers
- Pokemon Club — third Tuesday monthly, 4-6 p.m., all ages
- Kealakekua Chess Club — first Wednesday of the month, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Keiki Snacks Around the World Taste Test — monthly cultural program for keiki ages 5+
- Beginning Knitting Class — monthly, sponsored by F.O.L.K.
- Science Lab — second Monday monthly, 3:15-3:45 p.m. for curious kids ages 6+
- Basic Computer Class — monthly, free, partnership with Mapunawai
- Geeks Who Read Trivia Night — monthly adults evening, prizes and mocktails
- Ke Kai Ola Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation talks
📍 Nearby Libraries in West Hawaii (Kona & South Kohala)
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Kealakekua Public Library building unique?
The library opened on October 14, 1950, designed by architect Howard Redfearn. Its most distinctive feature is that the original portion of the building was constructed using native Hawaiian lava rock and ʻōhiʻa logs — materials drawn directly from the volcanic landscape of the Kona coast. This gives the building a character unlike any other public library in West Hawaii.
Can I apply for a U.S. passport at Kealakekua Public Library?
Yes. Kealakekua Public Library is an authorized U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility, making it one of the most convenient passport application points for residents of the Kona and Kaʻū districts. Bring your completed DS-11 form, proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid photo ID, and a passport photo. Call (808) 323-7585 for current passport processing hours and appointment requirements.
Which communities does the Kealakekua Public Library serve?
The library serves residents from Keauhou-Kona in the north all the way south to Ocean View in the Kaʻū District — one of the widest geographic service areas of any HSPLS branch on the Big Island. This includes communities along the Mamalahoa Highway corridor such as Captain Cook, Honaunau, and the rural farming communities of South Kona.
What are the library's hours, and when does it stay open latest?
The library is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday has evening hours: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m., making it the best day for visitors who work daytime hours. Friday hours are 12 to 4 p.m. The library is closed Saturday and Sunday.
🛂 This library offers U.S. passport services. See how library passport acceptance works — requirements, fees and appointments — and find other passport acceptance libraries by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
✎ Notice something out of date? Suggest a correction and we’ll verify and update it.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.