North Kohala Public Library
🏢 Hawaii State Public Library System · Kapaau, Hawaii
North Kohala Public Library
Opened November 8, 2010, the North Kohala Public Library is a $7.8 million, 6,000-square-foot 'green' library in Kapaau designed by CDS International. In December 2011 it became the first HSPLS branch — and the first state building in Hawaii — to achieve LEED Gold Certification, powered by photovoltaic panels and passive wind systems that save roughly $1,500 a year on electricity. It sits along the Akoni Pule Highway just down the road from the King Kamehameha I Statue, in the heart of the historic North Kohala district.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 12pm-4pm & 5pm-7pm |
| Tuesday | 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm |
| Wednesday | 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm |
| 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: 54-3645 Akoni Pule Highway, Kapaau, HI 96755
Phone: (808) 889-6655
Website: librarieshawaii.org
Plus Code: 73G665QP+42 (Kapaau, 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 North Kohala Public Library
The North Kohala Public Library serves the rural North Kohala community on the northwestern tip of Hawai'i Island, from Kapaau south through Hawi and east along the rugged Kohala Coast. The library building was designed by CDS International and opened on November 8, 2010, at a cost of $7.8 million. Its 6,000 square feet incorporate creative sustainable design features: photovoltaic solar panels, passive wind cooling systems, and energy-efficient construction that earned it LEED Gold Certification in December 2011 — the first HSPLS branch and the first state building in Hawai'i to receive that designation. The annual electricity savings run about $1,500. The library is located on Akoni Pule Highway near the King Kamehameha I Statue in Kapaau, where the Hawaiian king is believed to have been born around 1758. With 11 public computers, free Wi-Fi, magazines, newspapers, photocopying, and test proctoring services, the branch punches well above its weight for a rural community. Programming includes a weekly Preschool Storytime, a LEGO Club, Chess Club, jewelry-making classes, book vs. movie clubs for children and teens, and monthly talks on health and community topics.
⭐ What makes this library special
- First HSPLS branch and first state building in Hawaii to achieve LEED Gold Certification (December 2011)
- Opened November 8, 2010 — a $7.8 million, 6,000-sq-ft 'green' building designed by CDS International
- Photovoltaic solar panels and passive wind cooling systems save approximately $1,500 annually on electricity
- Located on Akoni Pule Highway near the King Kamehameha I Statue, where the Hawaiian king is believed to have been born
- Test proctoring services available — rare among rural HSPLS branches
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
North Kohala cardholders can borrow, stream, and research free through the HSPLS statewide digital collection:
📚 Services
- 11 public computers and free Wi-Fi
- Magazines (31 titles) and newspapers (3 titles)
- Photocopying and book drop-off
- Test proctoring services
- 18 parking spaces (1 handicap), accessible building
- Interlibrary loan through HSPLS
- LEED Gold certified sustainable facility
🎸 Programs
- Preschool Storytime — every Wednesday 10-10:45 a.m. for ages 2-5
- LEGO Club — every Wednesday 2-3:30 p.m., free build or themed projects
- Chess Club — monthly Monday evenings, all ages and skill levels welcome
- Children's Book vs. Movie Club — monthly for ages 7-12
- Teen Book vs. Movie Club — monthly for ages 13-18
- Jewelry Making classes led by local artist Sid Nakamoto
- Monthly community talks on health, nutrition, and local topics
📍 Nearby Libraries in North Kohala & Waimea
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the North Kohala Public Library notable as a 'green' building?
The library opened in 2010 and in December 2011 became both the first HSPLS branch and the first state government building in Hawaii to earn LEED Gold Certification. Its sustainable features include photovoltaic solar panels and passive wind cooling systems designed by CDS International that together save the library roughly $1,500 per year on electricity bills.
What is the historical significance of the library's location in Kapaau?
The library sits on Akoni Pule Highway in Kapaau, North Kohala — the area where King Kamehameha I is believed to have been born around 1758. The famous King Kamehameha I Statue, an original bronze cast (one of four), stands nearby, making the library a stop on the historic trail of the king who united the Hawaiian Islands.
Does North Kohala Public Library offer test proctoring?
Yes. North Kohala Public Library is one of a limited number of HSPLS branches offering test proctoring services, which is particularly valuable for students in this rural North Kohala community who may need to take professional certification exams or online academic tests. Call (808) 889-6655 to arrange proctoring.
What are the library's hours, and are there any evening hours?
The library is open Monday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. (evening hours for working residents), Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., and Friday 12 to 4 p.m. It is closed Saturday and Sunday.
🖨 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.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.