Public Libraries in Hilo, Hawaii
Hawaii — United States
Public Libraries in Hilo, Hawaii
Home of the Hilo Public Library, the regional hub for Hawaii Island within the Hawaii State Public Library System.
1
Library
Library in Hilo
Hilo Public Library
Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS)
📍 300 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
🕑 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11 AM – 7 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM – 7 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM – 4 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM – 4 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM – 4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may change on holidays — confirm before visiting.
The Story of the Library in Hilo
Hilo Public Library first opened its doors on January 20, 1951, at 300 Waianuenue Avenue in downtown Hilo, and today it is the largest public library on Hawaii Island. In March 2026 the community marked the library's 75th anniversary with a celebration of mele, hula and family activities, sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii and the Friends of Hilo Public Library.
The library grounds are home to the legendary Naha Stone, associated in Hawaiian tradition with the prophecy that whoever could move it would unite the Hawaiian Islands — a feat attributed to Kamehameha I. Inside, the atrium features Hawaii Island artist Henry Bianchini's donated sculpture "Involuntary Journey," reflecting the layered stories of the surrounding community.
About Public Libraries in Hilo
Hilo is served by the Hilo Public Library, a branch of the Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) and the regional hub for library service across Hawaii Island (the Big Island). Any Hawaii resident can get an HSPLS library card for free, and a single card works at every branch statewide. The card unlocks physical collections plus free eBooks and audiobooks through Libby, streaming film via Kanopy, digital newspapers and magazines through PressReader, and the system's online research databases.
With a free Hawaii State Public Library System card, every resident can borrow more than 99,000 eBooks and audiobooks through Libby/OverDrive and stream movies with Kanopy, plus read digital newspapers and magazines via PressReader and use the system's online research databases — all free from home.
📚 What You Can Access
- 📚 Books, magazines and reference materials for all ages
- 📱 Free eBooks and audiobooks through Libby/OverDrive
- 🎬 Stream films and documentaries with Kanopy
- 📰 Digital newspapers and magazines via PressReader
- 🖨️ Public computers, printing and free Wi-Fi
- 🧒 Children’s, teen and community programs
🏛️ Quick Facts
| Library | Hilo Public Library |
| System | Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) |
| Address | 300 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720 |
| Phone | 808-933-8890 |
| Opened | January 20, 1951 |
| Library card | Free for all Hawaii residents |
| State resource | HSPLS Digital Collections & Databases |
Explore more public libraries in Hawaii
Frequently Asked Questions