Hilo Public Library
🏢 Hawaii State Public Library System · Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo Public Library
The Hilo Public Library, the largest library on Hawaii Island, opened January 20, 1951, at 300 Waianuenue Avenue in downtown Hilo. It stands in the presence of the legendary Naha Stone — believed to be the stone lifted by Kamehameha I to fulfill a prophecy of uniting the Hawaiian Islands — and holds a donated sculpture, "Involuntary Journey," by Hawaii Island artist Henry Bianchini in its atrium.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–7pm |
| Thursday | 9am–4pm |
| Friday | 10am–4pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 300 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 933-8890
Website: librarieshawaii.org
Plus Code: 73F6PWF5+VM (Hilo, HI)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Hilo Public Library
The Hilo Public Library is the flagship branch of the Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) on Hawaii Island (the Big Island). It opened on January 20, 1951, making 2026 its 75th anniversary year, and has anchored the intellectual life of downtown Hilo ever since. The library is situated at 300 Waianuenue Avenue alongside two legendary lava stones: the Naha Stone and the Pinao Stone. The Naha Stone, brought to Hilo by a 12th-century chief from the Wailua River on Kauaʻi, was placed at the library's entrance in 1952. Hawaiian tradition holds that the stone was lifted by the young Kamehameha I — fulfilling a prophecy that he would unite the Hawaiian Islands. Inside the atrium stands "Involuntary Journey," a sculpture donated by Hawaii Island artist Henry Bianchini after it featured in a 40-year retrospective at the East Hawaii Cultural Center in 2010. As the largest public library on the island, Hilo serves residents across Hawaii County with books, digital resources, computer access, and a robust community programs calendar. The Friends of the Hilo Library, established in 1983, have raised over $100,000 for the library and operate an in-library bookstore and the largest used book sale in Hawaii.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Opened January 20, 1951 — the largest public library on Hawaii Island and the HSPLS flagship for Hawaii County, celebrating 75 years in 2026
- Home of the Naha Stone, a legendary lava stone placed at the library in 1952 — Hawaiian tradition holds it was lifted by Kamehameha I to fulfill a prophecy of uniting the islands
- Atrium features Henry Bianchini's donated sculpture "Involuntary Journey," reflecting the layered stories and lived experiences of the Hilo community
- Friends of the Hilo Library (est. 1983) have raised over $100,000 and operate an in-library bookstore and Hawaii's largest used book sale
- Open Tuesday and Wednesday evenings until 7 pm — the most generous evening hours of any Big Island library
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Hilo Public Library cardholders can access Hawaii State Public Library System's digital collections from any device:
📚 Services
- Book, audiobook, DVD, and magazine lending
- Public computers and free Wi-Fi
- In-library bookstore (Friends of Hilo Library — Tue 11am–3pm; 1st & 3rd Sat 9am–3pm)
- Bargain bookshelf (self-checkout)
- Reference and reader's advisory assistance
- Interlibrary loan through HSPLS statewide network
- Talking Books program for the visually impaired (HSPLS statewide)
- Library card registration for Hawaii County residents
🎸 Programs
- Storytime for children and early literacy programming
- Summer reading challenge
- Used book sale (largest in Hawaii — organized by Friends of Hilo Library)
- Community and cultural events
- Adult programs and lifelong learning
📍 Nearby Libraries on Hawaii Island
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Naha Stone at the Hilo Public Library?
The Naha Stone is an ancient lava stone placed in front of the Hilo Public Library in 1952. It was brought to Hilo by a 12th-century Hawaiian chief from the banks of the Wailua River on Kaua'i. Hawaiian tradition holds that the young Kamehameha I lifted the heavy stone — fulfilling a prophecy that whoever could move it would unite the Hawaiian Islands. Today it stands with the Pinao Stone as one of Hilo's most iconic historical landmarks, right outside the library's entrance.
What is the sculpture inside the Hilo Public Library atrium?
The atrium of Hilo Public Library displays "Involuntary Journey," a sculpture donated by Hawaii Island artist Henry Bianchini. Bianchini gave the piece to the library after it featured in a 40-year retrospective of his work at the East Hawaii Cultural Center in 2010. The sculpture reflects the layered stories and lived experiences that shape the Hilo community.
When did the Hilo Public Library open, and why is 2026 significant?
The Hilo Public Library first opened on January 20, 1951 — making 2026 its 75th anniversary year. It is the largest public library on Hawaii Island and the Hawaii State Public Library System's main branch for Hawaii County. A Kuleana Health Fair and community celebration were held at the library in March 2026 to mark the milestone.
Is the library open on Mondays or Sundays?
No. The Hilo Public Library is closed on Mondays and Sundays. The best days to visit are Tuesday or Wednesday, when it stays open until 7 pm. Thursday hours are 9 am–4 pm, Friday 10 am–4 pm, and Saturday 9 am–5 pm. Check the HSPLS website for any holiday closures.
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