Laupāhoehoe Public and School Library
🏢 Hawaii State Public Library System · Laupahoehoe, Hawaii
Laupāhoehoe Public and School Library
Designed by Richard S. Matsunaga and Associates, the Laupāhoehoe Public and School Library opened in 1973 on the campus of the Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School. An earthquake closed it for nearly a year; it has served the Hāmākua Coast community continuously since its 1974 reopening, with 8 public computers, free Wi-Fi, and evening hours on Mondays.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 12pm–7pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–4pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–4pm |
| Thursday | 9am–4pm |
| Friday | 12pm–4pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 35-2065 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Laupahoehoe, HI 96764
Phone: (808) 962-2229
Website: librarieshawaii.org
Plus Code: 73F6XQHF+V2 (Laupahoehoe, 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 Laupāhoehoe Public and School Library
The Laupāhoehoe Public and School Library sits on the campus of the Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School along the rugged Hāmākua Coast of Hawaiʻi Island. Designed by Richard S. Matsunaga and Associates, the library opened in 1973 but was shuttered for nearly a year after earthquake damage — reopening in 1974 to serve both students and the broader community. It is one of the few Hawaiʻi Island branches to have historically offered a meeting room for public use, though that room is currently closed while staff work on a heat mitigation solution. The branch belongs to the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System, the only statewide public library system in the United States, and gives cardholders access to the full HSPLS digital catalog through Libby, hoopla, and the state's online learning resources.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Combined public and school library on the Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School campus along the scenic Hāmākua Coast
- Opened 1973, designed by Richard S. Matsunaga and Associates; rebuilt after earthquake damage and continuously serving the community since 1974
- One of the few Hawaiʻi Island HSPLS branches with a dedicated meeting room (currently closed for heat mitigation upgrades)
- 8 public computers, free Wi-Fi, photocopying, and book drop-off available
- Monday evening hours until 7 pm serve working families and students with after-hours access
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Laupāhoehoe cardholders connect to Hawaii's statewide digital collections at no cost:
📚 Services
- 8 public computers and free Wi-Fi
- Photocopying and book drop-off
- 16 magazine titles and 1 newspaper
- 13 free parking spaces (2 accessible)
- Access to the statewide HSPLS catalog and digital resources
- Interlibrary loan through the Hawaii State Public Library System
🎸 Programs
- Movie Mondays — family-friendly films screened after school each Monday
- Brick Builders — drop-in LEGO building for keiki every Tuesday afternoon
- Family Storytime — stories, songs, and a craft activity every Wednesday morning
- Author talks and community programs throughout the year
- Summer reading program
📍 Nearby Libraries on Hawaiʻi Island
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Laupahoehoe · Browse all Hawaii libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Laupāhoehoe Public and School Library first open?
The library opened in 1973, designed by Richard S. Matsunaga and Associates, on the campus of the Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School. Earthquake damage forced a temporary closure, and the library has served the Hāmākua Coast community continuously since its 1974 reopening.
Is the meeting room available for public use?
The meeting room is temporarily closed while staff work on a heat mitigation solution. Laupāhoehoe is one of the few HSPLS branches on Hawaiʻi Island that has historically offered a meeting room, so it is expected to reopen once those improvements are complete.
What are the Monday evening hours, and why does the schedule differ by day?
The library is open Monday noon–7 pm, then Tuesday through Thursday 9 am–4 pm, and Friday noon–4 pm, with Saturday and Sunday closed. The extended Monday evening hours reflect the school campus schedule and give working families and commuters an after-hours window to visit.
Can I get a Hawaii library card at this branch to borrow eBooks?
Yes. Any Hawaii resident can obtain an HSPLS card at Laupāhoehoe or any branch. The card gives free access to Libby (OverDrive) for eBooks and audiobooks, hoopla for on-demand streaming, and additional statewide digital databases — all borrowable with no charge.
✎ Notice something out of date? Suggest a correction and we’ll verify and update it.
