Kīhei Public Library
🏢 Hawaiʻi State Public Library System — Maui County
Kīhei Public Library
South Maui's busy 18,700-square-foot branch opened in 1996 on a site with roughly 500 years of Hawaiian history, including a preserved fishing shrine still standing near its parking lot.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 12pm–7pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–4pm |
| Thursday | 9am–4pm |
| Friday | 11am–4pm |
| Saturday | 9am–4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 35 Waimahaihai Street, Kīhei, HI 96753
Phone: 808-875-6833
Website: librarieshawaii.org
📖 About Kīhei Public Library
The Kīhei Public Library opened to the public on April 24, 1996, replacing an earlier volunteer-run collection of donated books and giving fast-growing south Maui a permanent 18,700-square-foot library. A 1993 archaeological survey of the site found drilled shells, bone fishhooks, volcanic glass flakes and basalt and shell adze fragments — evidence that Hawaiians used the land on and off from roughly the late 1200s through the late 1700s as a temporary dwelling, place of worship and possible burial site. Those artifacts are kept at the library, and a preserved fishing shrine known as Koʻa i Kamaʻole sits near the northern parking lot. With more than 22,000 registered patrons, Kīhei has among the highest circulation in Maui County and marked its 30th anniversary in 2026.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Opened April 24, 1996; an 18,700 sq-ft branch serving south Maui with 22,000+ registered patrons
- Built on a site occupied by Hawaiians for roughly 500 years; a 1993 survey recovered fishhooks, adze fragments and drilled shells now kept at the library
- Preserved Hawaiian fishing shrine, Koʻa i Kamaʻole, sits near the library's northern parking lot
📱 Free with a Hawaiʻi State Public Library Card
Any Hawaiʻi resident can get an HSPLS card free (visitors can buy a 3-month card) and unlock:
📍 More Hawaiʻi State Public Library System libraries
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What was found on the Kīhei Public Library site before it was built?
A 1993 archaeological survey uncovered drilled shells, bone fishhooks, volcanic glass flakes, and basalt and shell adze fragments, showing Hawaiians used the land on and off from about the late 1200s to the late 1700s. Those artifacts are kept at the library.
Is there a Hawaiian cultural site at the Kīhei library?
Yes. A preserved fishing shrine called Koʻa i Kamaʻole stands near the library's northern parking lot and is accessible to visitors.
When did the Kīhei Public Library open and how busy is it?
The current 18,700-square-foot library opened on April 24, 1996 and now serves more than 22,000 registered patrons, giving it among the highest circulation figures in Maui County; it reached its 30th anniversary in 2026.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.