Hawaii State Library
Hawaii State Library
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Neighbourhood: Downtown Honolulu
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4.0
11 reviews
Excellent
2
Very good
6
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
cintuchi
Las Vegas, NV2,195 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
Traveling around different places you can’t go wrong stopping by to the state library
You will find what you looking for from a quick read to Hawaiian history.
You will find what you looking for from a quick read to Hawaiian history.
Written 5 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vegates
Honolulu, HI239 contributions
Jan 2020
In the historic area of Honolulu filled with gorgeous government buildings, one standout is the Hawaii State Library. The large verdant lawn and huge old shade trees, make this building welcoming. It's beautiful to look at from far away. With the promise of quiet reading areas, I had been eager to find a time to simply sit and use my local library.
The library is kept clean, organized, and brightly lit. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas, all shielded from the sun and rain. Maps abound to help point out exactly what you're looking for. I love the old metal stacks and historic interior of the building.
Unfortunately this place has some serious drawbacks caused not by the library itself, but by the social situation that's a common fixture of city - homelessness. I finally had that opportunity to visit the building for a few hours due to flexible hours around the holidays. I headed for the restrooms first thing and realized what issues they have. It was worse than a gas station restroom with angry signs everywhere about not shaving, showering, or changing in the restrooms. That didn't stop people from doing so inside. I pity the employees and custodians of the building; this is more of a daily homeless shelter than a place for public use.
I found a nice table in the courtyard and sat for a while. There was a constant and consistent parade of homeless men with large suitcases going in and out to use the restrooms. It's truly unbelievable how bad it is here. Electrical outlets were all claimed, disgusting behavior was everywhere. Maybe tighter rules about 'no luggage or large bags' would stop some of this abuse? I'm sure there are people asking these questions.
The library offers many other services including internet, passport, and lending items. Hours narrow and do not cater to people who work 9-5. I wish I had more time to spend here, but honestly don't know if I would until things improve. If you're a tourist visiting, it's worth your time to walk around the building.
The library is kept clean, organized, and brightly lit. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas, all shielded from the sun and rain. Maps abound to help point out exactly what you're looking for. I love the old metal stacks and historic interior of the building.
Unfortunately this place has some serious drawbacks caused not by the library itself, but by the social situation that's a common fixture of city - homelessness. I finally had that opportunity to visit the building for a few hours due to flexible hours around the holidays. I headed for the restrooms first thing and realized what issues they have. It was worse than a gas station restroom with angry signs everywhere about not shaving, showering, or changing in the restrooms. That didn't stop people from doing so inside. I pity the employees and custodians of the building; this is more of a daily homeless shelter than a place for public use.
I found a nice table in the courtyard and sat for a while. There was a constant and consistent parade of homeless men with large suitcases going in and out to use the restrooms. It's truly unbelievable how bad it is here. Electrical outlets were all claimed, disgusting behavior was everywhere. Maybe tighter rules about 'no luggage or large bags' would stop some of this abuse? I'm sure there are people asking these questions.
The library offers many other services including internet, passport, and lending items. Hours narrow and do not cater to people who work 9-5. I wish I had more time to spend here, but honestly don't know if I would until things improve. If you're a tourist visiting, it's worth your time to walk around the building.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don P
Dallas, TX13,818 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
This is adjacent to ʻIolani Palace and the Hawaiʻi State Capitol so since we were walking by we checked it out. This is a nice looking building which was completed in 1913, actually funded by Andrew Carnegie. Nice historical statue and information out front of Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color elected to the US House of representatives in 1964. Stop by the library and learn something, I like it.
Written 24 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pierluigi Manciniart
Rome, Italy11 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
This library stands as a beacon of knowledge and culture, adorned with the exquisite elegance of Manciniart sculptures "Love of reading", inviting readers to immerse themselves in a world where art and literature intertwine harmoniously..
Written 27 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AyaHawaii
United States1,913 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
This place is the biggest library of Oahu island, and historical building. Specially, Hawaiian section will provide you very interesting books. Originally, I visited passport renewal with my kids this time, but I would like to come back to read books. Safety, clean quiet reading section will be good for relaxing at Downtown Honolulu. Street parking with meter only. Passport renew is walk in only, so we wait 90 minutes to do all process for under 16 kids passport. 15 minutes from Waikiki by car.
Written 6 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen C
St. John's, Canada3,051 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
I like to visit libraries when I travel. This library is conveniently located downtown next to other government buildings. The grounds are lush with grass and huge monkeypod trees. There are a few sculptures outside. The library has a lovely courtyard with trees, plants and mosaic tiles on the floor.
Written 12 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
strudel2018
Honolulu, HI61 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
Do you commute to work? Plan a long drive that you can enjoy! Stop at the State Library and get a book on C.D. You may end up looking forward to continuing your story the next morning. How about borrowing a how-to-book on a hobby,cooking or craft project you can relax doing after work? If you have not been to the State Library in awhile check it out. The atmosphere is relaxed with Photos,book displays and lots of seating.
Written 19 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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