5 Independent Honolulu Bookstores That All Book Lovers Should Visit

Are you one of those travelers who loves browsing local bookstores? (You are our people!)

Hawaiʻi has a bunch of cool independently owned book shops across the Islands, from the beloved Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapēpē on Kauaʻi to Big Island BookBuyers in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island.

Honolulu has its own collection of indie bookstores, each distinctive in its décor and offerings. Here are five of our faves.

Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, Kaimukī

Da Shop: Books + Curiosities.
Photo: Julie Stanley

Located in the vibrant and walkable neighborhood of Kaimukī, this book shop has an intimate and colorful feel from the moment you enter. Opened by local publishing house Bess Press in 2018, they showcase a large number of local authors as well as more widely available international selections. Every employee has a hand in curating the overall collection, and throughout the store you can find helpful highlight cards that mark and describe the employee picks. The warehouse in the back doubles as a venue for its multitude of events which include regular readings, signings and keiki storytimes.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 3565 Harding Ave., dashophnl.com, @dashophnl

Idea’s Music and Books, Kaka’ako

Idea’s Music and Books in Kakaʻako.
Photo: Julie Stanley

This eclectic store lies in the middle of the trendy urban neighborhood of Kaka’ako. Specializing in used books, comics, CDs and records, there’s no shortage of interesting finds. You can easily get lost perusing their extensive collections, and the scattered stacks of books placed casually throughout the store only add to its quirky charm. The last weekend of every month features the chance to access what they call the “Big Room of Wonder,” a private reserve of records selling for just $2 each—make sure to call and make a reservation.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 670 Auahi St., ideasmusicandbook.com, @ideas_music_and_books

Native Books Hawaiʻi, Chinatown

Native Books Hawaiʻi in Chinatown.
Photo: Julie Stanley

Focusing on native and local perspectives, this bookstore is dedicated to all things Oceania. From Hawaiian language flash cards and reference books to literature and poetry, they celebrate the stories of the Pacific and its people of all eras. With a featured local artist every month, the space feels like one cohesive work of art. Regular events like readings, film screenings and a recurrent mahjong night are the perfect opportunity to have fun while immersing yourself in local culture. Speaking of local culture, don’t forget to take your shoes off at the door!

Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 1164 Nuuanu Ave., nativebookshawaii.org, @nativebookshi

Skull-Face Books & Vinyl, Chinatown

Skull-Face Books & Vinyl in Chinatown.
Photo: Julie Stanley

These purveyors of the “deep, dark, [and] weird” have created an edgy and unique space filled with books, vinyl, and offbeat artwork. Specializing in genres like horror and true crime, each book is hand selected by the owners. You won’t find the expected traditional section displays; rather signs like “the best books ever (aka classic literature)” and “swords, magic, lasers & spaceships! (aka science fiction and fantasy)” mark each section. The atmosphere and décor alone are reasons to stop by, but their unconventional selection of all things eccentric can keep you browsing for hours.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 1148 Bethel St., bookshop.org/shop/skull-face, @skullfacehawaii

Village Books & Music, Ward

Village Books & Music in Ward.
Photo: Julie Stanley

Ran by the nonprofit organization Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i, this store is stocked with donations from both local libraries and public donors. It houses everything from books and CDs to games and art. With many items selling for just a few dollars each, this is a great place to pick up a book for rainy day reading or the plane ride to your next destination. As an added benefit all the proceeds go to Hawai‘i’s public libraries.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 1200 Ala Moana Blvd. #420, friendsofthelibraryofhawaii.org, @hawaiilibraryfriends