If you are a long-time Hawai`i resident who enjoys reading and a sweet deal, you've probably…read moreperused the donation shelves at your local library branch, and possibly attended the famous annual summer Friends of the Library of Hawai`i (FLH) book sale at McKinley Cafeteria, where the volunteer organization sold donated and library-withdrawn books at bargain basement prices. Profits support the State of Hawai'i's 51 Public Libraries. In more recent years, FLH opened a year-round used bookstore: Village Books and Music, first at the old Pier One, then a terrific space in Ward Centre next to Sedona. Due to the imminent demolition of Ward Center, the establishment shuttered the Ward location on 5/31/26, and will be reopening in mid-July at 610 Ward Ave., a.k.a. "Obama Building." While not as extensive as more famous used bookstores, e.g. NYC's "The Strand" and Portland's "Powell's Books," I thought there was a lot to love about Village Books and Music, where you could find books, but also CDs, vinyl records, games, puzzles, nostalgic Hawai`i memorabilia, and even art. While admittedly not all genres are well-stocked, when I've visited, I was impressed with the poetry section, which is small, but nicely curated, featuring a number of renowned BIPOC poets and local poets: look carefully, and you can find some signed editions in great shape. If you're looking for local Hawai`i writers or Hawaiian/Pacific materials, this store is worth browsing. And what a win-win: you get literary goods on the cheap AND you support the amazing Hawai`i State Library System: a worthy community hub committed to egalitarian public education!

We love coming to this spot after a meal at the Ward. The kid loves perusing the comic book…read moresection. This is where he's bought comic books every year on vacation. I love book stores in general so I don't mind hanging out checking out all the new books and art they have. We love coming here every year we're in town :)

I stopped by the Barnes & Noble at Ala Moana Center and it remains one of the most comfortable…read moreplaces in the mall if you want to slow down and spend some time browsing books. The store is spacious and well organized, with clearly arranged sections that make it easy to explore different genres. Walking through the aisles feels relaxed, and there is a wide selection of books ranging from best sellers and new releases to classics and specialty topics. One thing that stood out to me is how the store still maintains the traditional bookstore experience even though it is located inside a busy shopping center. The layout encourages browsing, and it is easy to spend a good amount of time looking through titles and discovering books you were not originally planning to buy. Another highlight is the range of non-book items available throughout the store. You will find journals, gifts, educational toys, and other reading-related merchandise, which adds variety to the experience. The atmosphere is calm compared to many other areas of the mall, and the store tends to attract a mix of students, families, and casual readers looking for a quiet place to browse. Overall, Barnes & Noble at Ala Moana Center is a great stop if you enjoy bookstores and want a comfortable place to explore books while spending time at the mall.

This specific store is noted for being a unique "cultural hub" in Honolulu with several standout…read morefeatures that distinguish it from a standard mainland location. 1. It serves as a major community gathering point, often hosting local author signings and cultural events that reflect the islands' literary scene. So now you can get your copy of Eat Lava Pray signed. 2. The in-store café serves official Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes, so you can skip the restaurant lines. 3. Reflecting Hawaii's deep cultural ties to Japan, this location features an exceptionally large manga and anime section that rivals international bookstores. 4. The store maintains a robust physical media section with a curated selection of vinyl records. I found Pois Don't Cry and Lei Lady Lei.

New location on Rycroft. Huge parking on Rycroft as well. Love to get anointing oils, bibles,…read morehighlighters, and other gifts.

Not just books…read more.. Though they do have wonderful selection on books for all ages I just love the other items they carry here from mugs to toys all are so cute and some specific for all occasions and with that they have a great selection of greeting cards as well. My favorite are the "Little Inspirations" as each one has a wonderful yet simple message that seem to express the cutest moment to help capture the vibe you're looking for and with that is $0.99 so you know I got a few along with some other items including cute gift items. The staff here are always so kind and welcoming browsing around here you'll never know what you'll find all done with such wonderful selection for family and friends and with them on the ground floor facing the parking garage getting there is easy. Thank you!

Awesome place lots to see and purchase at great prices It's location is convenient and staff are…read moreawesome

I've been here, maybe twice befoe picking up some used CD's and books. BookOff is a used book,…read moremovie, gaming, and music store. They are on Cooke Street with 3 dedicated stalls in a shared lot. Entrance/exit is on Cooke. They buy as well as sell. They do offer new collectibles such as Funko Pops and figurines. They also have a sizeable collection of Japanese books, manga, games, movies, anime, and records. They have a discount area in all or most sections...$1 books, music, etc. I am not sure when their buying hours are but I am sure it is posted in-store. Today, I picked up a Heatwave hits collection on CD - I have an older vehicle witha CD player. This was a 70's R&B/disco band with a Philly Soul influence in the harmonies...members from Spain, Switzerland, UK, and USA. Open daily from 1000a till 800p.

If you're a book lover in Hawai'i, Da Shop is hands down one of the best local bookstores you can…read morevisit. Da Shop isn't just a bookstore, it's a community space that supports readers, writers, and local culture. With great selections, special orders available, engaging book events. There's just one small detail I wanted to share. The girl at the front desk has never welcomed me when I walked in. The first time, it honestly bothered me. After noticing it again on another visit, I decided to approach her myself, and she was actually warm, friendly, and excited to talk about books.

Such a cool local book shop. They have a pretty small space, but lots of genres of books to choose…read morefrom. The space feels so welcoming when you come in. The books I purchased cost just as much as any other bookstore, but I think this shop caters more to locals with their selection of books. I'll definitely come back soon!

Lovely little bookstore that features books solely about Hawaii and written by native Hawaiian…read moreauthors. Loved learning a bit more about Hawaiian culture and history. The staff were very kind and attentive. We brought our toddler into the store and when we arrived we were greeted by a staff and she brought out a small chair for our son to sit in. Additionally, they have a great selection of kids books which was a fun surprise. This was a lovely place to stop and explore. We snagged a little letterpress thank you card and we're glad to support this business. I recommend stopping in.

Stopped by this spot to pick up an online order for a friend and I was pleasantly surprised of how…read moregood the energy feels in this space. The perfect place to pick up a variety of local and Native Hawaiian literature and stories and for anyone curious about literally anything. You wouldn't be able to find some of these curated things without some digging in lots of places. The staff was so attentive and helpful and did not waste any moment and was warmly greeted in the space. Couldn't have asked for a fun little afternoon exploring such a hidden treasure filled corner in Chinatown. You'll have to find street or garage parking and that part of the adventure!

New name...same store. The new Jelly's with a new name brings back a ton of memories from when I…read morewas a kid. Love this place is still around! The selection of vinyl records, CDs and comic books is varied. You can spend hours here sorting through their stock just to see what you could possibly find. Many treasures and if you can sift through their stock. There is an organized chaos to their offerings. Some items require staff assistance and since they don't hover..you need to ask for what you need. Prices for the used books are okay. Love they have tons of sheet music for musicians or dabblers. They carry lotsa cool little action figures as well as funko pops! Parking is located in the front. Very easy to find.

This is a little late and might be a little moot since they're closing on 9/21. But I didn't even…read moreknow about this place until I saw an article that they were closing. Run by the same people who did Jelly's. I feel like anyone in the 80s and 90s will know them. It's pretty much the spiritual successor! I got hit by a wave a nostalgia stepping into the place. Tons of old comics and vinyl records, lots of books of various subjects lining their shelves. Even have figurines and CDs, DVDs and the like. They are currently having a closing sale with lots of things marked down 50% or more! If you have a chance make sure you stop by. I wish they could have continued to stay in business

Super nostalgic to see a bookstore like this still existing in today's modern time. With the…read moreadaptation of technology and online books I never thought that a store like this would still exist! They had a ton of literature books at every single book and cranny of this store and it was substantial. I saw an old Aesop Fables book that I read when I was younger on the shelves as well - very nostalgic. I'm more of a manga girl so I didn't really see too much nooks that interested me - but if you're really into hardcore literature than this place is definitely it. They had so much books categorized and it felt a bit overwhelming - yet I liked it. I love the smell of books when you walk in, very comforting. I love physical books as well so shops like these are a gem. Had people manning the cashier but mostly just people browsing around enjoying the selection of books. Did not see the price range, but I would assume it is standard in comparison to B&N pricing.

This store is huge in the amount of books it has. It's like your great grandpas library full of…read moredifferent books scattered everywhere, but in some sense of crazy Order, if that makes any sense, your ADHD brain could either be really activated or it could be overstimulated Price is vary. They're all over the place, but there is so much to choose from. The service here is really good unfortunately there was a lady here that tried to use a "" gift certificate that did not work and she was not very polite to the staff The staff handled it really well and they were still polite back, although it made for an uncomfortable experience everybody just carried on, and she proceeded to yell at people behind her as well. Some people just are having a day sometimes. I loved how many things there were to look at I unfortunately had to also think about the fact that I was gonna be flying home with weight but if you're a book lover, definitely stop by and give this place a look at