When Jamie W and I heard that Josh Spencer, the owner of LA's legendary Last Bookstore (review:…read morehttps://yelp.to/PBt2J99ygG) had opened a bookstore in Honolulu, we decided to look for it on our recent Oahu adventure. It turned out to be in Downtown close to Chinatown. While it doesn't have the scale of the Last Bookstore, this store shares some of the unique design elements of its SoCal progenitor like curving shelves and large vinyl collection. A broad scan of the books on display reflects titles that seem more avant garde than more commercial curations with sections devoted to science fiction, horror, true crime, and rock music. Jamie found an existential book about his favorite band called "Queen and Philosophy" (Photo 9), while I bought an intriguing manga cosplay history book called "Otaku Japan" (Photo 5). We probably could've spent another hour in here, but we had manapua on our minds. RELATED - Exploring Hawaii? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/n9JWu5nlzl

I like browsing and killing time before a Hawaii Theatre show. There's all kinds of books here…read moreeven ones on surfing. Cool selection of t-shirts. I called once to see if they had a Gothic book and the cashier was courteous and helpful. There's all kinds of prices according to the rarity of the book. Always new inventory whenever I visit here

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the Library of Hawai`i (FLH) book sale at McKinley Cafeteria, where the volunteer organization sold donated and library-withdrawn books at bargain basement prices.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 don't spend enough time here. It is on my list of things to do. I have great childhood memories…read moreof Barnes & Noble. I was in the area and I was able to come in for just a sneak peek. I walked around and immediately had a surge of emotion. All I wanted to do was immerse myself in books. I wanted to grab a strawberry Frappuccino and read a vampire book, maybe grab a journal or two, learn a new language, eat a pastry, and just get lost for hours here. At least that was what I would do in my teenage years. Me and Barnes & Noble have a date very soon as you can tell I am Ms. Sentiment over here. There is public parking here, which I am very grateful for. I will be making a visit very soon!

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.

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!

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

A second visit here! Love the recycled books, magazines, anime characters and coin books…read more There's also a habit forming Pokémon cards vending machine. For $1.00 in quarters, you receive two Pokémon cards or one Holo Pokémon card if you're lucky! I got lucky today 08/13/26! A holographic Pokémon card! I also purchased a second coin collection book for my reference. Another book on using Lemons, salt and baking soda. I observed a small leak by the clearance racks. This section was blocked off by buckets a plastic bags. I hope the upcoming bad weather doesn't cause any more damage. Please support this great business!

I love bookstores! It can be used or new, nothing beats getting your hands on a physical book! This…read morelocation used to be in Shirokiya (remember them? I do, sad they are gone) and in Don Quixote before they finally settled at this current location in Kakaako a few yrs ago. Just an fyi their parking is limited here and is pretty tight. Just like their Pearlridge location, this location sells an assortment of used and maybe even some hidden new books, movies, cds, toys, etc. Some of them have very good value/cost, but just remember to always double check your prices (I once found two copies of the same dvd, one was $5 the other was $7). The service is also very good here, their employees are nice and they handle their buyback program very efficiently. Just be advised that they pretty much give pennies on the dollar, so you might not make much money here. But it's good if you just want to purge some stuff and if you're in the area.

"Children who read become adults who think"…read more This simple, but thought provoking statement, is painted above the interior door as you exit the shop. Da Shop is filled with books written by local authors and more. A great place to pick up a children's book, multiple genres of literature or a book about Hawai'i. It's air conditioned inside so you can meander and check out the book and gifts selections in comfort. Great service here as well. I picked up a children's book on counting up to ten in Hawaiian. I hope my gran niece enjoys it. The book was very reasonably priced. There is no on site parking for customers. You will need to find street parking.

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.

Never been much of a reader so book stores were never my bag, but this place is cool!…read more Books on every topic about Hawaii and everything is nicely organized. Lei, food, history, wildlife. There's something about everything here. When coming through the door, you may be surprised to see shoes and slippers left at the door. Staff said it's optional, do what makes you comfortable but I'd say it's highly encouraged . Staff is very friendly and helpful. If you're looking for something in particular, do not hesitate to ask.

I was told to come here from a sales associate at Home Grown, since I was looking for books for my…read morehusband and child. They have a great selection here! The sales associate was very friendly and knowledgeable. I was looking for medicinal books and something for my husbands birthday. He loves to read and she helped me pick out the perfect literature. The quality of the books sold here are fairly priced as well. The store is kept very clean and organized. Everything is placed so delicately too. The cleanliness and layout of the store makes you feel like you're not in downtown anymore. Lol! Coming down here isn't too bad! There's parking right in front of the store and lots of paid parking lots nearby. It's a nice walk if you're catching the bus or getting dropped off. I would highly recommend this business to anyone who's interested! If I could give more than 5 stars, I would!

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

This place is a treasure trove of Hawaiian culture! If you're looking for something that's…read morespecifically made in Hawaiian or by a Hawaiians, this is the place to go. They have everything from jewelry to clothes to flower pins to books to art work to home decor to chocolates... Clothing racks are placed throughout the store. They sell aloha-wear for men, women, kids, and babies. There's a corner of vintage clothes where I've found some amazing muumuu! The staff are very knowledgeable and patient. I can spend hours in here just getting lost in amongst all the clothes, books, and trinkets.

The store is beautifully appointed and well laid out for browsing and shopping…read more Jewelry, clothing, books, art, collectibles, gifts, and skincare. Come by before they need to relocate!