Basically Books is a family-owned specialty bookstore located at 334 Kilauea Ave. in downtown Hilo, Hawaii. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the store has been serving the Hawaii Island community since 1985. It is a place where aloha is felt, and the focus is on books about Hawaii, maps of Hawaii and the world, Hawaiian language books, island-themed gifts, and souvenirs. The shop features a large children’s section with picture books, young readers, young adult books, plush toys, and educational items. Despite its smaller size, Basically Books offers a good selection of Hawaiiana, classics, fiction, and non-fiction. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help find or special order books. Customers appreciate the store’s efforts to get hard-to-find titles and its online shopping option, which offers a wide range of books including graphic novels, keiki books, and Hawaiian stories. The store also hosts author readings and talks, providing a community space for book lovers. Though prices can be a bit high, many find the unique collection and personalized service worth it. Visitors often leave with a stack of books or meaningful gifts, making Basically Books a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike.
Very friendly staff and attentive. Great selection of local Hawaii and Hawaiian books.
March 2026
Very friendly and helpful owner who provided excellent information about the history of the island and notable figures of Hawai’i. Excellent selection of locally crafted books!
March 2026
Great variety of books in a very easy to search, organized store. Bookseller was super, pleasant and informative!
