BookEnds

Bookends is an absolute gem -- they don't make bookstores like this anymore. Books are stacked everywhere -- from new to used, fantasy to world history, everyone can find a book that strikes their interest. My favorite little nook here is their cookbook section, it's so much fun flipping through the pages and browsing all the different recipes. The children's section is a great spot to find a gift for a little one in your life-- I recently picked up a magic coloring book for lunar new year that only needs water! For me, I can always justify spending money on books. Luckily, at BookEnds everything is priced really reasonably -- just the price that's listed on the book by the publisher plus a lot of discounts on used books. If you're in the area, I'd highly suggest popping in and exploring BookEnds!

I've spent much of my childhood and, now, adulthood in this bookstore. Always a huge selection to choose from. Used books, fun books, kids books, banned books, and heavy duty informational books. I love the 'Ike Hawai'i section as it has been helping me explore culture through high quality lit. Sometimes I just like walking around to browse everything. Recently started ordering books and they're really nice about doing what they can to get your orders for you within a reasonable timeline. They will put your books on hold if you cannot pick up immediately, thankfully. Always nice people at the cash register, too :)

If you're looking for a legit book store, this is it. They have books for days. Shelves sagging with the weight of literary greatness. Books stacked precariously throughout the entire store. This fire hazard is a paradise for any book lover. The prices here are definitely a match for Barnes and Noble. I don't think I'd have to saw off a leg to buy a book mark here. The people here are kind and friendly. They have chairs around if you care to sit for a moment.With that being said, this place is filled with books. They utilize every bit of their space. Although it does add to their charm, I couldn't help but mind my surroundings. Granted, I am on the bigger side.It is a charming book store!

A book tells the best stories...BookEnds speaks clutter sadly and though it's quite a chaotically organized the amount of books here literally from floor to ceiling is quite overwhelming to see. There is so much stuff here it's I really wasn't prepared for it as I saw a box of "free books" right outside and thought what a lovely gesture and though that I need to check this place out.They certainly do have a sense of humor selling some toy shaped gems and gold coins in a treasure chest and other items, labeling sections "Old Weird Stuff" goes to show they've reached their limit of items to describe the variety they have which is great though it's like searching for buried treasure here if you're into that sort of adventure BookEnds is just the place for you.Thank you!

There's not many bookstores left in the land of kindles and online access, so I'm glad to see there's still this hidden bookstore gem left in Kailua! The aisles are narrow and filled with books, so it might not be best for someone whose claustrophobic.Good news, there's some chairs in some aisles so you can read some books before deciding to buy them, along with the jazzy music makes it a cozy experience.Most books are marked as is, especially if they are newer. Maybe inquire about the older books. There's a coffee shop next door should you decide to buy a book and enjoy some coffee there!

The most unorganized store Ive ever been. Books just thrown around everywhere. Very few signs saying what section of books are where so I had no way to know where to look. Could be great if they organized and arranged everything better.

Bookends is my favorite bookstore on the island. Pat and her team are knowledgeable and can easily steer you the right direction. It's also a great spot to browse as they just have so many books! If they don't have what you want, they're able to quickly order it in for you from the mainland.

Today my Aunt, my niece, my (level 3- Severe) 5 year old autistic nonverbal daughter and myself visited this store in Kailua. My daughter was in her umbrella stroller.The store was playing loud music and seemed welcoming. It gave major Never Ending Story vibes and I was excited to look around.However it was difficult because there were literal stacks of books on the floor ALL OVER THE STORE. It is NOT handicap friendly/accessible. My daughter was not having a good time. It is not her fault that she has sensory issues. It is no ones fault. It was loud and she got overwhelmed. I don't blame anyone for my daughters inability to regulate her feelings. Let me be CLEAR (I do not blame the store or staff for how my daughter could not handle her surroundings) I knew I had about a minute before she would start reaching to try and knock things over to express her discontent. She began to spiral and I tried to calm her. But she already started spiraling into a meltdown mode.So, I circled the island in the center of the store and was about to head out when one of the two female sales clerks (the one with glasses) supposedly named Sally got down to eye level with my child, grabbed her arm, SHOOK HER her asking are you ok? What's wrong? Why are you crying?I couldn't believe what was happening. I could see she didn't mean harm and she meant well. BUT I don't care if your intensions were pure/good. You do NOT touch anyone's child. My flight response kicked in and I found my words. She is autistic, can you leave her alone? And headed for the door. As she let my daughters arm go and backed away she said something along the lines of: I didn't know. She doesn't look autistic! That is honestly in my top 5 you shouldn't say about anyone with disabilities. Not all disabilities are visible. YES my daughter looks "Normal" but what does autism look like? What is that even supposed to mean? Rude and uncalled for. I didn't ask for help and you did not have permission to touch my kid.Bookends, do better. Educate your staff, clean up the path/walkway in your store to avoid having such a fire hazard, and make it handicap friendly. I'm sure your staff are nice, again I knew she didn't mean any harm. But they need more training and to use common sense. Approaching and asking if we need help would have been the appropriate way to deal with what had happened. Getting in a screaming child's face and shaking the child's arm while she is obviously in distress would freak anyone out. Now add autism, anxiety and sensory overload on top of that. Chaos.You can't imagine the rage I felt as we left the strip mall. Did I fail my child? I couldn't just turn the stroller around and walk out because THERE IS LITERALLY NO SPACE TO DO SO!!!We called the store to get information following the incident. We spoke to 2 different females over the phone. We asked the first to speak to the manager. She handed the phone to the second. When asked if she was the manager she said yes. So we asked for the name of the sales associate that wears glasses. She asked why? We repeated the question and she repeated her answer, Why? We asked again if she was the manager she said no but I'm the next person here. We asked for the managers name she said it's Mark. So not only did she lie and refuse to give her name but she tried to impersonate a manager too. So we hung up, called back and the first female said the girls name with glasses is named Sally.I tried to reach out via Instagram message & email to request a call back to speak to a manager."Sally" I hope you learn from this incident and keep your hands and comments to yourself.Sincerely,A pissed off Mother of a special needs little girl who loves books and wanted nothing more than to support local.

Shopping for books in Kailua, O'ahu, Hawaii...I recently bought a book for my mom from another book store in Pearlridge Mall. The book happened to be the first of a series of five, so, I went on the hunt to find the other four books. After looking through a couple of bookstores, I thought I'd try Bookends on the Windward side. I've driven past this strip mall on Kailua Road with Times Supermarket, Lanikai Juice and Morning Brew surrounding Bookends. You can't miss this bookstore because it's right next to the Kailua location of Donut King. The free shared parking makes this destination a great visit!When I walked into the shop, I felt overwhelmed. There were new and used books everywhere... On the shelves, on the floors, on the tables... There were a few chairs for customers to rest. I also saw racks of postcards and greeting cards. Bookmarkers were hanging neatly on a wall.I need to return when I have more time. I should also ask for help because I felt a bit lost. Haha!

Giving that throwback to another time (aka the 80s) vibe. Lots of old treasured favs as well as hot off the press new stuff. Any questions just ask the knowledgeable staff. Have fun hunting in the stacks! :)