Native Books at Arts & Letters

I love this little bookstore! Native Books, tucked across from the Marks Building in Chinatown, is a true gem--whether you're a local or just visiting, it's worth checking out.First things first: if you're comfortable, slip off your shoes before stepping inside.I first came here for a mahjong night and got to explore the space--this is truly a Native Hawaiian bookstore. You'll even find popular titles translated into ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, which is such a rare and special touch.Looking for a children's book by a local author? This is the place. Their collection of local stories is beautiful.Beyond books, they've got some really cool stickers, and don't skip their embossing service--it's a unique little detail that makes a great gift extra special.A true treasure for the community and the staff and everyone here are so friendly and helpful.

Nothing like a good book...Located across Marks Building as I was done with mailing a box next door at the post office i noticed this shop and decided to explore and walking in you take your shoes off right at the door to browse which I absolutely loved as it felt so calming.Recently we just added a bookshelf at work and thought that this would be a great place to find something to add for the kids as there's nothing like reading to explore your mind versus the table though yes it's reading as well but holding a book physically is what our kids are missing out and sadly so is the publication and book shops.Love to support local and keep reading going with so much here that offers various books that I do love but looking for the kids is so much more fun and there was so much here and narrowed it down to something for the teeniest cuties that i hope will enjoy as much as i did, don't forget that there's a 10% off discount with a Yelp check in which a wonderful deal as the price good book is priceless.Thank you!

Spent Mothers Day before a reservation at the Native Books shop on Nuuanu Avenue. The salesperson was friendly and asked if we were looking for something specifically. There are many antique Hawaiiana books, new books, prints, and a used book section of interesting fiction. The books are priced higher than what the original price was, as indicated by a sticker covering the original price on the back of the book. Use street parking or Mark's Garage to park your car.

Native Books is a wonderful little book shop that features books about Hawaiian history and culture. They carry a wonderful assortment of children's and adult books. Some of the books are written in native Hawaiian, while most are in English. You can find biographies about the Hawaiian dynasties. Children's books carry stories that have been handed down for generations. Many of the books are by local Hawaiians. The shop is cozy. They prefer that you remove shoes after entering. There is also a work space upstairs. They were painting art wall when I visited. The staff is welcoming and knowledgable. They request that you do not bring in food or beverages. The books make perfect gifts and will help preserve Hawaiian culture and language. There is some street parking but it is at a premium unless you get there early. There is also a parking garage across the street.

Lovely book store that is island culture-centric? Take your footwear off at the front door

GENERAL STATEMENT:I absolutely love this store. WHY: The gems aren't hidden here... they surround you the moment you step over the threshhold. EMPLOYEE INTERACTION:The woman working the day of my visit was beautiful in every way. Her professionalism as it pertained to knowledge of their inventory was what a book collector dreams of encountering. In addition to being kind & soft-spoken, she was polite and non-intrusive while I carefully perused the volumes that adorned the shelves and tables.LAYOUT:This is a one room, one stop shopping for everything you might need. NOTE: don't come looking for Catcher In The Rye and such.... the name of this establishment should be enough of a lesson that you don't make that mistake...but, I might send you here if you wanted a bible... one like Da Jesus Book. Continuing... this place is spaceous enough that even the most claustrophobic of folks won't ever feel the need to hit the panic button like you might while exploring a labyrinth of shelves in an antiquarian book store in England... in fact I felt quite the opposite. I wanted to stretch out and read... if they had a bookstore cat, a couch... and a spot of mint tea, I would have been past the point of no return, lol.MY VISIT:I wanted to allot a few hours to this adventure, so I could check everything twice, like Santa and his list, despite some folks who have told me that the store is small. I think I was there a bit over and hour, due to having to get back to work, so when I again touch down at the Gathering Place, I shall make another pilgramage to enjoy this true makana to those in the know.MY HAUL:Recollections : Memoirs of John Dominis Holt-- 1993First EditionListen But Don't Ask Question : Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Across The Transpacific by Kevin Fellers --2019 (assumed first edition (?))Volume 1, Palapala'āina -- The Early Mapping of Hawai'i by Gary L. Fitzpatrick -- 1986 (assumed first edition (?))Volume 2, Palapala'āina -- Surveying the Mahele by Riley M Moffat and Gary L. Fitzpatrick -- 1995 (assumed first edition (?))Old Honolulu : A Guide to Oahu's Historic Buildings -- by Historic Buildings Task Force (Editors: Frances Jackson, Agnes Conrad and Nancy Bannick) -- 1970I had actually forgotten to buy the preceding title and returned (rushed, lol) almost immediately so that I wouldn't miss out.And lastly, while I returned for the Old Honolulu book that I mentioned above, I realized that I was so engrossed in the left side of the store, that I hardly even glanced at the right side. THAT is when I discovered a saddle stitched book that greatly surprised me due to the successor of it being my favorite book to check out of the Irvington Public Library (New Jersey) as a child (the library would phone my home and ask me/my family to have me STOP repeatedly checking the book out, so others could read it... lol).The Hawaiian Sky by Will Kyselka -- 1971 (assumed first edition (?)), purchased at Native Books was the precursor to my delightfully informative book from my childhood called The North Star To Southern Cross; same author (I own both the harcover and paperback versions).PARKING:I was fortunate to get lucky with a spot on the street a short stroll down the block. If you don't find one right away, be patient or perhaps park in one of the area's parking garages or lots. If you have never been here, well... this store is worth a visit. - I think you will agree.Mahalo nui loa for reading my review.RECOMMEND... Yes/No?Yes! And without hesitation to my Yelp elite family and random readers alike.

Such a wonderful asset to Honolulu, Native Books at Nu'uanu Arts & Letters is a treasure trove of books by and about Hawai'i. The space is an epic shared retail space, art gallery and work pods located upstairs. They have a large on-line presence in addition to the retail space meaning you can ship anywhere on the globe or buy online and pick up in store. The bookstore worth a stop and browse as this is a highly specialized subject matter and the staff is on hand to guide you with great choices. These are books you may not see anywhere else...My most recent purchase is a small book about the spiritual significance of the Hawaiian lunar calendar, published and printed here in Kāne'ohe. Additionally, this is a outfit dedicated to the preservation of Hawaiian history and culture. It's so important to support businesses like this.

Very Friendly and helpful staff to guide you. With great options available to choose from but parking is very difficult.

See recent review for Homegrown in Pearlridge. I want to continue to emphasize that especially as many Native Hawaiians are being driven from our homeland due to the rising cost of living, among other things, it's especially important to not simply support local but support Native Hawaiian businesses, authors, artists, and to learn about the land and culture of the people who are of this land. This little book store is a valuable resource in our community.

Native Books is such a rarity, and owner Maile Meyer is a gem. We are lucky to have such a bookstore downtown.