Basically Books

Basically Books has been the literary and cartographic gateway to the Big Island since 1983, serving visitors and residents from a charming downtown Hilo storefront on Kamehameha Avenue. The store's specialty in Hawaiian maps and travel guides makes it an essential first stop for anyone exploring the island, with topographic maps, hiking guides, and nautical charts that cover every corner of Hawaii's largest landmass. The volcanology section is naturally outstanding, given the store's proximity to Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, with titles ranging from geological science to Hawaiian creation mythology that connects the volcano to the goddess Pele. The Hawaiian natural history collection covers the extraordinary biodiversity of the windward coast, from tropical rainforests to marine ecosystems. The children's section introduces young visitors to Hawaiian legends and the island's unique wildlife. The store's location in historic downtown Hilo, with its classic plantation-era architecture and views of Hilo Bay, adds atmosphere to an already enriching browsing experience.