Na Mea Hawaii

Na Mea Hawaii is far more than a bookstore; it is a vital institution in the ongoing preservation and revitalization of Hawaiian language and culture. Since 2003, the Ward Village location has served as a gathering place for those committed to keeping Hawaiian traditions alive, with a collection that centers the voices and perspectives of Native Hawaiians. The Hawaiian-language section is the most comprehensive retail collection in the state, featuring everything from language-learning materials to Hawaiian-language novels and poetry for fluent speakers. The hula and dance section supports the vibrant hula community with historical texts, instructional materials, and photographic collections that document this essential Hawaiian art form. Works by Native Hawaiian authors occupy a place of honor, spanning fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that tells Hawaii's story from an indigenous perspective. The rare books collection includes early Hawaiian-language Bibles, vintage prints, and historical documents of significance. The store also functions as a gallery for Native Hawaiian artists, and the combination of books, art, and cultural programming creates a space that nourishes the Hawaiian community's connection to its heritage.