Basically Books

Specialties

Specializing in Books about Hawaii, Children’s books and toys, maps of Hawaii and the world, travel guides for destinations worldwide, gifts with an island flair, Hawaiian music CDs, DVDs, stationery, posters and art prints, bath and body products made in Hawaii, gifts for pet lovers and horse lovers. We can special order books of any type. We offer discounts to schools and educators. Printing, copy and fax services are also provided by Petroglyph Press, our parent company, located in the same space.

History

Established in 1985.

Basically Books was opened in 1985 in downtown Hilo, Hawaii by David and Christine Reed. Creating a focus on books about Hawaii, maps and travel guides, stationery and gifts with an island theme allowed this merchandise to be featured separately from the services offered by the parent company, Petroglyph Press, a printing and publishing enterprise established in 1962. After operating in separate locations for 12 years, the two businesses moved together again into a single location on Kamehameha Ave. in 1997. An expansion and remodeling was completed in July 2013, increasing the store area and creating new displays. These award-​winning businesses have offered a broad array of merchandise and services to visitors and local residents for over 50 years.

Meet the Business Owner

Christine R.

Business Owner

Christine fell in love with Hilo when she stepped onto the tarmac at Hilo Airport in 1972, catching her first scent of misty tropical rain as the sun was shining and creating a rainbow over the town. After meeting her husband, David, she went to work in the family printing business. As time went by the business grew and evolved into a multi-​faceted operation. In 1985, Basically Books was born after a conversation at the kitchen table, fulfilling a desire to focus on books, maps and gifts of Hawaii at a location separate from the printing services. After operating in different locations for 12 years, the opportunity arose to move the businesses together again at a new location on Kamehameha Ave. facing Hilo Bay. David and Christine continue to look for ways to meet the needs of the island community through the merchandise and services provided at Basically Books and Petroglyph Press.

Basically Books also recommends

Miyo’s

195

reviews

Japanese

Christine R. says,

«Great food. Consistently good service.»

Bob’s Jewelers Inc

5

reviews

Jewelry

Christine R. says,

«Friendly staff. Good products. Long established business.»