Na Mea Hawai’i / Native Books

This is truly a shop and community space that supports local artists. There’s no place like it on O’ahu, where you can regularly meet the people behind the books, music and art. The staff is warm and friendly, and because they have an established relationship with all of their craftsmen, they can make personal recommendations for unique and truly beautiful gifts.

I thought this place was just going to be full of cheesy touristy things but man was I wrong. I love this place! Lots of authentic Hawaiiana items and locally-​made crafts. There are tons of interesting things for tourists and for kama‘aina like me that were born and raised in Hawai‘i. The book section was impressive (they even have a section on rare/​out-​of-​print books). There are tons of locally made items here so it’s a great place to «buy local» for yourself or others for the holidays. Lots of cute ornaments, jewelry, bags, etc. I even saw the Rap Reiplinger skit DVD collection that I used to watch growing up! There was a group having a discussion in the backroom. I’m not sure what the group was for but there was a description right at the foot of the backroom. Service was helpful. I was greeted and told to let them know if I needed any help twice. I didn’t feel like eyes were watching me as I walked around the store and didn’t feel pushed to purchase things. I will be back again!

Na Mea Hawaii is an eclectic bookstore located in Ward Warehouse in Honolulu, and it’s definitely worth a visit there. We were looking for a book of poetry by a local Hawaiian poet, in English, as a gift for a friend. We went to Na Mea and asked the friendly staff for some suggestions and she hand picked out three books for us that she could recommend, and pointed us to the section where we could browse for other books that might be of interest to us. We settled ourselves at a nearby table and began to peruse the books she gave to us. We found a wonderful collection of local poetry books as well as lots of other interesting books, everything Hawaiiana.
We looked around the store and they have some locally made handicrafts, jewelry, cards, music, etc. It’s a very interesting store, filled with beautiful things, and it made us feel good to be there. We will definitely go back to Na Mea and can definitely recommend it to anyone looking for Hawaiian books and gifts, kama’aina and malihini alike.

I love to shop here (and I don’t usually like shopping). Everything is made in Hawaii and is of good quality. They also offer the space for poetry readings, crafting demonstrations, and other community activities.

I came here looking for some materials for one of my classes that focuses on Native Hawaiian traditional healing. I received excellent customer service and even got a 10% discount for being a student. I thought all of the items in the store were so beautiful and wanted to buy everything! Love this place. Mahalo, Na Mea Hawai’i!

Wow, what a nice store! Really high quality authentic Hawaiian products. I walked around for a long time studying each shelf. The sign says books, which they have, but don’t turn around, many local crafts can be found. All of it was very nice. It was proportionally priced too. That means it was extremely expensive. Although I wanted a few things, I couldn’t justify the prices that went with them. So I treated the place like a museum and walked around and looked at things. I’ll come back when I win the lottery.

Books on Hawaii, local arts and crafts including clothing, music, a tea shop and more can be found at the very end (ewa) of Ward Warehouse. Hawaiian crafts are also taught here. Some items are a bit pricey but then some items are unique to this store. As Puanani reported, some staff members are not well versed in customer relations but I think it is a minor concern.
The artists featured change and so does the quality of the designs – a personal opinion, but it is worth checking out the store.

Wonderful store that not only has Native Hawaiian crafts by native and local artisans, but also holds all sorts of various classes. Also, do go and patronize the Kahua Cafè inside the bookstore. They sell homemade fresh cookies and other baked goods, tea, coffee and excellent (Hawaiian) awa noa by the mason jar or glass!

Today was my first time visiting this store. I heard a lot about it from friends. However, I had a terrible and unforgettable experience. No customer service what’s so ever. From the time I entered to the moment I exited no one acknowledged me nor said a simple hello. Two words «NO ALOHA.» As a Native Hawaiian with 50% Hawaiian blood and Spanish/​Portugese in my arteries. This place has no clue what it is to be, feel, and share what is really Hawaiian. They should be ashamed of this establishment. I will share my experience with family, friends, and social media. And I boycott this store.
Ms. Pua Andrade Kahaulelio
The Queens Medical Center

I love Nā Mea Hawaii! It’s located inside of Ward Warehouse at the very end underneath Spaghetti Factory.
They have all types of local necessities that you could ever want or need! Which I love to support local whenever I can. They have the Monarch Tea Room inside where you can have your afternoon tea. I recommend to make a stop there, their tea is awesome.
The one thing I come here the most though is to buy books. They have a pretty good Native Hawaiian Library. They also have a lot of local art which is amazing.
They have events here as well like weaving classes and talk story sessions. I’ve attended some talk story sessions and it’s so insightful.
I’m grateful for a place like this :)
–air conditioning
–bathroom
–Monarch Tea Room inside
–local products, books, and artwork
–huge store
–staff are friendly and knowledgable

LOVE this place! I try to support local businesses when I travel and especially ones that seek to preserve the people’s radical hystory. There were books about native hawaiian history, music and collections from local collectives, artists and writers. And I was sorry to have missed the tea room in the back, it looked like a quaint place to sit and go through the great finds. Bought locally made body care items, books, fabric, t-​shirts, and prints. I wish I had gone here earlier during my visit than on the last day of my trip.

I could spend hours upon hours in this shop. The last time I visited, there was an artist decorating the paper shopping bags with island flowers and other Hawaiian inspired doodles. There were chairs next to him that he encouraged patrons to come and sit in. He himself was sitting at the big crafting table, enjoying live music. The singer was a warm and social, musician that reminded me of a Grandfather. He was taking requests, and even asking the visiting Japanese guests to come and sit. He even told them to try to hula to a few of his songs, just to feel the music.
Near the new book releases, there was a kind, older lady who was selling the ‘Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen, Liliuokalani’ book to my Mom. And the woman didn’t even work there. But the ambiance inspires people to come together.
As my family and I enjoyed the many different sections of the store, I came across the Ni’ihau shell display. One of the workers spent time with me, talking about who made the multi-​stranded necklaces made of the rare shells. I got chicken skin just imagining the scene as he took me to the beaches of the island with his knowledge. It made me want to buy some, and I did! But not for myself. As a gift to one of my sisters. At the checkout counter, I was lucky enough to get the first drawn-​on paper bag from the artist I was sitting with earlier! And I still have it five months later. Besides the books and rich history, you get a great experience when you sit and stay for a while at Nā Mea.

I find it appalling that many will take the time to write a review on McDonald’s, Walmart, and Amazon, but completely ignore successful independent local businesses that are part of who we really are. Why?
Yes, it’s appalling. Sadly, it’s done in every city and state in our great country! For me, I will fight tooth and nail for small business and I don’t care if I lose this election!
Native Books is a rarity for several reasons…
1. NB is a «book store» that has survived the internet age and a new generation w/​a very short attention span. No offense.
2. NB is locally owned and operated.
3. NB offers only quality books and merchandise!
4. NB focuses on local and Hawaiiana material! From books, music, to gifts!
5. NB supports local artists! I know this as fact, since my big sister sells her art & crafty stuff here during the holidays!
Imagine NB has outlasted Borders, Tower, Honolulu Books, and it’s obvious to me, it’ll probably outlive Barnes & Noble too! It’s sad in a way because I absolutely love book stores, both independent and chain, but it’s hard to stop progress. Reading on an electronic screen is progress, right? The masses might agree. Not I, I prefer reading an actual book and holding a hand-​made item in my hands. Then again, I prefer a vinyl over a CD, and a muscle car over a Hyundai, but that’s just me. VHS over DVD, okay I’m pushing it on that one! Call me a very wise dinosaur!
I really hope Native Books — Na Mea Hawai’i can survive and continue to thrive. I hope for this generation and future generations too! Sorry, it’s the teacher in me! Oh yeah, and survive the uprooting of «our» Kaka’ako! That’s progress too, right? I think not!
BIG KAHUNA TIPS:
Located on the street level of the old Ward Warehouse, the Ewa-​side! Currently under remodeling, both in-​store and on-​line, but open for business, so hopefully this is a good sign! Support local!
Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 9:00pm, Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm.
OVERALL GRADE: 4.7-STARS!
LIVE ALOHA…
Unilocal REVIEW #368

This is more then just a book store.
Na Mea Hawaii keeps alive the Hawaiian culture by educating people through classes, authors talking stories and many other ways.
They carry a wide variety of items here, ranging from Hawaiian books, jewelry, soaps, music, clothes, and much much more.
I like to shop here for little gifts for my family back in the mainland. They love when I send them Hawaiian things :)
On a side note — Did you know that Na Mea Hawaii holds a Sangria & Paint Party every third Saturday of the month?! It’s only $ 35 for sangria, light pupu’s, and a take home canvas! All the paintings are taught step by step by an instructor. So much fun! Great activity for a girls night or event a date! ;)

This excellent Hawaiiana store is loaded with Hawaiian items, from books — an outstanding selection covering fiction and non-​fiction of all types — and music to arts and crafts. The staff is friendly, patient, and informative. The prices are pretty good, although the range is wide. While I was there, several people seemed to be involved in a class making things by weaving palm (?) leaves, and I noticed on Na Mea’s website that there are scheduled lectures and loads of classes (crafts, language, ukulele, history, etc.) available. If I lived around here, this would easily become a home away from home for me!

The newly renovated Na Mea Hawai’i /​Native Books is on the end of Ward Warehouse. They recently reduced their floor space, but there is PLENTY of Hawaiian goodies available!!!
They have aloha shirts, mu’umu’u, lei hulu (feather leis), jewelry, books, jams /​jellies /​marinades, pottery, hula supplies, cards, pot holders, towels, replicas of ancient Hawaiian artifacts, and soo many other more fun items! Prices are a bit higher than expected, but that is due to their high rents. I’m OK with that.
If you have questions or need assistance, ask for Pee Wee (his nickname). He’s super intelligent in the mana’o (knowledge) of Hawaiian art and can offer so many great suggestions. I wanted to get an aloha shirt of a certain designer, and he went out of his way to help me locate the shirt and to even call the vendor when they didn’t have my size. THAT is customer service and aloha! Mahalos, Pee Wee!
I will always be a fan of this store, because it promotes the Hawaiian culture to Kama’aina and Malihini.

Now this is a legit and true store that perpetuates real Hawai’i no wonder they call themselves Na Mea Hawaii because this place for real kine has all kine Hawaii stuff from local Hawaii kine stuff to Kanaka Maoli Hawaii kine stuff. This place has an amazing collection of Hawaii themed books from fiction to non-​fiction stuff. You can’t help but admire all of the beautiful things such as the ancient to modern Hawaiian hand crafts, t-​shirts, skirts, Hawaiiana attire, etc. The staff and customer service is just wonderful. They are going to open up a really cool and laid back tea section in the back of the store which is going to be awesome. The store is conveniently located at Ward Warehouse all the way at the corner and end more towards Ward St. It is on the bottom floor right underneath the Old Spaghetti factory. I agree with the Unilocalers that mention nevermind the Swap Meet because Na Mea Books is where it’s at for a better kine of souvenir or Hawaiian kine item that you want to get or take with you for any type of purpose whether you are local or a guest of the islands.
Sometimes authors of highlighted books do come out here to do like a talk story or read aloud session about their books. I recently went to Lane Wicken’s book event for his book, «The Forgotten Children of Maui» which talks about the Maui myths and traditions in the Philippines and other parts of the Pacific. Book events like this and that truly make Na Mea Books a not-​so-​your-​average-​bookstore. Definitely a unique and special bookstore.

The best local Hawaiian shop in Honolulu… the Ward Center shops suck but this is really best place for shell leis and other things Hawaiian. The other Hawaiian supply shop on King St. closed because they were owned by Japanese and selling sacred ili’ili rocks and sold their soul to Yakuza who control Hula industry in Japan.

Malahini: If you want to bring something back from Hawaii you should stop here. Neva mind the swap meet!
Na Mea Hawaii simply translated means All Things Hawaii. This place truly lives up to the name as the bode many unique items that cannot be found anywhere else. From rare treasures such as Ni’ihau shell lei’s to hand made soaps; this place has it all! Many of the items are crafted on the spot in the workshop so it’s really unique to see these beautiful crafts come to life in front of you eyes!
They offer many classes, lectures and activities. This is a great opportunity to learn about the real Hawaii!
My favorite thing about the space is the library. It’s such a welcoming space to sit back, relax and learn about our culture and history. This place is truly an asset for the preservation and continuation of the Hawaiian Culture.
So please stop by and say hi to Aunty Maile and staff; you won’t be disappointed.

Have you ever walked into a bookstore and felt like you belong there?
I have and it’s here Native Books /​Na Mea Hawai’i!
Here is where you can sometimes listen to the author read from a selection and get to know so much more about a book and author than you would ever get to know from a big box store like Borders. it is all local all the time. Slow down and relax as you browse through a wonderful selection of Hawaiiana …
Be ready though to pay more at the end as it is small and friendly instead of priced to move and fast. They don’t sell a million like a new harry Potter book so you have to be willing to help pay more to support the store and the artists.

This wonderful little gem is hidden in the corner of Ward Warehouse. I really enjoy walking through this store, and there are endless items to admire. I particularly love the local art and crafts that are on display and for sale here. To truly appreciate everything in the store, I find myself walking around the store two or three times. They have a wonderful selection of books on Native topics, local interest and by local authors. The handcrafted art and jewelry is high quality and absolutely beautiful. While walking through the store, I recommend looking high and low since there are little items hidden everywhere.
While it is true that you can find some of the items at different shops or stores throughout the island, I really appreciate the attention to detail and variety of quality items on display without hype or commercialism. Although I love this store, most of the items I couldn’t really afford. It is nice to get lost in the store and go on a hunt to find little affordable gems that I can take home with me.