Two New Bookstores Open in Hawai‘i Kai and Mililani

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Are bookstores on the way back? It certainly feels that way. The last six years alone have given us Da Shop, Native Books at Art & Letters, Bās, Village Books & Music and Skull-Face.

And now, bibliophiles can add secondhand spots BookHouse and Poindexter’s Books to the list. We stopped in at both bookstores to check out their offerings. See what we found below.

BookHouse

Who:

Event planner Sam Bergan set out to create a hub for booklovers when she opened shop at the end of September inside the Gather co-work space (where she’s also the program and events manager) in Hawai‘i Kai.

What:

The cozy single-room nook offers thrifted fiction and nonfiction books for $10 or less, and keiki books for $1 to $2, including lots of bestselling and award-winning titles. Entry is free if you’d just like to shop, and you can purchase a day pass from Gather if you decide you’d like to stay and read.

Bergan hosts fun monthly events, such as bookmark painting workshops and book-to-movie watch parties. BookHouse’s next events, on Dec. 9 and Dec. 20, include a yoga class with a sunset reading session and a white elephant book exchange complete with hot cocoa and cookies. And she’s looking to bring in authors for speaking engagements.

“It’s all about creating opportunities for authentic connections and building community,” Bergan says. In the future, she’s also planning to offer a membership with library-style features and perks, such as quarterly bookmarks designed by local artists.

Where:

6600 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Suite 114, (808) 200-1205, @bookhousehi

SEE ALSO: 6 Books That Left a Big Impression on Da Shop Staff in 2023

Poindexter’s Books

Who:

Family law attorney Rosa Flores’ bookworm status dates back to small-kid time, when she toted a little bag of books everywhere and made frequent trips to Jelly’s and Froggies. Now, with Poindexter’s, the mom of four is hoping to help others ditch their screens in favor of great reads. “We hope that it allows individuals to enjoying the feeling of having a book in their hands,” she says. “There’s a lot of pleasure in turning the pages, turning that last page and closing the book.”

What:

If the shop feels extra roomy, it’s because the 2,600-square-foot space in Town Center of Mililani started out as two suites that Flores combined into one. Despite its size, the shop feels warm and welcoming thanks to intimate seating areas scattered throughout, vibrant local artwork and a sweet keiki area.

You’ll find a wide array of used fiction and nonfiction books, keiki books, comics, manga and graphic novels. Music and movie fans can dive into used DVDs, CDs and vinyl records. There are also some new items available, including Funko Pop! figurines and locally designed stationery.

And unlike some bookstores, where food and drinks are forbidden, Poindexter’s is happy to have you grab a snack and stay awhile. Flores set up a small mom-and-pop-style snack bar where you can purchase candy, ice cream, Italian cream sodas, saimin and more.

Where:

Town Center of Mililani, 95-1249 Mehe‘ula Parkway, Suite B6, Mililani, (808) 425-4266, @poindextersbooks

Read more stories by Brie Thalmann