Petroglyph Press, Ltd.

04/01/2026

Ban the Book Bans!

Your voice matters, and together we can help protect the freedom to read.

03/31/2026

Happy Mom and Pop Business Owners Day! Basically Books is a family owned independent bookstore located in Hilo on Hawai'i Island! We have a special focus on Hawaiian history, language, and literature but we have a wide selection of books from every genre for all ages! You can also find toys, games, stuffed animals, coffee mugs, and so much more in our cozy store! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with our latest store events, and thank you for supporting your local bookstores!

03/06/2026

Public Invited to Hilo Library for 75th Anniversary

HILO, Hawai‘i – For 75 years, the Hilo Public Library has been a gathering place, a keeper of stories, and a cornerstone of community life. On Saturday, March 7, the public is warmly invited to celebrate this milestone anniversary beginning at 9 a.m. with a brief program followed by music, hula, and family-friendly activities throughout the morning.

The celebration will feature an acapella performance by No Divas, keiki hula from Lori Lei’s Hula Studio, refreshments, a special author talk and book signing with Jasmin ʻIolani Hakes, author of Hula, and live music by Kaumana Sunrise Band.

Located at 300 Waiānuenue Avenue, the Hilo Public Library first opened its doors on January 20,1951. For generations, it has stood in the presence of the legendary Naha Stone, believed to be the stone lifted by Kamehameha I in fulfillment of a prophecy that he would unite the Hawaiian Islands. Inside the atrium, Hawai‘i Island artist Henry Bianchini’s donated sculpture, “Involuntary Journey,” further reflects the layered stories and lived experiences that shape this community.

“For 75 years, the Hilo Public Library has been a place where history and possibility meet,” said Stacey A. Aldrich, State Librarian. “For 75 years families have gathered here to learn, to find belonging, and to imagine what comes next. Today, we are honoring the stories that came before us while opening doors to new knowledge and new beginnings. This anniversary is about celebrating the people of Hilo and the role this library continues to play at the heart of the community.”

Throughout March, the library will continue to offer programs that reflect its commitment to lifelong learning and connection, including ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes, Keiki Reading to a Therapy Dog, the Navy Wind Quintet, Keiki Storytime, a Spring Bonsai Show, and an Early Childhood Music Class.

The library’s public service hours are:

Tuesday, Wednesday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday, Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, call 808-933-8888.

The 75th birthday celebration is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i and the Friends of Hilo Public Library.

01/20/2026

Only one more week until our next Book Talk! Meet local author Frances Kakugawa at 1pm on January 24th at Basically Books as she discusses her latest book "The Outhouse Poet: Reflections of a Writer". We hope to see you there!

09/01/2025

On September 2, Petroglyph Press celebrates its 63nd anniversary. Founded in 1962 by Stephen and Frances Reed, on the corner of Haili and Kinoole Streets in downtown Hilo, the company flourished under the guidance of their son David after he took over management in 1974. Together with his wife Christine, they launched Basically Books in 1985. Since his passing in 2024, Christine carries on both businesses with her daughter, Stacey.
Petroglyph Press publishes books about Hawaii and currently boasts 22 titles ranging from A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands to Tropical Organic Gardening, Hawaiian Style. A collaboration with artist Dietrich Varez has resulted in 9 titles featuring his signature artwork, including 4 original works. The mission of Petroglyph Press is to promote literacy and storytelling, and to preserve and perpetuate knowledge of Hawaiian culture for future generations.
Stop by Basically Books to check out the entire line of Petroglyph Press books.

11/26/2024

Pick up a copy of "Petroglyphs of Hawai'i" by Likeke McBride and learn more about Hawai'i's petroglyhs, what they mean, where to find them, and even how to take pictures of them. "Petroglyphs of Hawai'i" is available from booksellers throughout Hawai'i.

11/24/2024

"The Life and Times of Kamehameha" is a collection of articles originally published by William D. Westervelt between 1903 and 1925. With a foreward from Westervelt's great-granddaughter and stunning artwork by Dietrich Varez, this book is a must have for lovers of Hawaiian culture and history. Find "The Life and Times of Kamehameha" at booksellers throughout Hawai'i.

11/22/2024

Learn more about Pele in the book "Pele: Volcano Goddess of Hawai'i" by Likeke McBride with illustrations by Dietrich Varez! "Perhaps it is she who weaves the spell that brings people back again and again to the island of Hawai'i, sometimes to spend the rest of their days in this vibrant land.", Find "Pele: Volcano Goddess of Hawai'i" at booksellers throughout Hawai'i.

11/17/2024

Explore Hilo with a copy of "Hilo Legends" by Francis Reed! With the map at the front of the book you can visit these places of myth and legend, places like Rainbow Falls and the Naha Stone! "Hilo Legends" is available from booksellers throughout Hawai'i.

11/15/2024

Interested in learning more about the mythology of Hawai'i Island? Check out the book "Kona Legends" by Eliza D. Maguire! This collection of legends was first published in 1926. Eliza Maguire first heard these stories from old Hawaiians on Huehue Ranch in the Kona district of the island of Hawaii. "Kona Legends" is available from booksellers throughout Hawai'i.