Talk Story with an Advertiser: Pahoa Used Books & Movies
Pahoa Used Books & Movies is a fun store, which includes used books, a large collection of movies for rent and purchase, as well as Hawaiian music CDs and other items. Also available is an eclectic collection of jewelry, in mostly Hawaiian themes.
The bookshelves, spread over two rooms, hold treasures in a variety of genres. Co-owner Kerry “Kealoha” Kelley says, “We feature books from, about, or by the people who live in Hawai‘i, from early times to present day. Our collection includes legends and myths, true stories and Hawai‘i-based fictions, information and stories about Hawai‘i Island volcanoes, as well as Hawaiian travel, spirituality, and nature. The tabletop books of photos taken from across this island state are spectacular! A local publisher prints these books, so we have new books available for gift-giving or personal preference. Local island authors also have a section available to sell their newest works.”
The store itself was remodeled last year and is bright, cool, and calming with a chair here and there to sit and read or listen to music. A cooler holds a variety of beverages, movies are played on a wall-mounted TV screen, and a music listening-station offers a sampling of Hawaiian music.
They also have great selections in their keiki (children’s) area, and encourage families to read books. The feel and the smell of a book, and the sound of a turning page are memory makers.
As members of the Mainstreet Pāhoa Association, Kealoha and her husband Dean are both actively engaged in helping with financial recovery in the aftermath of the May 2018 lava flow. As this magazine was going to press, the group had just opened a lava museum, displaying items from the irreparably damaged Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Jagger Museum. These items have been permanently “loaned” to their organization, and since the Jagger Museum closed, it’s the only place in the world to see these amazing pieces.
There is also a gift shop adjacent to the museum, and Pāhoa Used Books is offering books about volcanoes and local lava legends that can be purchased there in addition to their store.
Kealoha acknowledges she and Dean are ready to retire soon, “We would love to find someone looking for a special place to live and work, someone creative and looking to fulfill a dream, who would do well with this sweet store, which can become anything!”
Touted as one of the nicest stores in Pāhoa Village, we are delighted to share our passion with our community and visitors. E Komo Mai! All are welcome!
Dean Kelley and Kerry “Kealoha” Kelley
15-2903 Pāhoa Village Rd
Pāhoa, HI 96778
808.854.6681 Store
808.464.4189 Home Office
facebook.com/pahoabookstore
