Talk Story Saturdays encourages our communities to learn, share, and engage with each other about Hawaiian History. Dive deep into the Hawaiian Historical Society’s (HHS) stacks with the staff for a special insiders’ look into the rare and unique books and archival material not normally on public view. The hour-long tour will include: an introduction to the Hawaiian Historical Society, a curated exhibit, a chance to interact with historical material as well as an opportunity to learn how to research and access HHS’ resources. Guests are encouraged to ask questions and stay for reference hours until 2:00pm to conduct their own research.
Tours take place one Saturday each month from 10am to 11am, see schedule below. Tours reflect historical themes that embrace Hawaiʻi’s rich history and are conducted in the Hawaiian Historical Society’s Reading Room, Library & Archives.
From January 2025 to December 2025 through a generous grant, the Talk Story Programs are complimentary for all. There is no cost to attend; however please note guests will need to pay a $5 reservation fee which is refundable upon attendance. Seating is limited to 15 guests and registration will close once this threshold is met. In addition to the hour-long tour, each guest will receive a researcher’s toolkit to help with future research at the Hawaiian Historical Society. Any donations go towards preserving the collections and to continue this educational program.
Check out the schedule below for dates and themes. Click on the date to register for that particular event. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Read more about Tour Guidelines & Policies.
Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10:00am or 2:00pm
Talk Story Saturdays: Mele Mei
May’s theme, Mele Mei (Mele May), will explore our historical material from sheet music to the first publication of musical staffs and notation in Hawaiʻi. 
Learn about He Mele Lāhui Hawaiʻi, one of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s composition. Listen to the story of Kaʻahumanu Society’s 1909 performance of Song of the Islands (photo above) and how this was apparently the first presentation with each island having a color. Join us as we celebrate Hawaiian Music!
Saturday, April 12. 2025 at 10:00am or 2:00pm
Talk Story Saturdays: Lāʻau Kamaʻāina
April’s theme, Lāʻau Kamaʻāina (native plants) will explore our historical material from broadsides of limu to colorful botanical illustrations. On display will be Isbella Sinclair’s Indigenous Flowers of the Hawaiian Islands, a rare publication of watercolors of ‘Ōhi’a Lehua, ʻĀkala, and 42 other indigenous plants. Join us as we celebrate April as Native Hawaiian Plant Month!
Although this event has passed, thanks to students Kailana Keen and Hiilani Chang from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library & Information Science Program, we have an online exhibit. This online exhibit showcases the historical material that was a part of this Talk Story. Click here to be redirected to the online exhibit.