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.
Through generous donations, the Talk Story Programs are complimentary for all. There is no cost to attend. Seating is limited to 18 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, August 15, 2026 10:00am – 11:00am
“We name the places that we want to go back to”–John Clark
John Clark, a well-known community researcher, scholar, and author has spent his life documenting Hawaiʻi’s surf spots and shorelines. In 2016 he bequeathed to HHS a collection of images and publications notes from 1974 to 1989. This valuable material is associated with his first four publications, Beaches of: the Big Island; Kauaʻi and Niʻihau; Maui; and Oʻahu.
August’s theme, Hawaiʻi Ma Kahaone (Beaches of Hawaiʻi), will explore the Beaches of Hawaiʻi Photograph Collection from John Clark. We will feature a few historic beaches and shorelines and how this collection overall supports larger historical narratives. We will also discuss this year-long preservation project and how our communities can access these valuable resources. Join us as we journey through each island to learn about places that are significant to us, our communities, and history.
Hawaiʻi Ma Kahaone (Beaches of Hawaiʻi) was a HHS’ year-long preservation project from 2024-2025 supported by the Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities, through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Read more here about this project and take a look at the Finding Aid.
Saturday, June 20, 2026 10:00am – 11:00am
June’s theme, Docks to Downtown, will explore a few iconic businesses in Honolulu from the 1850s to modern day. Learn about commerce and
hospitality on Oahu from book binding and publishing to fashion and leisure. On display will be historic lithographs by Paul Emmert, the first commercially issued photo album, and rare memorabilia on sewing machines and Love’s Bakery. Join us for a snapshot into Hawaiian history on Honolulu’s waterfront to storefront.