Hawaii State Library, Honolulu

The Hawaii State Library serves as the base of the Hawaii State Public Library System, which is the only statewide library system in the United States. The building that houses the Hawaii State Library was designed by Henry D. Whitfield, Andrew Carnegie’s brother-in-law, and funded by Carnegie himself. Construction began in 1911, and the building was completed in 1913. In 1978, the Hawaii State Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, the Hawaii State Library holds more than 525,000 books, while the entire library system has more than 3 million. It also holds several pieces of significant artworks. Before entering, pause on the front lawn and look for the two cast bronze sculptures positioned near the walkway leading to the entrance, created by British sculptor Barbara Hepworth, titled “Parent I” and “Young Girl.” Hepworth is one of the leading figures of 20th-century abstract sculpture. Both sculptures belong to her celebrated series The Family of Man, a group of nine bronze figures representing different stages and relationships of human life.

Once inside, continue toward the central courtyard, where you will find an ocean-themed mosaic by Japanese American artist Hiroki Morinoue. From the courtyard, head to the ground floor side of the building and follow the signs to the Edna Allyn Children’s Room, where murals by painter Juliette May Fraser depict scenes from Hawaiian legends.