Mutual Publishing is a Hawaii publisher with a hidden bookstore in Kaimuki. They have great cookbooks, children's books, local books, and so much more! Here's how to get there and what to expect ^_^
Local will recognize many cookbooks published by Mutual Publishing.
They are one of the biggest publishers on the island and responsible for classics and favorites like the By Request cookbook from Betty Shimabukuro (I was a huge fan of her column in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin!), books from Sam Choy, mochi books, local dessert books and a ton more ^_^
The Mutual Publishing office is in Kaimuki. And the front part of the office is a bookstore that is open to the public. So neat!!
Where to Park
So first things first, you need parking! There is a small lot in front of the building but you cannot park there (it's for permit parking only). Park across the street - cross Center Street and park in the upper lot. You can park in any of the stalls numbers #15 to #28. They validate for 1 hour free parking.
Once you get to the bookstore, just scan a QR code at the front desk and put in your car / parking info.
Note: you can also find street parking, but they validate 1 hour free, so you might as well use it ^_^
Getting to the Bookstore
Once you park, head back across Center Street and look for the Franklin Variety Building. It's a small blue building with signs for karate and jiu jitsu classes.
You'll also see a sign that says Mutual Publishing Bookstore. Look for the door right under that sign and head into the building!
Walk past the jiu jitsu school and make a left...
...you'll see a long hallway. Walk all the way to the very end of the hallway...
...and look for the bookstore sign and this door pictured above. You can walk inside ^_^
And tadah! It's a small but special space highlighting all their popular books.
The cookbooks and children's books take up the most space...makes happy because those are my among my favorite categories of books heheh.
Extra happy because my son gets to pick a book and I get to pick a book!
I have a close up photo of the cookbook selection at the very top of this post (first photo in this post). And here is a selection of the children's book.
We've purchased many, gifted many, and have received many as gifts. They are so popular for kids in Hawaii. People LOVE the 123 Saimin in Hawaii book.
On our most recent visit I bought the A Korean Kitchen cookbook and my son got the Down at the Beach board book ^_^
Update: I just made sesame oil noodles from the Korean cookbook! It is super delicious.
Insider Tips
20% Discount
Sign up for their book club (it's free) and get 20% off all regular priced books.
Monthly Sales
Each month, they put different books on sale (usually one book from each category). They announce the sale books in the monthly newsletter and on Instagram. I've been curious about the A Korean Kitchen cookbook and they had it on sale for $9.95 this month! Meant to be.
Parking
Free 1 hour validated parking in the lot across the street. Details here.
Free Hawaii Shipping for orders $30+
If you can't make it to the bookstore, you can buy all the books that they publish online. Mutual Publishing offer free shipping (to Hawaii addresses only) for online purchases of $30 or more.
Mutual Publishing: Info
- Address: 1215 Center Street # 210, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 (inside the Franklin Variety Building).
- Hours: Open Monday-Friday, 9am-4:30pm.
- Instagram: @mutualpublishing
Mahalo for Reading!