Talk Story Bookstore
Founded: November 6th, 2004 by Ed Justus
Talk Story Bookstore is "The Westernmost Bookstore in the United States." As of 2012, they became the only bookstore on the island of Kauai and one of the few out of all the Hawaiian islands.
“Talk Story” is defined as a place to chit-chat with old and new friends alike; a space to share stories, share laughs and develop friendships.
Talk Story Bookstore is located in Hanapepe, a small town on the west side of the island. Kauai is known for its luscious green landscape, the Na Pali coast, and miles of picturesque surfing coves. Yet one of the most prized aspects of the island is this little bookstore.
In fact, Talk Story Bookstore isn’t small at all. The vintage building stands by itself in a sandy alcove near a river. Its wooden face climbs up in steps, giving it an old-fashioned and charming personality. The building used to be an old Yoshiura store, a type of general market distributing all kinds of goods from around the world. Ed says that Talk Story has continued the legacy of the building, “which is very much in the same spirit as Talk Story Bookstore, where we do our best to be as diverse as possible in our subject and book selections.” The large and accommodating space of Talk Story Bookstore holds the mystical, enchanting, and friendly elements of island life. It is the perfect spot to stumble on, holding endless possibilities and adventures.
THE STORY
Before running Talk Story Bookstore, Ed lived in Kapaa selling items on eBay that he would pick up at garage sales. Out of the random items he was selling, he also held about 3,000 books in his home, which became his way of making a living. After two years, Ed moved to the westside of Kauai, where he saw a “For Rent” sign on an empty storefront window in the town of Hanapepe.
After teaming up with one of his friends looking to start a business, the two inquired with the landlord about using the space to sell their inventory. Although he had no money to put down a deposit or first month’s rent, they generously handed Ed the keys with a couple month’s free rent to get them off their feet. At the end of September they moved into the space, realizing that what they had was “a bookstore and curiosity shop.” With the help from the surrounding community, they named the store "Talk Story" and added a “self-serve pump canister of coffee” thus "Talk Story: Books, Coffee & Curiosities" was born.
At the end of October, Ed’s business partner was no longer able to help run the store and the month’s rent was due. Ed had only made enough to pay for one of the two: his house rent or store rent. Ed said that when making the decision, he “‘went to the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge and stared out over the river, and asked aloud if I was supposed to continue the business. It was right then that a full and brilliant double rainbow appeared. I remember saying aloud, "If that's not a sign, I don't know what is!’”
So he made the decision to keep the store and even slept in his van for the next month to keep it alive. Luckily, the next month the landlords' offered a rental apartment above the store for a few hundred dollars more and he he found his home above his books.
It was Ed’s determination that kept the store alive and it eventually transformed into an award-winning coffee shop café, with a community art gallery inside. In 2006 the store changed location where it has been ever since. At its new location, Talk Story Bookstore transformed once again into a full bricks and mortar bookshop, serving the local community and tourists from all over the world ever since. It has even been named the most popular shopping destination on the island!
The best part of owning a bookstore is that I get what I put into it. But perhaps even better than that is that this is a business that 99% of the customers are happy and excited with what they are purchasing, because they are investing in their own interests, feeding their minds and souls. It is incredible rewarding making people happy, and I am grateful to own a business that strives to do just that.
-Ed Justus
NOTABLE SECTIONS
Talk Story Bookstore maintains its original character of selling a wide selection of everything. They sell local Hawaiian books as well as prolific fiction and non-fiction sections. They have vintage books, comic books, and even vinyl records. Basically, there isn’t anything you can’t find inside this bookstore.
Used Books: ✓
Rare Books: ✓
Cafe: ✕
Wifi: ✓
Pets: ✓ - “Absolutely. The store is really run by the store cat Celeste, or as everyone knows her as: ‘The Boss’. She generally can be found working hard at her job sleeping behind the desk or staring at the wall. Her instagram celeste_the_cat_boss is actually more popular than the store (which she tends to brag about when she isn't demanding her treats). She was also ranked in the Top Ten Bookstore Cats in the World by MentalFloss.com.”
Website: https://www.talkstorybookstore.com/
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