HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii State Public Library System is hosting a summer reading challenge with a high-flying grand prize.

Read more First Alert Forecast: Mostly sunny with windward and mauka clouds and sprinkles.

Participants of all ages must log their reading from June 1 through July 31 to unlock rewards and earn a shot at winning roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

The challenge is complete when participants read eight books or 800 minutes. Physical books, eBooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, talking books, and Braille all count.

Challenge details

This year’s theme is “E Heluhelu Kākou – ʻUmeke Kāʻeo,” or a calabash full to the brim. The phrase symbolizes an individual full of knowledge, wisdom, skills, and training.

Read more ‘Changed countless lives’: Hawaii psychiatrist nationally recognized

“An ʻumeke kāʻeo is meant to be shared,” said state librarian Stacey Aldrich. “This summer our public libraries will be bringing communities together to share an abundance of stories, learning and connection.”

Kick-off event

The public is invited to a kick-off celebration on Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hawai‘i State Library on S. King Street. The event will include games for keiki, story time, informational booths, and sweet treats.

There are 51 public libraries on six islands, and readers are encouraged to attend kick-off events at select local branches.

Read more Hawaii Democratic Party convention underway in Waikiki

Learn more about the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge and pre-register here.