Library and Archives
A large amount of non-published written material is available in the Archives. This non-published primary source material is usually referred to as manuscripts. It includes records relating to early business activities of notable Hawai'i companies, such as T.H. Davies and the Dillingham Corporation.Manuscript material also includes personal papers, letters, and diaries.
Many of Hawai'i 's royalty (including Bernice Pauahi Bishop and Queen Lili'uokalani) deposited their personal papers at Bishop Museum. Manuscripts can also include scientific papers, genealogical records, memorabilia, and much more. Various book, card, and online indexes are available to access the manuscripts, as well as the assistance of trained archivists. In most cases manuscripts may be photocopied, however, sometimes preservation issues overrule that possibility.