Aliiolani Hale Honolulu
Historic Aliiolani Hale, home to the Hawaii Supreme Court, features the iconic King Kamehameha statue and free historical exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better access
Aliiolani Hale Honolulu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Aliiolani Hale, home to the Hawaii Supreme Court, features the iconic King Kamehameha statue and free historical exhibits.
"A surprisingly nice stop with great AC, nice exhibits, and of course, the iconic statue."
Check Hours Before You Go
Aliiolani Hale is a working courthouse. Verify opening hours and potential closures for state business before your visit. :calendar:
Metered Parking Tips
Metered parking is available on surrounding streets, but can be pricey. Budget around $3 for an hour. :parking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
King Kamehameha Statue
Courtyard
The iconic gold-plated statue of King Kamehameha I, a powerful symbol of Hawaiian history and royalty.
Hawaii Supreme Court
Interior
Experience the grandeur of the Hawaii Supreme Court chambers and learn about the state's legal history.
Judiciary History Center
Interior
Explore exhibits detailing Hawaii's unique legal past, including a courtroom and documentary screenings.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Aliiolani Hale
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Hours Before You Go
Aliiolani Hale is a working courthouse. Verify opening hours and potential closures for state business before your visit. :calendar:
Metered Parking Tips
Metered parking is available on surrounding streets, but can be pricey. Budget around $3 for an hour. :parking:
Combine with Iolani Palace
It's conveniently located near Iolani Palace, making it easy to visit both historic sites in one trip. :world_map:
Free Admission!
Enjoy the exhibits and exterior views without any cost. A great budget-friendly stop! :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Hours Before You Go
Aliiolani Hale is a working courthouse. Verify opening hours and potential closures for state business before your visit. :calendar:
Metered Parking Tips
Metered parking is available on surrounding streets, but can be pricey. Budget around $3 for an hour. :parking:
Combine with Iolani Palace
It's conveniently located near Iolani Palace, making it easy to visit both historic sites in one trip. :world_map:
Free Admission!
Enjoy the exhibits and exterior views without any cost. A great budget-friendly stop! :moneywithwings:
Hawaii 5-0 Fans Rejoice
This iconic building is a famous filming location for the TV show Hawaii 5-0. :tv:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Aliiolani Hale for its impressive architecture, the iconic King Kamehameha statue, and the free admission to its Judiciary History Center. Many appreciate the historical insights into Hawaii's legal past. Some note that parking can be difficult and expensive, and interior access may be limited due to its function as a working courthouse.
"We didnt get a chance to see the palace from inside. It was closed during our visit but it looks great on the outside. Plan your trip properly - not much else to see around the palace"
M Z
"Aliʻiolani Hale
Since 1874, Ali‘iōlani Hale has been the home of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. The building was commissioned by King Kamehameha V and built between 1871 and 1874. The name means “house of Heavenly Kings.” The name Ali‘iōlani was one of the given names of Kamehameha V. He laid the cornerstone in 1872, but died before the building was completed. It was dedicated in 1874 by King David Kalākaua. Originally designed as a palace, King Kamehameha V instead decided to use it as a government office building for the growing kingdom. It held the executive offices, legislature and judiciary. After the overthrow of the sovereign in 1893, the legislature and administrative functions were relocated to Iolani Palace, leaving Ali‘iōlani Hale for the courts. The Hawai‘i Judiciary remains the primary occupant. The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center is also located in the building and provides public exhibits and programs related to Hawaii's legal history.
The address is 417 South King Street, Honolulu."
Doug Ho
"It was a surprisingly nice stop. Great AC. The exhibits were nice including a courtroom as well as a theater. We saw a documentary about abuse of martial law. Of course, the exterior including the iconic statue were worth stopping by just by themselves. It’s great that it’s free."
Ben Park
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aliiolani Hale is located at 417 South King Street in downtown Honolulu. You can reach it by public bus, ride-sharing services, or by car. Parking is available on surrounding streets via meters, though it can be expensive.
Yes, downtown Honolulu is well-served by public buses, making it accessible via TheBus. Check local routes for the most convenient options.
Walking is a great way to explore downtown Honolulu, especially if you're visiting multiple sites like Aliiolani Hale and Iolani Palace.
Metered parking is available along the surrounding roads. Be prepared for potentially high costs, with rates around $0.25 per 6 minutes.
While possible, it's a significant walk (over 2 miles). Taking a bus or ride-share is generally more practical for most visitors coming from Waikiki.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Aliiolani Hale and its Judiciary History Center is free. This makes it an excellent value for visitors.
As a working courthouse, hours can vary. It's best to check the official Hawaii Judiciary website or call ahead to confirm public access times, especially for the Judiciary History Center.
Yes, you can visit the Judiciary History Center inside Aliiolani Hale, which features exhibits and a courtroom. However, access to other parts of the building may be restricted due to ongoing court proceedings.
Typically, the Judiciary History Center and public access areas are open on weekdays. Weekend access might be limited to exterior viewing only.
The Judiciary History Center offers exhibits and information, but formal guided tours might not be consistently available. Check their schedule for any special programs or events.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can see the iconic King Kamehameha statue outside, and inside, explore the Judiciary History Center with its exhibits on Hawaiian legal history, a courtroom, and a theater showing documentaries.
Yes, the famous gold-plated statue of King Kamehameha I is located in the courtyard directly in front of Aliiolani Hale.
Aliiolani Hale means 'House of Heavenly Kings' and has been home to the Hawaii Supreme Court since 1874. It's a significant historical and governmental building in Hawaii.
Yes, they are located near each other in downtown Honolulu and are both important historical landmarks. Aliiolani Hale was originally intended as a palace but became a government office building.
The center features exhibits on Hawaii's legal history, including displays on past court cases, the Hawaiian Kingdom's legal system, and the evolution of justice in the islands.
📸 📸 Photography
The front of the building with the King Kamehameha statue is the most iconic spot. You can also capture the impressive architecture from various angles around the courtyard.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, photos are allowed in public areas like the Judiciary History Center, but it's always best to check for any restrictions, especially in active court areas.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds for photography. The statue is particularly striking against a clear blue sky.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around government buildings. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Try shooting from slightly below to emphasize its grandeur, or from the side to capture the building's architecture in the background.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the courthouse itself might not have dedicated children's play areas, the historical context and visual elements can be captivating. Consider pairing this visit with nearby attractions like Iolani Palace for a more comprehensive historical outing that keeps younger minds engaged.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the Judiciary History Center to delve into the intricacies of Hawaiian law and governance. The King Kamehameha statue is a powerful symbol of the kingdom's legacy. Visiting Aliiolani Hale provides a direct connection to the events that shaped modern Hawaii.
🎬 Hawaii 5-0 Fans
Stand in front of the King Kamehameha statue and imagine the dramatic scenes filmed here. It's a chance to connect with the show's memorable locations and appreciate the building's enduring presence in Honolulu's landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Aliiolani Hale
Following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, the legislative and administrative offices were moved to Iolani Palace. Aliiolani Hale then became exclusively the home of the courts, a role it continues to fulfill today as the seat of the Hawaii Supreme Court. The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center within the building preserves and shares this rich legal and political heritage with the public.
Visitors can learn about the building's transformation from a planned palace to a vital center of Hawaiian governance. The exhibits offer insights into the unique legal system that developed in the islands, providing a deeper understanding of Hawaii's past and present.
The Iconic King Kamehameha Statue
The statue was commissioned by King Kalakaua and created by American sculptor Thomas Ridgeway Gould. It was originally intended for the coronation of Kalakaua, but due to a shipwreck, the first statue was lost at sea. A replacement was eventually cast and erected in its current prominent location.
King Kamehameha Day, celebrated annually on June 11th, often features ceremonies and lei draping at the statue, honoring the king's legacy. It's a powerful reminder of Hawaii's sovereign past and a must-see for anyone interested in Hawaiian history and culture.
Exploring the Judiciary History Center
Visitors can explore a preserved courtroom, view historical artifacts, and watch documentaries that delve into significant legal cases and the judicial system of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It’s an engaging way to understand the historical context of the building and the state's governance.
The center is a valuable resource for students, history buffs, and anyone curious about the legal framework that has shaped Hawaii. Its free admission makes it an accessible and enriching stop for all visitors.
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