Ali'iolani Hale

The basics

The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, located on the Ali’iolani Hale building's first floor is open to the public. There you can browse historical displays about Hawaiian judicial history, from the ancient kapu system to the overthrow of the monarchy, martial law during WWII, and the courts and laws of today. You can tour it independently or book a scheduled guided tour. To admire the architecture from the outside, take a downtown Honolulu sightseeing tour.

Things to know before you go

• Ali’iolani Hale and the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center are free to enter.

• The building is wheelchair accessible.

• As this is a government building, visitors need to pass through a security checkpoint.

How to get there

Ali’iolani Hale is located at 417 S. King Street in downtown Honolulu, a short walk from the Iolani Palace. From Waikiki, it’s around a 10-minute drive northwest—street parking is limited but there are parking garages nearby. Several TheBus public transit routes stop close by, including the 4, 13, 20, and 42.

When to get there

The building is open to the public from Monday through Friday, early morning until late afternoon. Scheduled tours of the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center typically run three times a day, three days a week—check the website for confirmation and details on the center’s free public programming, including lectures and film screenings.

King Kamehameha Statue

Ali’iolani Hale’s most-loved attraction is the 18-foot (5.4-meter) bronze statue of Kamehameha I standing on its front lawn. The statue honors the first ruler of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It is on the site of one of Hawaii’s most colorful events: the King Kamehameha Day lei-draping ceremony, held annually on the Friday closest to June 11.