Located in downtown Honolulu, Aliʻiōlani Hale is a stunning Italian Renaissance Revival landmark designed by Australian Thomas Rowe. Translating to "House of Heavenly Kings," it was commissioned by King Kamehameha V, who laid its cornerstone in 1872. Originally intended as a royal palace, it was converted into a government building to serve the growing Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.
Today, it serves as the home of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court and administrative center of the State Judiciary. You will find incredible legal history within its walls, as it was from here in 1893 that the Committee of Safety issued the proclamation deposing Queen Liliʻuokalani. When you visit, you can admire the famous gold-leaf statue of Kamehameha the Great standing proudly in the building's courtyard.
Inside, you can explore the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, which features a restored historic courtroom, multimedia presentations, and compelling exhibits detailing Hawaiʻi's landmark court cases and legal history. You might even recognize its grand exterior, as it was depicted as headquarters in the Hawaii Five-0 TV series. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this iconic site offers you a deep look into Hawaiian governance.
What to see at Aliiolani Hale
- Famed gold-leaf statue of Kamehameha the Great in the courtyard
- King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center featuring a restored historic courtroom
- Historic site where Queen Liliʻuokalani was deposed in 1893
- Iconic Italian Renaissance Revival architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Hawaiʻi's largest law library and current home of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court
Visiting tips
Plan your visit between 8am and 4pm on a weekday to tour the free exhibits at the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Weekday mornings
How to get there & what’s nearby
Aliiolani Hale is easy to reach on Honolulu’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Honolulu travel guide.
See the full Honolulu travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.