Government and Historical District.1
U.S. Post Office, Custom House, and Court House (1922). Often referred to as the Federal Building before the new one was built in 1977, this classic Mediterranean style structure features large roof overhangs, shaded arcades, open interior courtyards, spacious porticos, and two towers. In 1930, a three-story addition was built on the Diamond Head side.
Ali'iolani Hale (1874). The State Supreme Court and other judiciary offices are located here, the oldest government building in Hawaii. Originally commissioned as a new royal residence by Kamehameha IV, Kamehameha V decided that it should become an administrative building. He died in 1872 before its completion in 1874. Ali'iolani Hale is another example of the affinity Hawaiian royalty had for European styles. The cast concrete blocks imitated European cut stone. Additional motifs include Ionic columns and arched wondows. Inside, an octagonal rotunda topped with a domed skylight and a graceful curved double staircase greet visitors who may want to visit the Hawaiian Judiciary History Center Museum. Rear Wings were added in 1940.
King Kamehameha I Statue (1883). This 18 foot bronze statue is actually a duplicate of the original that was lost at sea near the southern tip of South America. The recovered original now stands in Kapa'au on the Big Island. Boston sculptor Thomas R. Hould created the molds in Italy and cast the statues in France. On Kamehameha Day (June 11) the statue is draped with long colorful leis.
