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. 📅
Metered Parking Tips
Metered parking is available on surrounding streets, but can be pricey. Budget around $3 for an hour. 🅿️
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 126 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Website
jhchawaii.netHighlights
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. 📅
Metered Parking Tips
Metered parking is available on surrounding streets, but can be pricey. Budget around $3 for an hour. 🅿️
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. 📅
Metered Parking Tips
Metered parking is available on surrounding streets, but can be pricey. Budget around $3 for an hour. 🅿️
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. 📺
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
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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.
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