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| Take a look at Honolulu in 1850 at Ali'iolani Hale through the architectural model of the city housed there. |
Whereas the 'Iolani Palace tour takes you to the era of King Kalākaua and Queen Lili'uokalani, the Judiciary History Center walks you through much of what happened pre-Kalākaua, starting with the transition from traditional Hawaiian kapu to a Western legal system in the early 1800s under the rule of King Kamehameha II and Queen Ka'ahumanu, favored wife of Kamehameha I, through the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i.
You can also visit the historic court room where the Massey case was tried, and even sit in the judge's chair. Additionally, you can get a sense of what living under Martial Law was like in Hawaii during World War II, watch videos about major legal issues in Hawaii in the theater (these are geared more towards the younger crowd), and learn much about the Kamehameha statue fronting the building, the architectural history of Ali'iolani Hale, and the trial of Queen Lili'uokalani.
Among the unique displays - you will not see this stuff anywhere else - are three-dimensional models of 1850s Honolulu and the Old Court House, which was the seat of government until 1874, the year it was damaged from a post-election (of Kalākaua) riot and the year Ali'iolani Hale opened.
The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center is located inside Ali'iolani Hale. Ali'iolani Hale is across the street from 'Iolani Palace, the backdrop of the King Kamehameha I statue.
FREE ADMISSION. Donations accepted. Open M-F 8 am to 4 pm, closed on State and Federal holidays.
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| The stained glass ceiling and grand staircase are 1911 additions. |
A brief history of Ali'iolani Hale:
Kamehameha V commissioned plans for a new palace to replace the structure that was there before the current 'Iolani Palace we know today. He decided a new government building was needed more, and the plans were adapted to build Ali'iolani Hale on the site of Oahu Charity School. Kamehameha V laid its cornerstone in 1872, but died before the building was finished. King Lunalilo, who succeeded Kamehameha V, also did not live to see the building completed. The building opened in 1874 after Kalākaua ascended the throne, just in time for scientists to witness the rare Transit of Venus from the building's roof.
Notable French painter Jules Tavernier (known for his paintings of the Big Island lava flows) was one of several artists that took up residence at the base of the building's tower during Kalākaua's reign (others included Joseph Strong, Charles Furneaux, and Allen Hutchinson).
Queen Lili'uokalani opened the last legislative session Ali'iolani Hale would ever see in 1892. Opposition to the Kingdom based itself here during the 1893 overthrow of the monarchy, after which the legislature was relocated away from Ali'iolani Hale to 'Iolani Palace and remained there until the present State Capitol building opened in 1969.
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| William S. Richardson oversaw landmark decisions during his tenure as Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court from 1966 to 1982. |