The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center is an administrative program, museum, and educational center operated by the Hawaii State Judiciary. Located within Aliiolani Hale, the Kingdom of Hawaii’s former capitol building, the center operates a history museum and hosts educational programs exploring the judicial process and legal history of the state of Hawaii.
Resources offered at the center include tours and workshops, public programs, and exhibits that showcase the varied collection of museum artifacts. Admission to the center and its museum are free, and both self-guided and guided tours are available.
King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center - one of the highlights of 10 Best Museums in Honolulu (Read all about Honolulu here)
Highlights of the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center
The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center was constructed in 1874 as the Capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, housing all major branches of government at the time. The center was named in honor of Kamehameha V, the current ruler at that time, who had ascended to the throne in 1863.
Today the center houses the Hawaii State Supreme Court, and the Judiciary Administration. The museum’s collection explores over 1,000 years of Hawaiian judiciary history, spanning from the ancient Hawaiian’s kapu system to today’s modern courts and laws. Collections include films and artifacts, a gallery on former Hawaiian monarchs, and a historic courtroom.
Good to know when visiting the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center
Additional resources available from the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center include a variety of educator resources for grades K-12, available online, as well as professional development resources. The Center hosts a variety of public programming events throughout the year, including film screenings, lectures, and round-table discussions, available online.
The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center is wheelchair accessible, and offers accessible facilities within the center. Additional accommodation resources are provided for online programs, with more information available on their website. Be sure to check the website for the dates of your visit to see what events are on the schedule.
King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center
Location: 417 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Open: Monday—Friday from 8 am to 4 pm (closed Saturday—Sunday)
Phone: +1 808-539-4999
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