During Tom's 2021 trip to O'ahu there was numerous locations in downtown Honolulu that were visited but did not fall under the umbrella of a notable highway. This blog is intended to serve as a compellation of notable locales in downtownn Honolulu which were not attached to a highway blog. The blog cover is the Aliʻiōlani Hale which once was the seat of government for the Kingdom of Hawaii. In a highway related twist, the Aliʻiōlani Hale is more well known as the headquarters of the fictional Hawaii Five-0 Task Force.
Hawaii State Capitol
The Hawaii State Capitol is located 415 South Beretania Street in downtown Honolulu. The Hawaii State Capitol building broke ground on November 10th, 1965 and was completed on March 15th, 1969. The Hawaii State Capitol is somewhat unique looking given the central atrium is open-air. The Hawaii State Capitol features numerous designs intended to represent features of the state such as; the reflecting pool around the building perimeter is intended to represent the Pacific Ocean and the legislative chambers are shaped to represent the volcanos of the Hawaiian Islands.
The Eternal Flame is located across Beretania Street north of the Hawaiian State Capitol and was dedicated on July 24th, 1995. The Eternal Flame is a metal sculpture that is intended as a tribute honoring the enlisted Hawaiian servicemen and servicewomen of conflicts the United States has been engaged in.
ʻIolani Palace
'Iolani Palace is located at 364 South King Street in downtown Honolulu. Construction of 'Iolani Palace began with the cornerstone being laid December 31st, 1879 during the reign of Hawaiian King David Kalākaua. 'Iolani Palace features an American Florentine design which has traditionally been most popular on the Hawaiian Islands. A European style coronation ceremony at 'Iolani Palace was held on February 12th, 1883 despite King David Kalākaua having been in power for nine years. Following the death of King Kalākaua in 1891 the grounds of 'Iolani Palace would become home to Queen Liliʻuokalani. 'Iolani Palace would remain the home of the Hawaiian royal family until the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom during 1893. 'Iolani Palace would become the seat of the Hawaiian Territorial government and State of Hawaii government prior to the construction of the Hawaii State Capitol. 'Iolani Palace was featured heavily in original run of Hawaii Five-0 as offices for the fictional police organization. 'Iolani Palace is the only former royal palace located in the United States.
Aliʻiōlani Hale is located 417 King Street in downtown Honolulu and can be found directly south of 'Iolani Palace. Aliʻiōlani Hale features a Italian Renaissance design which was intended to be the home of King Kamehameha V. King Kamehameha ordered the designs for Aliʻiōlani Hale be repurposed as chambers for the Kingdom of Hawaii government which at the time had inadequate facilities. The cornerstone of Aliʻiōlani Hale was laid by King Kamehameha V on February 19th, 1872 but would not be completed before his death. Aliʻiōlani Hale was dedicated by King David Kalākaua during 1874. Aliʻiōlani Hale would serve as the home to numerous Hawaiian government bodies, the Hawaiian Legislature and Hawaiian Courts until the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown during 1893. As noted in the intro Aliʻiōlani Hale served as the background as the fictional Hawaii Five-0 headquarters and is presently home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court.
The statue in front of Aliʻiōlani Hale is of King Kamehameha I who lived 1758-1819. King Kamehameha I is generally considered to be the most important figure in Hawaiian history due to his conquest which united the Hawaiian Islands.
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