Aliiolani Hale (House of Heavenly Kings), Honolulu

Aliiolani Hale stands as a prominent structure nestled in downtown Honolulu, currently serving as the official residence of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. It holds historical significance as the former administrative headquarters of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

This architectural marvel, Aliiolani Hale, was conceived by the Australian architect Thomas Rowe in an Italian Renaissance Revival style, originally intended to serve as the royal palace for King Kamehameha V. In the Hawaiian language, the name "Aliiolani Hale" translates to "House of Heavenly Kings," a term that also doubled as one of King Kamehameha V's given names.

However, a practical shift in plans occurred during Kamehameha V's reign. Recognizing the pressing need for a suitable government facility in Honolulu, as the existing structures were notably undersized for the growing Hawaiian government, he redirected the purpose of Aliiolani Hale from a palace to a government office building.

On February 19, 1872, Kamehameha V laid the cornerstone for this structure. Unfortunately, he passed away before its completion, and it was subsequently dedicated in 1874 by his successor, King David Kalakaua. Interestingly, the extravagant design of the building drew criticism from Hawaiian media at the time, prompting suggestions to revert it to its original palace purpose.

In 1893, Aliiolani Hale played a pivotal role in Hawaiian history as the site of Queen Liliuokalani's overthrow. The Committee of Safety, led by Lorrin Thurston and backed by US Marines, ousted the queen from power. Today, Aliiolani Hale enjoys a place on the National Register of Historic Places and houses the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center.

Within the building's courtyard, you can find the renowned gold-leaf statue of Kamehameha the Great, adding to its cultural and historical significance.