Ever wondered about a building that’s not just bricks and mortar, but a slice of Hawaiian history? That’s Building 201 in Honolulu.
Building 201 may seem like just another structure. It holds stories of transitions, from Hawaiian royalty to a modern judicial center.
Originally designed as a palace for King Kamehameha V, Aliʻiōlani Hale took an unexpected turn. The King realized the Hawaiian government desperately needed a central office. Thus, Building 201 became a government building instead of a palace.
Kamehameha V laid the cornerstone on February 19, 1872. Sadly, he passed away before its completion. King David Kalākaua, one of his successors, dedicated it in 1874.
At the time, the Hawaiian media criticized Building 201’s extravagant design. Some suggested turning it back into a palace.
Until 1893, Building 201 housed most of the executive departments of the Hawaiian government. It also hosted the Hawaiian legislature and courts.
The Committee of Safety deposed Queen Liliʻuokalani from Aliʻiōlani Hale in 1893. Lorrin A. Thurston led this pivotal moment in Hawaiian history.
After the Hawaiian provisional government was established in 1893. Some offices moved to ʻIolani Palace. Building 201 became primarily a judicial building.
As Hawaii’s government grew, space became an issue. Especially after Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900.
In 1911, Building 201 underwent extensive renovations. The entire interior was gutted and rebuilt. The original palace design wasn’t suitable for a judicial building. The new layout addressed this issue.
The territorial government continued to expand. In the 1940s, a new wing was added. Architects aimed to blend it seamlessly with the original 1870s structure.
Over the decades, most state judiciary functions moved to other buildings in Honolulu. Today, Building 201 houses the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court. It also serves as the administrative center of the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary.
Inside Building 201, you’ll find the Judiciary History Center. This museum features exhibits on Hawaiʻi’s judicial history. A restored historic courtroom offers a glimpse into the past. The building also houses Hawaiʻi’s largest law library.
In December 2005, a time capsule buried by Kamehameha V was located. Professor Larry Connors used ground-penetrating radar. The capsule contained photos of royal families and the Hawaiian constitution. It also held Hawaiian postage stamps, coinage, newspapers, a calendar, and books. To prevent damage during future renovations, the capsule was not retrieved.
Building 201 has even made its way into popular culture. In the 2010 version of CBS’s Hawaii Five-0, Aliʻiōlani Hale is depicted as the Iolani Palace. Exterior shots of the building are frequently used throughout the series.
Aliʻiōlani Hale stands as a testament to Hawaii’s evolving history. It’s a place where Hawaiian royalty, government, and justice converge. Its walls echo with stories of kings, queens, and pivotal moments that shaped the islands.
So, as you stand before Building 201, remember its journey. From a royal dream to a symbol of Hawaiian justice, it’s a landmark that embodies the spirit of Honolulu.