Hawaii State Capitol

The basics

Built in the 1960s, the blocky architecture of the Hawaii State Capitol reflects the postmodern era in which it was built, but its details are rife with local symbolism. Inside, the central courtyard opens to the sky via narrowing layers set to mimic the interior of a volcano, and the two legislative chambers also feature sloped walls to achieve a similar effect. The eight supporting pillars on the front and back of the building narrow toward the top to evoke the trunks of royal palm trees—there is one for each of the main Hawaiian Islands—and a reflecting pool surrounds the building to symbolize the islands emerging out of the Pacific.

Many guided tours of Honolulu pass by the Hawaii State Capitol, but you can explore the building on a self-guided tour or book a public tour by contacting your district legislator.

Things to know before you go

• Brochures for self-guided tours are available on the fourth floor.

• The self-guided tour brochure, activity booklets for children, and a map of the Capitol district area can also be downloaded from the Hawaii governor’s webpage.

• The House and Senate galleries are not accessible on self-guided tours.

• A popular point of interest is the statue of Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, located between the Capitol and Iolani Palace.

How to get there

The building is located at 415 S. Beretania Street in downtown Honolulu, within a short walking distance of attractions including Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha statue, and the Hawaii State Art Museum. The Hawaii State Capitol is a stop on the hop-on hop-off Waikiki Trolley’s Red Line. If you are driving, there is a paid parking garage below the reflecting pool.

When to get there

The Hawaii State Capitol building is open from early morning until late afternoon Monday through Friday and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Public tours are available by prior appointment on weekdays only and typically depart in the early afternoon; they last around 75 minutes.

Saint Damien

Visitors can wander through the courtyard and grounds, which has a notable statue of Father Damien. The priest treated Hansen’s disease patients on a remote Molokai peninsula in the late 1800s before succumbing to the disease himself—he was canonized in 2009. An exact duplicate of the statue represents Hawaii in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Ways to explore

The Hawaii State Capitol is free and open to the public on weekdays from early morning to late afternoon. You can explore independently by picking up a self-guided tour brochure from Room 415 (Governor’s Office of Constituent Services), then wander around the central open-air rotunda, passing sculptures, memorials, and artifacts along the way.

You can also join guided tours of Honolulu, many of which include a stop at the Hawaii State Capitol. Most tours that visit the building feature an itinerary of local landmarks, such as Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha Statue.

Accessibility

The building is wheelchair accessible with step-free access, ramps, elevators, and other accommodations. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None; visitors of all ages are welcome.

What to pack

A government-issued photo ID for entry. You will go through a security screening, so pack light with a small bag.

What to wear

There is no specified dress code for the Capitol; avoid beachwear if you’re also visiting Iolani Palace, as it’s not permitted there.

Not allowed

The building is a workplace, so visitors are expected to act appropriately and keep noise to a minimum.

Amenities

Restrooms, parking, self-guided tour brochures, free Wi-Fi

Address 

The Hawaii State Capitol is on South Beretania Street in downtown Honolulu, just a short walk from the Statue of King Kamehameha I and the Iolani Palace.

Driving

From Waikiki, take H-1 West, exit onto Beretania Street, and follow signs to the Capitol District. There is a basement parking lot at the Capitol, accessible via Miller Street, and additional parking at the Iolani Palace.

Public transportation

TheBus routes along King Street and Beretania Street stop within walking distance of the Capitol. There are also bike racks within the Capitol grounds for cyclists.

Best times to visit

Arrive midmorning for quieter grounds and better lighting for photos in the central atrium. Avoid early-session hours when security screening lines are likely to be longer.

Best days to visit

Weekdays during business hours for a chance to see the legislature in action. Some rooms have livestreaming screens, so you can watch what is happening from outside.

Best months to visit

The Hawaii State Capitol offers year-round access, though January to May sessions bring legislative activity and educational programs. June to December may be quieter for casual visits.

Special events

The grounds host public celebrations, including on King Kamehameha Day (June 11), when there are parades and cultural performances.