King Kamehameha V – Judiciary History Center

The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center is educational. Which can be a little boring… but it’s also free!
So you can definitely plan on stopping by if you are visiting Iolani Palace across the street, and get some bonus Hawaiian history for free here. The room dedicated to Hawaii under martial law was particularly interesting, and the bits about the statue of King Kamehameha were neato, too. I’m sure everybody would be proud to learn how modern and progressive the Hawaiian government was so many years ago!
Interesting fact: Haole jurors would be used in haole cases; local Hawaiian jurors for cases between Hawaiian people, and a mix of jurors would be used for issues involving both groups!

Ali‘iolani Hale, or the King Kamehameha V — Judiciary History Center, is most well known for being the home of a towering gold-​plated statue of Hawaii’s famous King Kamehameha. The unique work of art has a striking contrast between the king himself and his golden traditional Hawaiian chief ensemble. It is easily one of the most photographed attractions in Honolulu, and is a staple of nearly every city tour. Depending on the time of the year, the statue might be adorned with hundreds of leis from individuals wishing to pay their respect to this prominent Hawaiian figure. The building in front of which this statue was erected is a great place to brush up on your Hawaiian history if you have no idea why the interestingly named Kamehameha is deserving of such praise. The facility is beautifully maintained, and the architectural layout, which is derived from the works of Renaissance masters, adds even more appeal.

Didn’t know this museum existed!
Small, short, but sweet.
Just enough for a quick 20 – 60 minute walk around.
Unless you decide to watch the various 10 min historical videos in the theater.
One of the few visitor venues on the island that are free. Unlike Hanauma and Diamond Head, which should also be FREE. To all.

If you watch Hawaii 5 – 0, you would notice this statue instantly. This statue is across from Iolani Palace and in front of Aliiolani Hale (Hawaii Supreme Court). After you take picture with the statue, make sure to go inside Aliiolani Hale. They have museum there and this is also another spot you’ll notice in Hawaii 5 – 0.

This little museum/​history center is located in the Hawaii 5-​O headquarters!!! Not really. But it’s the building they say the headquarters is located in on the current show. The very iconic King Kamehameha V statue stands out front, facing Iolani palace. There are always throngs of tourists at the statue taking pictures, but relatively few people enter the building, kinda surprising.
I really liked this history center because of our guide, David. He was super patient and enthusiastic. He was also very knowledgable. I definitely recommend calling ahead for a guided tour.
We watched a very informative video that was geared toward the knowledge level of our group (students), we then had a mock trial in the old court room and had time to look at the exhibits. I remember coming here in elementary school and going through the same process. I didn’t retain very much information when I was 10, but I definitely learned a lot on my last visit.
Don’t be confused, the actual court houses that people argue in are downtown. This building houses the history center and higher courts that don’t hold trials. If you have to go to district or circuit court, you’ll need to go downtown.

The exhibit inside is free, I highly recommend! If you are a fan of hawaii five-​O, it is a must to stop by here & check out their headquarters! It may take a while to get picture in front of the King with the hustling bustling tourists, but just get in there & you’ll get a great picture!

The statue of King Kamehameha V in all his golden splendor was featured in the opening credits of the classic CBS television series Hawaii Five-​O (1968 – 1982). Cue the Hawaii Five-​O opening credits:
The year 2013 of the reimagined CBS television series Hawaii Five-​0 (2010-​present) aptly features the King Kamehameha V statue. Cue the Hawaii Five-​0 opening credits:
And the Aliilani Hale exteriors are the site of the current Five-​0 headquarters, the interiors of Five-​0 headquarters are shot elsewhere on a soundstage. I read somewhere it was a former site of The Honolulu Advertiser warehouse distribution center.
May 1997, I saw the statue of King Kamehameha V in front of the Aliilani Hale on King Street in person. To see the statue in all its golden splendor was awesome. All the intricate detail of his headdress and feathered cloak. And the people of Hawaii have a profound respect for him. King Kamehameha V laid the cornerstone of Aliilani Hale when it was being built.
I had no idea Alilani Hale was the site of Hawaii Judicial Court. How appropriate it is the site of the current Hawaii Five-​0 television series. In this year’s season opener, some of the the interiors were shot at Aliilani Hale. I think I saw a familiar Unilocal!face who was an extra in one of the scenes when the building lobby was under siege by terrorists.
And King Kamehameha’s statue was predominately part of a plot line in a recent episode of Hawaii Five-​0.
I will definitely have to repay a visit to Aliilani Hale (at the suggestion of a Unilocal!reviewer), I do have connections to Law and the Judiciary system in and out of the family.
Website for more information:
Fresh Unilocal!Review #74 of 2013.

Came here just because… I thought I should but really. it’s just a courthouse. Nothing special. But the view is pretty nice so can’t hate it.

If you have any connection to the law, this is a great little piece of Hawaii history. You can go into almost any part of the building, and the notations on the exhibits are quite good. Recommended.

Really interesting displays of Hawaii’s legal and political history.
It’s behind the King Kamehameha statue in the historical district so you might as well take a look inside the Ali’iolani Hale building. And it’s free.