In 1969, 10 years after Hawai‘i became the 50th U.S. state, dedication ceremonies were held for its first STATE CAPITOL BUILDING. The impressive structure rises from the center of downtown Honolulu just a stone’s throw from IOLANI PALACE, Hawai‘i’s first seat of government.
The design and architecture of the Capitol, which ascends approximately 100 feet from its base and has an open-air ceiling, is representative of the unique history and natural features of the islands. Replicas of the state seal — emblazoned with the motto, Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka ‘Aina I Ka Pono — “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness”-are mounted at the mauka (mountainside) and makai (oceanside) entrances of the building. At press time, guided tours were available through district legislators’ offices only. However, find a virtual tour and updates here: governor.hawaii.gov/hawaii-state-capitol-tours.
