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 ‘Āina 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.
