Capitol District
If you had but one day to spend in Honolulu, there’s an argument to be made for spending it right here. Concentrated within a few misshapen blocks is a clutch of historic landmarks, a toothsome Asian marketplace, a neighborhood of fragrant lei stands, and alluring shops, galleries, and restaurants. And when it’s time to sit and contemplate, there’s also an ample store of shady mini-parks and cool retreats on hand.
1. Washington Place
This elegant mansion has been turned into a museum for Hawai’i’s last queen, Lili’uokalani, the abode’s most famous resident. It is home to the current governor.
2. Hawai’i State Capitol
The airy structure of 1969 is imbued with symbolic references to Hawai’i. Pools represent the sea, the columns reach up like tall trees, and the conical roofline recalls the volcanoes that formed these islands. In front of the building is a statue of Queen Lili’uokalani.
3. Hawai’i State Art Museum
In 1967, Hawai’i became the first U.S. state to have an annual budget for art purchases. But it wasn’t until 2002 that the collection found its permanent home to showcase solely the work of island artists.
Museum of Art • 250 S. Hotel St. • 10am–4pm Tue–Sat • 586 0900 • Free
4. Coronation Pavilion
On the grounds of ‘lolani Palace is an ornate pavilion, erected especially for the coronation of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi’olani in 1883. The octagonal, copper-roofed structure, which is emblazoned with the Hawaiian royal seal, serves as a bandstand for the Royal Hawaiian Band. They perform free concerts at noon most Friday and for gubernatorial inaugurations.
5. King Kamehameha Statue
During King Kamehameha Day celebrations each June, the King Street statue is decorated with thousands of flowers, strung into exuberant lei (garlands).
6. Ali’iōlani Hale
The “House of Heavenly Royalty” is the site of the Hawai’i Supreme Court, and it also houses the free Judiciary History Center. Here, there are exhibits and multimedia presentations on Hawai’i’s legal history and landmark cases.Ali’iōlani Hale • 417 S. King St. • Mon–Fri • guided tours by appt • 539 4999
7. Hawai’i State Library
The Hawai’i State Library building, with its colonnaded façade and mullioned windows, is a cool oasis amid the bustle of downtown. The Pacific section is especially worth a visit, as is the attractive enclosed courtyard.Library • 478 S. King St. • Mon–Sat • 586 3500
8. Mission Houses Museum
This living history museum includes one of the earliest examples of American domestic architecture, the coral-block Chamberlain House (1830), as well as two other missionary buildings. There is an excellent gift shop.Mission Houses Museum • 553 South King St. • 10am–4pm Tue–Sat • 531 0481 • Adm $10
9. Kawaiaha’o Church
Built by volunteers out of 14,000 hand-cut coral blocks, “Hawai’i’s Westminster” offers religious services in Hawaiian and English. Its name has a double meaning, referring to a legend about a sacred chiefess who caused water to flow here so she could bathe, and also to a Biblical reference about “living waters”.Kawaiaha’o Church, Punchbowl and King Sts • 8:30am–4pm Mon–Fri
10. St. Andrew’s Cathedral
This Gothic-vaulted cathedral took nearly 100 years to build and is the oldest Episcopal edifice in Hawai’i. It was consecrated in 1958, upon completion of the final phase of construction.
Queen Lili’uokalani
Washington House was the home of Lili’uokalani, the last queen of Hawai’i, who ruled from 1891 until she was deposed by the advocates of a Republic for Hawai’i in 1893. She was married to John Dominis, who owned Washington House, and later inherited the house from her husband’s family.
Tip: Re-energize at Cafe Laniakea in the historic YWCA building1040 Richards St., 536 7061, or in the café of the Hawai’i State Art Museum.
