Our Purpose

The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center (the Center) is a permanent educational institution created to inform and provide learning opportunities about the judicial process and Hawaii's legal history from pre-contact to present. The Center, an administrative program of the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary, conducts and encourages research, disseminates information, and collects, preserves and displays materials. Interpreting over 200 years of dynamic legal history through audiovisual presentations, exhibitions, and public programs, the Center serves as a bridge between the Judiciary and the community.

Our History

The origins of the Center date back to the 1970's and the recommendations of a citizens committee advising Chief Justice William Richardson on the renovation of Aliʻiōlani Hale. The original idea was to develop an educational facility that would help citizens understand today's system of law by examining Hawaiian concepts of law and the development of Hawaii's judiciary. Given Aliʻiōlani Hale's historic significance, the Center occupies a highly visible and ideal location in Honolulu's Capitol District.

Grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities to the Judiciary funded extensive research on Hawaii's court records. This research uncovered information used for the planning and development of the Center's permanent exhibits. Additional funding was provided by appropriations from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, and contributions from the Friends of the Judiciary History Center.

Formal dedication and opening ceremonies for the Center were held on September 12, 1989, with a message from Governor John Waiheʻe, and a blessing by Reverend Abraham Akaka.

Our Hours

The general public is welcome to take self-guided tours of the Center, located on the first floor of Aliʻiōlani Hale, on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays and judiciary furlough days). Admission is FREE. Visits by school and community groups with reservations are welcome during weekdays.

To make school/group reservations, please click here.

Friends of the Judiciary History Center

In 1983, Chief Justice Herman Lum appointed the first Friends of the Judiciary History Center board as an advisory group to support the Judiciary's development of the Judiciary History Center. In 1984, the Friends of the Judiciary History Center qualified as a tax exempt organization to provide services and raise funds for the Center. The Friends help support a wide range of exciting educational programs which teach about law and the judicial system.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Friends, please click here.

Judiciary History Center Annual Report 2010-2011

Each year in November the Judiciary History Center publishes its Annual Report of the previous year.

Support Civics and Law-Related Education - be a Center Volunteer!

The Center depends on its dedicated group of volunteers to tell its story and give the exhibits life. The volunteers are part of an 'ohana drawn together by their interest in learning more about and sharing Hawai'i's unique culture and legal history.