Hawaii State Capitol
The new Capitol replaced 'Iolani Palace as the seat of state government on March 15, 1969. Housing the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the state legislature, the structure is admired for its symbolic design.The conic shape of the legislative chambers represents volcanoes, the 40 pillars encircling the building are reminiscent of native royal palm trees, and the water surrounding the structure is symbolic of the Pacific.
Replicas of the State Seal, each 15 feet in diameter and weighing 7,500 pounds, hang from the Capitol's mauka (mountain) and makai (ocean) entrances. There are no doors to the grand entryways, only open spaces that welcome the wind and bids it aloha as it makes its way from the mountains toward the sea.
The great central court lies open to the sun, rain, moon and stars, rising to the heavens much like one of Madame Pele's volcanic craters opens its throat to the sky.
"Aquarius", the glass mosaic floor mural in the atrium of the capitol, suggests the movement of dappled light and underwater formations in shade of blue and green.
Hawaii-Guide Tips/Info:
Guided Tours Monday through Friday at 1:30pm - tours are based from the Governor's Office of Tours
A Guide Map detailing Downtown Honolulu's civic, historical, and Chinatown neighborhoods availabe in suite #417
Meter Parking available on side streets
Directions:
From Waikiki: Take Kalakaua toward the mountains. Turn left onto South Beratania Street. The Capitol will be on the left hand side after Punchbowl Street.
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