Displays and films cover 1,000 years of Hawaii’s judicial history, running from the ancient kapu (taboo) system to modern Western laws.
A courtroom dating back to 1913 is now the venue for lectures, mock trials and other public programs.
Also of note is the “Martial Law in Hawaii: 1941-1944” gallery, which describes how Island life changed drastically after Pearl Harbor was bombed.
The Center is in Aliiolani Hale, which Kamehameha V built as Hawaii’s first government building.
When it opened in 1874, Aliiolani Hale housed the legislature, treasury, boards of health and education and Supreme Court, which still convenes there.
Open Monday through Friday