Hawaii State Capitol

Architects: Belt, Lemon and Lo, and John Carl Warnecke and Associates (1969)

Location: Honolulu, HI

 

Unlike other state capitols modeled after the United States Capitol, the Hawaii State Capitol's distinct architectural features symbolize various natural aspects of Hawaii. Among them:

-- The building is surrounded by a reflecting pool, symbolizing the Pacific Ocean.

-- The two legislative chambers are cone-shaped, symbolizing volcanoes that formed the Hawaiian Islands.

-- The columns around the perimeter of the building have shapes resembling coconut trees. There are eight in either side of the building, representing the eight main islands of Hawai'i.

-- The Capitol is built with an open-air design, allowing sun, wind, and rain to enter; the central rotunda opens to the sky.

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