King David Kalakaua Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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U.S. Post Office, Customhouse, and Courthouse
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Building in 1931
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 Location in Hawaii
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| Location | 335 Merchant Street, Honolulu, Hawaii |
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| Area | 2.8 acres (1.1 ha) |
| Built | 1922 |
| Architect | York & Sawyer |
| Architectural style | Mission/Spanish Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000620 |
| Added to NRHP | January 27, 1975 |
The King David Kalakaua Building in Honolulu, Hawaii is a very important government building. It was once known as the U.S. Post Office, Customhouse, and Courthouse. For a long time, this building was the main place where the United States federal government worked in the Territory of Hawaii and later the state of Hawaii.
A Historic Home for the U.S. Government
This special building was designed in 1918 by architects York & Sawyer. It was built between 1921 and 1922. The building's style is called Mission/Spanish Revival architecture, which looks like old Spanish missions. In 1929, more parts were added to the building, and these new sections opened in 1931.
The building had many different jobs. It held courtrooms where judges worked and offices for the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. It also had a post office for sending mail and a customhouse for managing goods coming into Hawaii.
Because of its history and unique design, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 27, 1975. This list helps protect important historical places in the United States. It was listed under its old name, the U.S. Post Office, Customhouse, and Courthouse. Later, in 1978, it also became part of the Hawaii Capital Historic District, another important historical area.
Becoming a State Building
In December 2003, a big change happened. The federal government sold most of the building to the state of Hawaii. The price was US$32.5 million. After this sale, the building was given a new name: the King David Kalakaua Building. This new name honors King David Kalakaua, who was the last king of the Hawaiian monarchy.
Before the sale, most federal agencies and departments had already moved their offices. They went to the Prince Kuhio Federal Building, which is closer to Honolulu Harbor. However, a small part of the King David Kalakaua Building still has a post office today.
Now, the building is home to offices for the Hawaii state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. This department helps manage businesses and protect consumers in Hawaii. You can find this historic building at 335 Merchant Street in Honolulu.
