Kapuaiwa Building, Honolulu

The Kapuāiwa Building, located on Queen Street in the Capital Historic District of Honolulu, is a historically significant structure with roots dating back to 1884. This period marked the reign of King Kalākaua, a time when the Hawaiian Monarchy was flourishing. Originally, the building was designed to safeguard important government documents from fire, meeting a crucial need of the time.

Named in honor of Lot Kapuāiwa, better known as Kamehameha V, the Kapuāiwa Building stands as a testament to his reign and contribution to Hawaiian history. The architectural design of the building was entrusted to George Lucas, who embraced the Italianate Renaissance revival style. This choice was in harmony with the architectural trends of other Hawaiian Monarchy buildings of that period, creating a cohesive aesthetic in the area.

Constructed primarily from rusticated concrete blocks, the Kapuāiwa Building is a two-story structure, characterized by its flat roof and a notably recessed central entrance on the Queen Street side. This entrance adds depth and character to the building's façade. The windows are distinctively arched, with the ground floor windows featuring keystones and the upper level ones adorned with dripstones.

The roofline of the Kapuāiwa Building is decorated with a cornice and balustrade, adding to its grandeur and elegance. These features are typical of the Italianate Renaissance style and contribute to the building's historic and architectural significance.

In 1930, the building underwent significant renovations. A new wing and an entry corridor were added, signifying the ongoing evolution and adaptation of the structure to meet changing needs and times. The interior of the building also saw extensive renovations, likely modernizing the space while preserving its historical essence.

The historical importance of the Kapuāiwa Building was officially recognized on 2 July 1973, when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.