The Hawai‘i State Archives is a little-known, virtually untapped (by most of us) compilation of Hawai‘i’s history.
It’s mission is to ensure open government by preserving and making accessible the historic records of state government and to partner with state agencies to manage their records. The division is organized into two branches — the Historical Records Branch, which is accessible to the public, and the Records Management Branch, which does not offer services directly to the public.
The Historical Records Branch preserves and provides public access to the state’s government archives and special collections through the Hawai‘i State Archives. These government records date from the monarchy to the current legislative session, and include photographs, maps, artifacts, 19th century newspapers, rare books, and library collections specializing in Hawaiian history, culture
and Pacific voyages, and private collections.
The archives opened to the public in 1906. As caretakers of irreplaceable historical treasures, the Hawai‘i State Archives has the responsibility of ensuring the materials are available for research, study and viewing by the public. Therefore new security measures are being implemented:
• Upon entering, all visitors will check in using
the Patron Registration system.
• All visitors will check in with the security guard
and surrender a current government-issued photo
ID (i.e. driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.) in
exchange for a research badge.
• All bags, purses, folders and containers must be
stored in your free locker.
• Loose papers entering the research room will be
stapled by the guard (or leave them in a locker).
• Only bound materials (notebooks, books, papers
bound in binders) are allowed, which will be inspected
before entry and again as you exit.
• No food or drinks are allowed.
Summary of rules and procedures can be found on the archive website, ags.hawaii.gov/archives: search for “Public Use of Archives.”
HAWAI‘I STATE ARCHIVES
Kekāuluohi Building, ‘Iolani Palace Grounds
364 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-0329 | archives@hawaii.gov
ags.hawaii.gov/archives
Business Hours: Mon–Fri 9 am to 4 pm; Closed Sat, Sun, state holidays
