The Hawaii State Capitol is probably the most distinct seat of government in all of US. Unlike most capitols which drew inspiration from the nation?s capitol in Washington, DC, Hawaii State Capitol boasts a design that one can say to be truly Hawaiian in terms of look and ambience.

The capitol is located at downtown Honolulu and houses the chambers of the Hawaii State Legislature. It was inagurated on March 15, 1969, replacing ?Iolani Palace, the former government seat. The new capitol employs what experts call ?Hawaiian international architecture?. The flat-roofed capitol (it has no huge dome) is notable for the symbolisms in its design philosophy. Its most famous feature is its reflecting pool, which signifies the Pacific Ocean. The number eight is a recurring design motif, such as the number of columns in the capitol?s perimeter. The number eight stands for the eight major islands of Hawaii.