Federal Building, United States Post Office and Courthouse

The Federal Building, United States Post Office and Courthouse is a three-story concrete structure with neoclassical architecture located in downtown Hilo. It features monumental Tuscan columns, open-air loggias, and a central courtyard bordered by government offices.

The building opened in 1917 while Hawaii was still a United States territory, several years after annexation by the United States. This construction period marks the growing federal presence and administrative framework in the region.

The building shows design choices made specifically for Hawaii's tropical climate, with mosaic tilework and native plants integrated into its grounds. These features reflect how local conditions shaped the way architects thought about the building's form.

The building sits on Waianuenue Avenue in downtown Hilo and is easily visible from the street side. Visitors can explore the exterior facade and entrance area, keeping in mind that regular business hours apply on weekdays.

The building housed one of the earliest elevators on the archipelago, a rare technological feature for that time. This lift system demonstrated the modern infrastructure built for federal facilities during the territorial phase.

Location: Hilo

Architectural style: neoclassicism

GPS coordinates: 19.72556,-155.08889

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:02