"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"--Herodotus, Histories (8.98) (trans. A. D. Godley, 1924)
Let me start by saying that I'm a fan of the services and timely deliveries of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Yes, I've heard about scandals and employment issues but I don't think that their internal issues have ever affected the quality of service that we've always had.
My paternal side of the family who immigrated to Hawai'i in the late 1800s had used the independent Kamehameha V Post Office when it was located at the corner of Bethel and Merchant Streets (current home of the Kumu Kahua Theatre) until this Federal Building with Post Office was built in 1922. Because Hawai'i was still a Territory of the United States and did not gain Statehood until 1959, this "newer" building located at 335 Merchant Street became the administrative seat of the Territory of Hawai'i and Federal Building which held courtrooms and offices for the United States District Court for the District of Hawai'i. Its Mission/Spanish Revival architecture was popular during this era also matches many of our other historic government buildings in Downtown Honolulu, in particular, our Honolulu Hale (Honolulu City & County seat). In 1975, this Merchant Street Post Office was listed on the National Register of Historic Places under its original name of "U.S. Post Office, Customhouse and Courthouse" since it wasn't until 2003 when all of the federal agencies and departments moved to the new Prince Kūhiō Federal Building EXCEPT for the U.S. Post Office due to the sale of this property from the Federal Government to State Government. It was renamed to the "King Kalākaua Building" in honor of King David Kalākaua, last King of the Hawaiian Monarchy and former Postmaster General before ascending to power.
Oh, let me get back to this post office which we use for its convenient location to our home, efficient and friendly workers, and enjoy walking into as we feel like we step back in Time. Due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, it is mandatory to wear a face mask when doing business here and social distancing is enforced while you're standing in line waiting for your turn. In years past, we've stood in line to mail our packages and cards during the busy Holiday Season and everyone remained friendly and respectful. Of course, we always make sure to check the Holiday mailing deadlines to ensure timely delivery.
There is a metered parking lot fronting this building that is bordered by Richards and Mililani Streets and Merchant and South King Streets. Sorry, I dont know the parking fee because this Post Office is within walking distance from my home. Needless to say, this location is considered to be in our Historic Capitol District so youll also be nearby to the Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha V Judiciary Building, Hawaii Supreme Court, King Kamehameha Statue, and Hawaii State Library. If you drop more coins, you might want to do a bit more exploring of Hawaiis past.
I can confidently say that we trust our USPS and hope they'll continue their great services to our Nation and the World. read more