Washington Place

Washington Place is a beautiful historic home in downtown Honolulu that once served as the private residence of Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaii's last reigning monarch. It's tucked just a block from Iolani Palace and the State Capitol, and although it's not as well-known, it holds huge cultural and political significance. Built in the 1840s, it originally belonged to Queen Lili'uokalani's husband, John Owen Dominis, and it became her residence before, during, and after her reign. After the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Queen Lili'uokalani returned to Washington Place and lived there until her death in 1917. In the decades after, it became the official residence of Hawaii's territorial and state governors, a role it held until 2002. Today, it's a National Historic Landmark and still used for ceremonial events and cultural functions. Tours are available, but they need to be booked in advance and are typically offered in a more formal, educational setting, so it's great for those who really want to dive deeper into Hawaiian history.

Tips for Visiting

Book in Advance: Tours are by reservation only and often limited to specific days/times. You can usually book through the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
Learn Before You Go: It's a short tour, but incredibly rich in Hawaiian political history, reading a bit about Queen Lili'uokalani beforehand really enhances the experience.
Combine with Nearby Sites: Since it's next to Iolani Palace, Kawaiaha'o Church, and the King Kamehameha Statue, you can explore several historic landmarks in one outing.
Respect the Site: It's not a museum in the traditional sense, it's a place of legacy and remembrance, so respectful dress and behavior are expected.