Historic Washington Place in Honolulu
Family Home of Hawaii's Last Queen

Washington Place is located in the historic capitol district of downtown Honolulu. It was built in the 1840's by a wealthy sea captain who was the father of Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. Washington Place served as the Hawaii State governor's mansion for several years, but today it is a museum that can be toured by the public with advance reservations

Washington Place in Honolulu

Built by Sea Captain John Dominis in 1847
Washington Place was built by wealthy trader and sea captain John Dominis between 1842 and 1847. It was designed by architect Issac Hart in the Greek revival style. Captain Dominis was lost at sea in 1846 before the house was completed. His wife Mary converted the home into a boarding house to support herself and her son, John Owen Dominis. John Owen married the Hawaiian princess who later became Queen Liliuokalani.

Queen Liliuokalani's Home
Washington Place became Queen Liliuokalani's home when she married John Dominis as a young princess and she became the sole owner when her husband died. She was arrested inside Washington Place before she was deposed and she died in one of the downstairs bedrooms in 1917. There is a plaque near the sidewalk on one side of the building with the words to one of the most popular songs written by Queen Liliuokalani, "Aloha Oe".

Governor's Mansion 1921-2001
In 1921, Washington Place was purchased for $55,000 from Queen Liliuokalani's estate by the Territory of Hawaii. It became the official Hawaii governor's mansion and thirteen Hawaii governors have resided there, beginning with Governor Wallace Farrington. In 2001 a new 5000 square foot governor's mansion was built on the same property as Washington Place. Governor Linda Lingle was the first Hawaii governor to live in the new residence.

Became a U.S. Historic Place in 1973
Washington Place was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places on June 18, 1973 and its registration number is 73000666.

Became a Museum in 2001
Washington Place is now a museum where visitors can learn about the history of Hawaii. Public tours are available when reservations are made 48 hours in advance by calling 808-586-0248. The tour typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and the maximum tour size is 12 people. Touring visitors must have valid photo identification and nothing larger then a handbag can be brought into the building. Video photography is not allowed and still photography is limited to the front of Washington Place.

Became a U.S. Historic Landmark in 2007
Washington Place was designated a National Historic Landmark on April 4, 2007 by United States Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne.

Location
Washington Place is located at 320 South Beretania Street, across the street from the Hawaii State Capitol building in downtown Honolulu. There is no parking on the property but you can try parking on the street, in the Iolani Palace parking lot or in the city garage in the 500 block of South Beretania.

Washington Place
320 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, Hawaii
Phone: 808-586-0248

Attractions Within Walking Distance:

State Capitol Building

Father Damien Statue

Hawaii Veteran's Memorial

Korean/Vietnam War Memorial

Hawaii State Art Gallery

Iolani Palace

King Kamehameha Statue

Aliiolani Hale

Kawaiahao Church

Mission Houses Museum

See also:

Other Attractions on Oahu

Activities on Oahu

Related Links
Oahu Island - Main Menu
Islands of Hawaii
Hawaii for Visitors

News Articles About Washington Place
2007 Apr: Queen's Home Becomes U.S. Historic Landmark

2006: Hundreds Tour Historic Washington Place (Honolulu Advertiser)

2006: Historic Residence is Being Preserved (Star Bulletin)

2004: Queen's Spirit Prevails in Historic Home (Star Bulletin)

2001: The Governor's New Digs (Star Bulletin)

2001: First Lady Strides to Convert Washington Place (Star Bulletin)

2001: Turning the Governor's Mansion into a Museum (Star Bulletin)

1996: Regal Mansion Celebrates its 150th (Star Bulletin)

Other Articles About Washington Place
National Parks Service on Washington Place
Wikipedia on Washington Place

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Historic Washington Place in Honolulu Family Home of Hawaii's Last Queen

Historic Washington Place in Honolulu
Family Home of Hawaii's Last Queen