Washington Place

Took a tour today with Sylvia as the docent. She was knowledgeable, witty, and full of aloha. The building/grounds are immaculate and full of history. Anyone that wants to learn more about the past/present of Hawaii should take this one hour tour. As a footnote, there’s a flock of rose-ringed parakeets that make the grounds of Washington Place their home.

Washington Place Washington Place was built in 1846 named in honor of George Washington, the first president of the United States. From the 1840s through the 20th century, Washington Place was the center of critical events that eventually led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 and Hawaiʻi becoming the 50th and final U.S. state. It also served as an executive mansion for territorial governors (1919-1959) and the governor’s mansion for the State of Hawaiʻi from 1959-2002. This house was also the home of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch. It was where Queen Liliʻuokalani was arrested during the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. This storied mansion is a registered National Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Washington Place is open to the public Monday through Friday by reservation only in advance to schedule a 30-45 minute tour. Admission is free, but donations are welcome and appreciated. The address of Washington Place is located at 320 S Beretania St., Honolulu.

I definitely would recommend coming here and getting the tour. It takes about 1.5 hours to do the tour, so plan parking accordingly.

Visited Washington Place for the Welcome Reception for a conference. Lots of History and culture. All available with the QR codes at each display.

Washington Place is a Greek Revival palace in the Hawaii Capital Historic District in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. It was where Queen Liliʻuokalani was arrested during the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Later it became the official residence of the Governor of Hawaiʻi. In 2007, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. The current governor's residence was built in 2008 behind the historic residence, and is located on the same grounds as Washington Place. William Little Lee made Washington Place his home from 1849–1854. Lee was instrumental in integrating a Western legal system in the Hawaiian Islands, based upon the Massachusetts model. Lee also authored the Great Mahele, which introduced private land ownership into Hawaiian culture. Lydia Kamakaeha Pākī, the future Queen Liliʻuokalani and the Heir Apparent to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, married John Owen Dominis in 1862, making Washington Place the private residence of the princess and future queen. Another Massachusetts lawyer, Alfred S. Hartwell, rented a guest room from 1868 until 1872. He describes Mary as still expecting her husband to return any day. Mary Dominis died on April 25, 1889, and John Owen Dominis died on August 27, 1891, leaving the property to Liliʻuokalani, who had just become Queen after the death of her brother, King Kalākaua.

Had the rare opportunity to visit and see the newly completed renovations. Also met the governor and his wife.

I loved looking at the grounds, the architecture, and everything inside of Washington Place... I also enjoyed learning about the building and those who lived there. That being said, I do have one complaint that almost ruined our experience. The lady who was in charge of the tour may need to change how she does things. She is sweet as can be, but she is also extremely difficult to hear and she has the tendency to go on... and on... and on... it just never ends. We would stand and wait in one section of the building for 20-30 minutes at a time while she rambled, going off-topic many times before finally moving to the next thing. She also didn't seem to notice (or care) that literally all of the guests were impatient and ready to move on. We couldn't just leave because, as she said, the guard on duty had to let us out and he didn't until the end. PLEASE allow guests to roam each area and read the different notations themselves... supervised by a guide, of course. That way, it can be self-paced and we can ask questions if need be. It would be MUCH more enjoyable and much more time efficient.

Free tours to Washington Place, home of Hawaii's governor's, each Thursday.

It is stately, exudes a quiet elegance, remains steeped in history, and is graced by loving and loyal volunteers. Attended an event celebrating Hawaiian artists and once again enjoyed visiting Washington Place. Thank you to those who keep everything well preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

Back at Washington Place for the Christmas displays. Got the last 2 spaces and had a relaxing evening. Feels a little haunted - heard knocking behind doors of a closed room. Different feel from being here in the daytime. Excellent docents , house manager and other coordinators here nonetheless.

Washington Place is the name of the property where the Governor of Hawaii lives. It's a really beautiful house and the lawns are pretty as well. It has an interesting history and now that the original house has been turned into a museum, you can take a tour and take a peak into part of Hawaii's history. I don't know if I knew that Washington place holds tours. I must have gone as a kid for a tour sometime in my life, but now as an adult, I don't ever really think about going to Washington place. In fact, I did come here for events when I was a kid--I remember Mrs. Cayetano would host Easter egg hunts on Easter and I went here for various ceremonies, but I never took a tour (or maybe it was boring so I forgot). Or maybe they just didn't do tours back then because the governor and their family actually lived there. However, nowadays you can book a tour online to visit Washington place. Apparently a few years ago they built a new house in back of the original house for the governor's family. So the governor doesn't actually live in the original house anymore. Instead, the rooms of the original Washington place are filled with old and beautiful furniture, photos and artifacts. Admission is free but it gets booked up months in advance. I believe they are only open on Thursdays for tours. Washington place is located right across the street from the capitol building. And 'Iolani Palace is just on the other side of that. You can definitely make a day of touring all of this part of downtown if you plan correctly.

The other half got a great idea to take a tour of the historic Washington Place, currently the State of Hawaii's Governor's Mansion. Located in Honolulu across from the Capitol on King Street, it's one of those beautiful places you might have passed a hundred times and have never been inside. This is a free activity; tours must be booked in advance at washingtonplacefoundation.org. You simply choose your day and time then come a few minutes before your time. IDs are checked as the Governor and family are in residence at a more modern home behind the historic part. On our tour date, we arrived and waited outside the fence. The County Sheriff's Office is charged with guarding the property and they were all friendly and welcoming to explain how it worked. Once the group was present, we were escorted inside and met by Jenny our docent for the day. Outside we got a history of the home, the Dominis Family that built it, a rundown of the natural history of the area, gardens, and trees, then we went inside. The tour goes room by room describing famous residents, stories about the furniture and artwork, and anecdotes about people who have stayed here. Pictures are encouraged in almost every room. The ground floor feels like a living museum, but the rooms are used by the Governor to host dignitaries when visiting including the dining room and reception areas. The lanai is also used in receptions as is the large grass area outside the doors. Going upstairs, the second floor feels more like an actual museum with exhibits, displays, reproduction clothing, artwork, and examples of silverware and dishes. There are so many stories and famous people to mention, so I'll just encourage you to take the tour and hear them for yourself. This is a great activity for locals, and visitors of all ages. It takes roughly two hours, and is again, free.

5-14-22 As soon as the early morning news announced the 175 th year open house of Washington Place I searched the internet to sign up. I had been there once decades ago. So glad the kiddies skipped soccer to attend with us. Very organized event. A white covered reception table was already placed on the lawn by the locked gate on Beretania Street side about 40 minutes before the first tour at 1 pm. A friendly security came to greet us and tell us they'd be checking us in once the docents were ready inside. Although we were first in line we had a 1:15 pm tour but they kindly let those with this time slot come up to the front porch and sit on the benches to wait. When it was our turn I asked the young gentleman if there was an elevator. So happened Travis was the curator and arranged for another man and myself to take an elevator up with a man with the key. There were 3 docents in 3 different rooms downstairs to explain the furniture or paintings or interesting facts about Washington Place or the people who lived there and even why there is a reproduction of Queen Liliuokalani in the dining room. We saw the governor's dining room with a long table and 18 chairs. The Hawaiian seal was on the plates and several sets of silverware were gifts from visiting foreign dignitaries. In another room with a beautiful piano we were told former First Lady Jean Ariyoshi will play on it when she visits. There is a pink chair that was Queen Likiuokalani's favorite and til this day no one sits on it and they drape leis on it for special occasions. Once on the second floor you are allowed to wander on your own and view the rooms yourself to look at the photographs and artifacts. There were two men posted on the second floor. We found out that the Governor actually lives in the house behind this historical landmark and how it was commissioned by then Gov. Ben Cayetano but was completed only one day before his term was up. Why not 5 stars? It was very hot inside Washington Place. The windows are closed by either drapes or blinds probably to prevent items from fading further. Only one room had AC. The elevator man told me in one other room the AC had konked out. First Lady Ige was seen twice walking across the lawn while we were waiting to go in and it was strange that she didn't take one minute to smile at us or say Welcome or hello or enjoy your visit today. It seemed like she would be hosting this event even from the Event Brite text messages and final reminder. Little Sweetie raised her hand and asked if we'd get to see the Governor and was told he wasn't around. If you have the chance and have never been please try to visit Iolani Palace close by Washington Place to witness the grandeur and hear fascinating stories of Queen Liliuokalani's imprisonment and the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy. I was much moved when I visited there a few years back but the tickets were costly yet totally worth it and unforgettable especially at night.

Washington Place is a Greek Revival palace in the Hawaii Capital Historic District in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was where Queen Liliuokalani was arrested during the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Later it became the official residence of the governor of Hawaii. In 2007, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. The current governor's residence was built in 2008 behind the historic residence, and is located on the same grounds as Washington Place. If you go to the washingtonplace.hawaii*gov website; go to the "Tours & Gardens" tab; there is a really good virtual tour of Washington Palace. On this visit to Honolulu, I simply took pictures of the structure from the street. I did not go on a docent led tour of the interior. When you are on vacation, you have to allot your available time wisely so as to not get overloaded. The existence of the virtual tour made my decision easier. I took the docent led tour of 'Iolani Palace.

This place is something most people don't think of as a historical place to visit. It is an important part of Hawaii's history leading up to modern times, but it wasn't until recent years did become open to the public for free tours every Thursday. The tour space is very limited, so it is a good idea to plan in advance. You can easily book online to confirm available space. Again, it is free, so this is a no lose deal. The docents take you back in time to really help you understand everything about the property and events that have happened over time. Being located next to the State Capital, Iolani Palace, and State Art Museum, you can make a day of it just touring Hawaii's history in one walk able area. I don't recommend this for young children as it will be boring for them and they will disturb others who are trying to listen to the docent. This is a very adult and mentally mature type of activity.

My first visit here, thanks to an invite to attend Australia Day, hosted by Gov. David Ige for Consul General Jane Hardy at the governor's mansion. I didn't get to spend too much time with the docents providing guided tours so I'll have to come back for an in-depth historical tour but I thought it was perfect for the state occasion. It was elegant inside, and breast and spacious on the lanai outside. I'll have to update my review after I take a more extensive tour!

If you like going to historical places, then this is a must. Don't be fooled into believing it's only open for special guest/events or when the Governor signs a special bill. You can book a tour and be treated to learn the history of the place and our last monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. I stop by a often as I can to chat with the sheriffs. It's always good to meet people.

Wow, this is truely a hidden treasure! If your interested in Hawaii beyond the view and the fun, this should be on your list. It dovetails with Iolani Palace and while only by appointment and on Thursday it is free! It's a more intimate look at Queen Liliuokalani and her husbands family. Not only is it free, it is guided by well informed docents. It's still the official residence of the govonor even though the new residence resides behind this home. Dont miss the paintings many on loan from Bishops.

Washington Place is yet another historic police that most local people have never been to. Personally, I thought always thought it was off-limits except for very special people at very special events. I was surprised to find out that tours are given by appointment every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. by simply logging on to their website and making a reservation. Fortunately, I saw something on the news a couple months ago saying that Governor Ige was opening Washington place for a special concert featuring Hawaii's Legend Palani Vaughan. I attended with a couple friends and we were treated to an amazing tour and a great Hawaiian concert. Washington Place was open once again for Christmas. This time the second floor was also open to visitors. It is usually not. There wasn't much to see but it was great to go. Also because it was an evening event, the Washington Place was illuminated by thousands of wonderful Christmas lights and decorations. If you get a chance to go, you should definitely check it out. Be on the lookout for the Hawaii Governor's flag which is only presently flown at Washington Place.

This beautiful place has so much history! If you get a chance, take a tour and learn! I was fortunate enough to attend a party here and thought that the lanai was a very nice place to do so!

Over a three week period I've called twice - only voicemail number is provided - and sent in two on-line applications to attend a Thursday public tour as outlined on their web site. I have never received a response! In each of those four attempts to make a reservation, I have given my name and the name of my guest, the date I'm requesting, and my contact number and email address. So, my friend and I will find something else to do that day. What a poor way to run a foundation!

Our tour guide, Sally, was outstanding. She shared details about Queen Liliuokalani that most of us didn't know. She was ready to answer questions and was kind and courteous to all. Sally really shared the aloha spirit.

If you are a history buff, especially of Queen Lill'uoklani, you will love this tour. I was disappointed we couldn't go upstairs but it was still a very nice tour. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the house, in fact she has recently published a book--but a little less so on birds. She told us the White Fairy Tern gave live birth but in fact it lays a single egg in the knot or crook of a tree. Anyhow if you go, maybe you can gently correct her because she was a sweetie. The only reason I took off a star was because of what someone else said below... it is hard to book a tour. I would have taken off 2 stars for this because if you can't go, you can't really rate this attraction but they have been very low on docents, hence the reason for the delay. They are training new ones so hopefully this alleviates the problem. We were able to get in because we had left a message (which no one returned)but decided to show up and see what happened. Another family had actually had their call returned so they were there waiting for a tour. They said it takes a week to get in but neither the phone message or the email request form said this. Because we had called and left a message, the Auntie (docent) said we could come on the tour. So if all else fails, park at the episcopal church next door ($12.00) and go see if hanging by the gate gets you in. Make sure you have called or emailed first though! Tour takes less than an hour. Enjoy!