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.

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 walkable 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.

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

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.

If you ever have the chance to visit you should. This once was the home of our beloved Queen Liliokalani. And the home to Hawaii's first family.

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

Beautiful historic home. Guide was informative but it was difficult to hear her and her mask made it even more difficult.

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.

This is a beautiful structure, and one that in many ways represents the colonial past that Hawaii has wrestled with. If you don't have time for a tour, you can get great pictures from the street. I would encourage making a reservation and going through the house. It's story is important to this once colony, now state.

I don't know the cost of the tours. I just work there when there's an event

Another great experience at Washington Place. The only issue is the limited parking. The home is kept in very good condition and it is a great venue for military promotions. The governor provided opening remarks and presided in the promotion ceremony.

The Docent that took us on the tour was very knowledgeable. The history of Washington Place is good for all of us that live in Hawaii should know. My Kupuna group from Kapolei enjoyed it. Some of the group has never been there and appreciated it. Good tour!!

A must visit for anyone interested in Hawaii's history and culture.

What a great place to learn the history of the Hawaiian people.

Washington Place in Honolulu, Hawaii, holds immense historical significance as the former residence of Queen Lili'uokalani and later serving as the official governor's mansion. Its graceful architecture and rich cultural heritage make it a poignant symbol of Hawaii's royal past and political history.