Washington Place Honolulu
Historic mansion, former home of Queen Lili'uokalani and Hawaii's governors, offering a glimpse into royal and political history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for tours.
Washington Place Honolulu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic mansion, former home of Queen Lili'uokalani and Hawaii's governors, offering a glimpse into royal and political history.
"A must-visit for anyone wanting to learn about Hawaii's past, with passionate docents bringing history to life."
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Free tours are available but require advance booking.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy the immaculate gardens and observe the resident rose-ringed parakeets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Queen Lili'uokalani's Residence
Interior of Washington Place
Explore the former home of Hawaii's last monarch and learn about her life and the kingdom's history.
+1
Site of Historical Events
Washington Place grounds
Stand where pivotal moments in Hawaiian history, including the overthrow, unfolded.
Architectural Grandeur
Exterior of Washington Place
Admire the elegant Greek Revival architecture of this historic palace in downtown Honolulu.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Understand the Historical Significance
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Free tours are available but require advance booking. +1
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy the immaculate gardens and observe the resident rose-ringed parakeets.
📱 Use QR Codes for Info
Access historical details and information via QR codes on displays.
🅿️ Plan Parking
Tours can last up to 1.5 hours, so factor in parking time.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Free tours are available but require advance booking. +1
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy the immaculate gardens and observe the resident rose-ringed parakeets.
📱 Use QR Codes for Info
Access historical details and information via QR codes on displays.
🅿️ Plan Parking
Tours can last up to 1.5 hours, so factor in parking time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Washington Place for its rich history and the engaging, informative tours led by knowledgeable docents. The immaculate grounds and the unique presence of parakeets are also frequently mentioned positives. Some note that advance booking is essential and parking requires planning.
"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."
emi chin
"I definitely would recommend coming here and getting the tour. It takes about 1.5 hours to do the tour, so plan parking accordingly."
Tami Hunter
"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."
Doug Ho
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Washington Place is located at 320 S Beretania St., Honolulu. It's accessible by car, and public transportation options are available in downtown Honolulu.
Parking needs to be planned for, as tours can be lengthy. It's advisable to check for nearby parking garages or street parking options in the downtown area.
Tours are the primary way to visit and learn about Washington Place. Advance reservations are required for these guided experiences.
Yes, Washington Place is in the Hawaii Capital Historic District, close to Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha statue, and the State Capitol building.
The exterior offers beautiful architectural shots, and the grounds provide a scenic backdrop. Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best lighting.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Washington Place is free. However, donations are welcomed and appreciated to help maintain the historic site.
Yes, advance reservations are required for the guided tours of Washington Place. It's recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Tours are typically available Monday through Friday. It's best to check the official Washington Place website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date tour schedules and availability.
The guided tours at Washington Place usually last between 30 to 45 minutes, though some reviews mention up to 1.5 hours including time for parking and exploration.
There are generally no age restrictions for visiting Washington Place, but children should be supervised by an adult during the tour.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Washington Place is a National Historic Landmark that served as the home of Hawaii's last monarch, Queen Lili'uokalani, and witnessed significant events leading to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. +1
Tours offer insights into the lives of Hawaii's rulers, the architecture of the mansion, and the historical events that transpired there. You'll see the former residence of Queen Lili'uokalani and learn about its role in Hawaiian history.
Yes, historical details are often presented through displays, and visitors can access more information using QR codes provided on-site.
Information regarding accessibility for visitors with disabilities should be confirmed directly with Washington Place. It's advisable to inquire when booking your tour.
Photography policies inside historic buildings can vary. It's best to check with your tour guide or look for posted signage regarding photography rules.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the Greek Revival palace offers stunning architectural shots. The surrounding grounds, with their immaculate gardens, also provide beautiful photo opportunities.
Photography rules inside historic sites can vary. It's recommended to ask your tour guide or look for posted signs regarding interior photography policies.
Daylight hours generally offer the best lighting for exterior photography. Consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
Keep an eye out for the flock of rose-ringed parakeets that inhabit the grounds – they can make for a unique wildlife photo.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic districts and around government buildings. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the focus is historical, the beautiful grounds and the chance to see parakeets can add an element of interest for younger visitors. It's a good opportunity to discuss the importance of preserving historical sites and understanding different cultures.
🏛️ History Buffs
Learning about Queen Lili'uokalani's life, the overthrow of the monarchy, and the mansion's subsequent role as a governor's residence provides deep insights into Hawaiian political and social history. The detailed tours and available QR code information cater to those seeking in-depth knowledge.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The well-maintained grounds offer opportunities for capturing scenic shots, and the resident parakeets can provide unique wildlife photography moments. Visiting during the golden hours of morning or late afternoon can yield particularly beautiful lighting for exterior shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal and Gubernatorial Legacy
This historic mansion was the site of Queen Lili'uokalani's arrest during the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, a pivotal and tragic event in the islands' history. Following the overthrow, Washington Place transitioned to serve as the official residence for territorial governors and later for the governors of the State of Hawaii until 2002.
Today, Washington Place stands as a National Historic Landmark, preserving the stories of its royal and political past. Tours offer a glimpse into this rich heritage, allowing visitors to connect with the figures and events that shaped Hawaii.
Experiencing Washington Place: Tours and Insights
Many visitors highlight the passion and aloha of the docents, who bring the history to life with wit and engaging stories. The grounds themselves are also a point of interest, often noted for their immaculate condition and the presence of a flock of rose-ringed parakeets.
While the tours are relatively short (30-45 minutes), it's advised to plan for parking and potential exploration time. The use of QR codes on displays is also a modern touch that enhances the visitor experience by providing additional historical context.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit