Step inside a palatial dwelling where the humid air of Honolulu meets the stately elegance of Greek Revival architecture. Here, the heavy history of the Hawaiian Kingdom is etched into coral stone walls and reflected in the polished wood of a residence that served as both a royal sanctuary and a seat of government power.
A Palace of Coral Stone and History
Washington Place stands as a significant landmark within the Hawaii Capital Historic District. This Greek Revival palace features a unique construction: while its lower level walls and columns are fashioned from coral stone, the upper floor is built of wood-frame construction. The design follows the French Creole Greek Revival style common in the American Southeast, characterized by an almost square core surrounded by a peristyle—a two-tiered veranda supported by Tuscan columns on the top floor—and topped with a hipped roof.
The interior follows a traditional Georgian plan, offering a structured layout of four distinct parlors on the first floor and four bedchambers on the second. The building was crafted by noted figures including master carpenter Isaac Hart and Italian master mason Daniel Jenner, with interiors finished by master painter Israel Wright. Open lānais on all sides provide a connection to the tropical surroundings.The Legacy of Queen Liliʻuokalani
This site is deeply tied to the memory of Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The palace served as her private residence after she married John Owen Dominis in 1862. It was within these walls that she experienced some of the most dramatic moments of her life: it was here she was arrested during the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and where she was later confined for several months following a military trial.
The Queen lived at Washington Place until her death in 1917, passing away in a downstairs bedroom. The site remains a profound place of belonging for those seeking to connect with the history of the monarchy. Following her death, the property was purchased by the Territorial Legislature and served as the official residence of the Governor of Hawaii for decades before becoming a historic house museum.Experience the Transition of Power
Walking through the grounds, you can see the physical layers of Hawaii's history. While Washington Place remains the primary focus, the site also houses the current governor’s residence, which was constructed in 2008 directly behind the historic palace. The transition from a royal home to a seat of government is visible in the architecture and the grounds themselves.
To make the most of your visit, allow yourself time to appreciate the contrast between the interior's traditional Georgian floor plan and the exterior's grand peristyle. The site offers a tangible sense of place that links the era of the monarchy to the modern governance of the islands.
Explore the Capital District
Located in the heart of Honolulu, Washington Place is situated near several other sites of historical significance. If you wish to continue your exploration of the local history after visiting the palace, you can find Iolani Palace nearby, as well as the Mission Houses Museum and Kawaiaha'o Church. For a different perspective on the city's layout, Capitol Modern is also located in the vicinity.
Begin planning your visit to Washington Place to walk through these storied halls and experience the enduring legacy of the Hawaiian Kingdom for yourself.