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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
Copyright ©
Kathleen Walling Fry
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
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Attractions Within Walking Distance:
See also:
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Other Attractions on Oahu
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Activities on Oahu
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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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