Washington Place Foundation

Washington Place Foundation is the Official Hawaii Governors Residence and a National Historic Landmark. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

EVENTS

Awaiaulu at Washington Place 2023

Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Presentation Topic: Led by Dr. Puakea Nogelmeier, Professor Emeritus of Hawaiian at U.H. Manoa and distinguished historian Kau’i Sai-Dudoit, Awaiaulu will present an overview of their latest publication Ke Kumu Aupuni | The Foundation of Hawaiian Nationhood a bilingual historical text and insight into the Kipapa project, a huge new information resource that illuminates fields of Hawaiian history for all levels of learners.

Reserve Your Seat: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/awaiaulu-at-washington-place-tickets-632929498167

In 1909 Queen Lili`uokalani expressed her vision of Washington Place as being a center for perpetuating Hawaiian language and music.

Hawai`i quickly became one of the most literate countries of the 1800s, and Hawaiians wrote and published profusely for well over a century in Hawaiian. That cache of material has been opened up in the 21st century, and there are many wonderful resources to be found - relevant to every field or study or interest that is connected to Hawai`i today. It is challenging, though to navigate that repository, and to fully comprehend the language and content of the past.

For twenty years, Awaiaulu has trained fluent speakers of Hawaiian to find, understand and translate the writings of the past. We aim for a double-edged capacity building - making “new” resources and resource people at the same time. There are currently 14 scholars in different phases of training with Awaiaulu, now finishing their 7th, 9th, or 11th year of mentorship and resource production. Kīpapa, the educator resource arm of Awaiaulu, integrates the collective production of our teams into content for classroom or individual learning.

For more information, call (808) 536-8040 (voicemail) or email wpfevent@gmail.com.

Weekly Public Tours now available

Tour reservations: https://washingtonplace.hawaii.gov/tours-and-gardens/

You are welcomed to Washington Place for a docent-led tour each Thursday at 10:00 a.m.  Tours are confirmed no more than 30 days in advance due to the use of the home for the Governor's official events.  Large groups, schools, cultural groups, halau, and other groups over 12 are considered for alternate days or times for touring. 

Thursday public tours are started by checking in with the Sheriff's security at the front gates on Beretania Street shortly before 10:00.  You will then be met by a docent who will take you through the approximately 60 minute tour of the home.  We are proud to announce the opening of the second floor galleries highlighting the lives of the Queen, the Dominis family and the Governors in residence as well as the history of the home.  Special exhibits display personal items of the Queen and the Dominis family.

The tour is free of charge, but we encourage you to make a donation to the Foundation through this website to further the Queen's mission of culture, music and education; as well as the Foundation's work to refurbish and renovate the furnishings and interiors.  Mahalo for considering this cause.

Visit https://washingtonplace.hawaii.gov/tours-and-gardens/ to schedule a reservation online or call us at 808-586-0248. You MUST have a confirmed reservation in order to tour the home.   

Christmas at Washington Place

Governor Josh Green and First Lady Jaime Green and Washington Place Foundation will host Christmas at Washington Place on the third Friday of December, December 15, 2023.

Christmas trees and Victorian inspired decorations will be on view throughout Washington Place.

Tour Washington Place to see the galleries and exhibits featuring the life of the Queen, the Dominis Family, the home's history, and the lives of the governors in residence. Tours will begin every 15 minutes. The tradition of the "Christmas Tree" and celebration of Christmas in family homes in Hawai'i owes its origins to Mary Dominis, widow of Captain John Dominis who built Washington Place. On Christmas Eve in 1858, she hosted a magnificent party for 100 of Honolulu's children and their parents, thus establishing the Christmas tradition - with a Santa Claus.

Reservations will be made through www.eventbrite.com. A $5 donation to the Washington Place Foundation is suggested for adults. Proceeds go toward preservation and programs at the historic home.

Adults may be required to present a photo I.D. to enter Washington Place grounds and bags may be subject to inspection.