Washington Place, the stately Honolulu landmark that once sheltered Queen Liliʻuokalani and now serves as the governor’s historic residence, is getting a multi-million-dollar tune-up that will limit public access for most of the year. Crews are gearing up to repair termite and sun damage, refresh paint and flooring, and install modern systems like air conditioning and fire suppression to keep the 19th-century house standing strong for decades to come.
According to KHON2, the Department of Accounting and General Services pegs the project cost at about $7.3 million. Planned work includes new gutters and roofing, upgraded HVAC units, restoration of weather- and termite-damaged wood, repainting, and updated interior flooring. The first phase is scheduled to start in early February, with state officials expecting public access to be restricted through December.
“We want to keep the look similar but ensure longevity,” Department of Accounting and General Services comptroller Keith Regan told KHON2, adding that the fire-suppression system is a key safety upgrade for the property. State staff describe the effort as a preservation project that will match historic finishes where possible while quietly updating life-safety systems behind the scenes.
Historic House, Modern Systems
Built in the 1840s, Washington Place is best known as the private residence of Queen Liliʻuokalani and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. It still hosts ceremonies and educational events. The current governor’s house was constructed on the same grounds in the early 2000s, and governors have not lived full time in the main mansion since 2002, according to the official Washington Place website.
Tours and Public Access
On a normal week, Washington Place opens for tours and school visits, often on Thursdays. With construction kicking off, though, parts of the house and grounds will be off-limits, and some public programming will be scaled back during the early phases of work. Visitors are advised to check the Washington Place calendar or contact the office before planning a trip, since schedules and entry points may shift while crews are on site.
Community Connections
Local teachers and historians say the mansion functions as a living classroom. One educator told KHON2 that he brings his Hawaiian history students there every year specifically because of its direct ties to Queen Liliʻuokalani. Supporters argue the restoration is essential to keep those educational visits going while protecting fragile historic materials.
State officials describe the project as preventive preservation: by reinforcing roofs, woodwork, and mechanical systems now, Washington Place can continue to host official functions and school groups without risking further damage. For the latest word on closures and reopening plans, the Washington Place office remains the go-to source.
