The former home of Queen Lili'oukalani — the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian kingdom — is among one dozen new national historic landmarks recognized for of their importance in interpreting the heritage and history of the United States.
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Washington Place is nationally significant for its close association with the life of Queen Lili'oukalani. It was her home from the time of her marriage in 1862 to John Owen Dominis, son of the original builder, to her death in 1917. Her constitutional monarchy was overthrown in an 1893 coup d'etat, and, in 1898, Hawai'i was annexed to the United States. Two years later, it formally became a territory.

Built in 1844-1847, Washington Place also is significant for its service as the executive mansion for the territorial governors from 1918 to 1959, and, after Hawai'i became the 50th state, the state governor's mansion, from 1959 to 2002. Washington Place is significant for its association with the historical theme of America's 19th century expansionist history because it occupies a pivotal role in the 19th century history of the extension of U. S. territory into the Pacific and the rise of the nation as a Pacific power.