TOUR 3 OF HONOLULU'S HISTORICAL HOMES
A quick walk through Honolulu will yield a multitude of architectural influences, from Chinatown’s historical blocks to the midcentury modern breeze block apartments that line the streets of Makiki, Kaimuki and Waikiki. Manoa Valley boasts a mix of Japanese plantation homes and Victorian estates, while downtown is home to Brutalist icons and regrettable ‘90s constructions.
These three historical homes were built in vastly different eras, and as such, they offer a more in-depth look at Hawaii’s architectural landscape through the ages.
Photo courtesy of the Liljestrand House
Photo courtesy of the Liljestrand House
Liljestrand House
A mix of modern and natural materials, attention to airflow, and seamless integration of the surroundings are hallmarks of well-known midcentury modern architect Vladimir Ossipoff’s designs. Experience the beauty of his imagination first-hand with a tour of his famous Liljestrand House, built in 1952. Located on the slopes of Mount Tantalus overlooking Honolulu, the house is a stunning example of East-meets-West design. The house also holds a Design Conversation Series with visiting renowned architects.
90-minute group tours for $30. 3300 Tantalus Dr., Honolulu, 808.527.3116, liljestrandhouse.org
Shangri La
Billionaire tobacco heiress Doris Duke was the richest woman in the world in the 1930s. During her far-flung world travels, she landed in Hawaii and fell in love with the islands (and one of its most famous residents—she took Hawaiian surfer and icon Duke Kahanamoku as a lover), building a palatial home on the shore of Diamond Head. Over a period of 60 years, she collected and filled the house with Islamic and Southeast Asian treasures. Shangri La, it was called. While her life was filled with wealth, adventure, and intrigue, she died alone and heir-less, and willed the estate to become a foundation for Islamic art. Visiting the spectacular property is an absolute must when on Oahu, but plan ahead as the tours are usually booked months in advance.
$25 guided tours. 4055 Papu Cir., Honolulu, 808.734.1941, shangrilahawaii.org
Iolani Palace
Photo courtesy of Iolani Palace
The only official royal palace in the United States can be found in downtown Honolulu, flanked by a mix of modern office buildings and historical landmarks. The stately Iolani Palace was home to King Kalakaua and later to his sister, Queen Liliuokalani, who was imprisoned in the palace after the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1895. After serving as the government capital for 80 years, the palace was restored to its original regal glory in 1970. Book a tour of this National Historic Monument to see the estate as it was as a royal residence, when it hosted visiting dignitaries for lavish events.
60-minute guided tour for $27, self-led audio tour for $12. 364 S King St., Honolulu, iolanipalace.org