“The level of detail throughout this structure is extraordinary! Truly a work of art and wonder of engineering in every aspect.”
Verified Review
Set high in the hills above Honolulu, the Liljestrand House is a perfectly preserved jewel of Hawaiian modernism. Designed in the 1950s by famed architect Vladimir Ossipoff, the home is an elegant study in openness, proportion, and island sensitivity—sunlight filtering through louvers, materials that breathe with the landscape, and design decisions that reflect a collaborative relationship between architect and client. This 90-minute guided tour walks you through the home’s spaces, design principles, and stories of its original inhabitants. Whether you’re an architecture buff or simply curious about island history, it’s a deeply memorable experience.
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 10+, group size limited to 8 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Relaxed — guided walking tour of the home and grounds.
WHAT TO BRING
Light sweater (breezes on the ridge), Photo ID if student ticket
CANCELLATION POLICY
Changes or cancellations must be made 72 hours prior.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.7★ from 80+ reviews on Google
Guests describe a tour here as a step back into a more gracious island era — thoughtful, peaceful, and rich with stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Many mention how the docents bring the design and the family’s daily life alive, pointing out small details in the woodwork, built-ins, and garden views that make the home so admired by architects and travelers alike. Reviews often say it’s a quiet highlight of Oahu that’s well worth carving out the time for.
Perched on the forested slopes of Tantalus with panoramic views over Honolulu, the Liljestrand House is considered one of the finest examples of mid-century Hawaiian modern design. Completed in the early 1950s by acclaimed architect Vladimir Ossipoff, the home blends indoor and outdoor living in ways that feel fresh even today — from thoughtful sightlines to original built-ins that frame the island’s changing light.
This guided tour invites small groups inside for an intimate look at the architectural details, family stories, and design choices that make the house a landmark. Over 90 unhurried minutes, you’ll learn how Ossipoff’s vision and the Liljestrand family’s lifestyle shaped each space, from the open-air lanai to custom woodwork and garden views that fold the landscape into daily life.
Expect a calm, respectful atmosphere — this is not a museum roped off behind glass but a living piece of local history lovingly preserved. Guests should wear comfortable shoes, as the property includes stairs and uneven paths, and arrive on time as the gates open only shortly before each tour begins.The Liljestrand Foundation preserves and stewards the Liljestrand House — an icon of mid-century Hawaiian modern design by architect Vladimir Ossipoff. Built in the early 1950s for Howard and Betty Liljestrand on the slopes of Tantalus, the house is considered a masterclass in blending indoor and outdoor living, showcasing local materials and views over Honolulu. The Foundation now shares the home through intimate guided tours that highlight Ossipoff’s approach, the Liljestrand family’s legacy, and Hawaii’s architectural heritage.
Meeting Point:
Liljestrand House
3300 Tantalus Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822
Check-in Instructions:
Guests should arrive promptly — the gate opens just before your scheduled tour time. Park in designated spaces near the house; your guide will greet you at the entrance for a short orientation before the walk-through begins. Note: For safety, children under 10 are not permitted.Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 72 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
A House That Breathes
It’s quiet up here. Just enough above the city to hear the trees more than the traffic, the trade winds more than the hum of daily life. The Liljestrand House doesn’t announce itself—it welcomes you in slowly, one graceful line at a time. You take off your shoes and step into a home that feels both light and rooted. Not just architecture, but intention.
Ossipoff didn’t just build a house. He built a philosophy—of living with the land, of framing views like paintings, of materials that age with dignity. The tour guides are thoughtful, never rushed. They point out details you’d miss: the way the sliding panels divide space without cutting it, the built-in furniture that feels more sculptural than functional, the airflow that makes air conditioning seem irrelevant.
"Ossipoff didn’t just build a house. He built a philosophy."
It’s not a mansion. It’s something better—an honest house with poetic proportions. You begin to understand the relationship between client and architect, between place and time, between form and feeling. And by the end, you’re not just admiring the house. You’re breathing a little differently.
