Haili Church will host the third annual Christmas Tour at the historic W.H. Shipman House from noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, on Reed’s Island in Hilo.
The public is invited to attend. The cost of a ticket is $15 pre-sale, $20 the day of the event. Only cash will be accepted. Proceeds from ticket sales will be used to remodel and refurbish the church’s outdated kitchen.
The annual event includes an inside tour of the fully decorated and festive downstairs, including the living room, parlor and formal dining area, where family, celebrities, writers, travelers and royalty once dined.
Jackie Pualani Johnson once again will be in full costume portraying Queen Lili‘uokalani, who was a frequent and happy guest of the Shipman ohana. Johnson will provide a delightful monologue and sing a verse of the “Queen’s Prayer” for every tour.
“We are so blessed and honored to have someone like Jackie, who is so knowledgeable about the queen, be a part of us,” said event co-coodinator Ku‘ulei Hughes-Okada. “Even our docents will be in costume this year. This is going to make it a much more authentic, historically correct and culturally-rich event than ever before.”
The event also includes live music from the Haili Choir and The Kipapa Sisters, and light refreshments will be served on the spacious outdoor veranda.
Tour time slots and tickets are limited and on a first come, first served basis. Those interested in purchasing tickets or finding out more information should call the church Office at 935-4847.
Individual ticketholders will be assigned tour time and will meet at the church, located at 211 Haili St. in Hilo, for a free shuttle to the property, as there is no parking available on-site. Ticketholders must arrive at the church 15 minutes prior to their designated tour to help keep all tours on time and running smoothly.