Jackie Pualani Johnston Performs as Isabella Bird

Kona Historical Society’s announces its next Historical Jeep Trip will lead guests on an exclusive tour of Kealapu‘ali on Hualalai on Saturday, June 23, featuring an incredible presentation by Jackie Pualani Johnston of Kona Historical Society’s one-woman play “Isabella Bird: A Living History Performance” written by Victoria Nalani Kneubul. The cost of this excursion is $190, and includes transportation, a no-host bar and lunch served at a ranch family home. 

Jackie Pualani Johnston

Isabella Lucy Bird was one of the first of England’s female adventurers to defy societal norms by traveling alone to distant countries. Bird visited Hawai‘i in 1873 and wrote about her experiences in letters to relatives, which were eventually published in the book, “Six Months in the Sandwich Isles,” published in 1875. In the summer of 1873, Isabella Bird visited Charles Wall’s mountain home and sheep station at Kealapu‘ali and wrote about her observations in letters to her sister Hennie. 

Kona Historical Society’s Isabella Rides Again Jeep Trip will take guests through Kaumalumalu to Kealapu‘ali, where the adventurer’s writing about the ranch will spring to life through this stellar performance. Born and raised in Hilo, Jackie Pualani Johnston spent decades providing the UH Performing Arts Department drama program with classical, musical, and ethnic theatre. She has directed several living history productions with KHS, including Kona Coffee Days, A Visit to Kalukalu, and Isabella Bird in 2013. 

As with all of Historical Jeep Trips, guest must be current members to participate, and anyone can become a member of Kona Historical Society. To become a member or to renew a membership, please call the Kona Historical Society office at (808) 323-3222 or email [email protected]. Reservations can be made at https://squareup.com/store/jeep-trip or by calling the Kona Historical Society office up until June 23. Refunds will not be given if a cancellation is made less than 72 hours prior to the day of the event. Seating is extremely limited with only 26 seats available for sale. Once those seats are reserved, interested patrons will be added to a waiting list in the event of cancellation. Guests should bring a jacket, appropriate walking shoes, sunscreen and a folding chair. 

For more information, call Kona Historical Society at (808) 323-3222 or visit www.konahistorical.org. To get the latest updates regarding Kona Historical Society programs, historic sites and special events, “LIKE” Kona Historical Society on Facebook.

 If you would like more information about this topic, photos, or to schedule an interview, please call Interim Development Director Dance Aoki  or Executive Assistant Cherish Ravenscraft at the Kona Historical Society main office at (808) 323-3222. You may also [email protected]. For general information about our organization, visit www.konahistorical.org.