Mokuaikaua Church will host "Journey to Bethlehem," a free live nativity event that will go from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 2. This annual tradition offers a unique experience, where attendees can walk through scenes of the biblical journey.
According to an Instagram post from Mokuaikaua Church, attendees will be able to see barnyard animals, caroling, drama and lively storytelling in a Bethlehem village set that was constructed on the Mokuaikaua Church grounds. There will be actors portraying figures from the bible and traditional nativity scenes, and guests will be able to interact with the scenes.
Guests will be able to "stroll back in time" with this live interactive passage that takes attendees from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Cookies and drinks will be available as well. This is a family-friendly event.
According to the organization's website, Mokuaikaua Church was the first Christian church in Hawai'i. They "honor God together with contemporary worship and hymns" and hold services every Sunday at 10 a.m.
David de Carvalho is the 31st Kahu, meaning pastor, of Mokuaikaua Church, according to the organization's website. He was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, moving to Hawai'i in 1981 after falling in love with the place and its people. He and his wife Kim have ministered in many different nations of the world. They have four children, as well as some grandchildren.
Mokuaikaua Church’s construction began in 1835, and was completed in 1837. It is considered a historic site, with thousands of visitors annually, according to the organization's website. Due to time, erosion and the elements, it is in danger of being beyond repair, as the National Trust for Historic Preservation has named it the 11th most endangered historic site in the U.S.
Mokuaikaua Church is located at 75-5713 Alii Drive, Kailua Kona, Hawai’i.