KAHALA, Oahu (KHON2) — Every holiday season, one special tree is the centerpiece for the Honolulu City Lights event, and this year’s tree has been selected, and it comes from the front yard of a Kahala home.
Laurette Wilkie has had two Cook Pine trees on the property of her family home for a very long time, but it wasn’t nearly as big as it is now.
“We planted the trees in the 80s. It was given to us by the grandfather of a preschool friend,” said Laurette. “We received a pine in a pot and had it as a houseplant for a while, and then decided to put it in the yard, and you can see, it’s thrived.”
But to say it’s thrived is a bit of an understatement, as both trees have gone from being potted plants that rested on the ledge of bathrooms or decorated the inside of the house, to now standing about 75-80 feet tall.
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Laurette says the trees have been a huge presence in her and her family’s lives for a very long time, spanning all the way back to her childhood.
“My mom in particular really loved the pine trees. She would have them tested every year, and we’ve continued that, to make sure that they’re healthy and strong,” said Laurette. “Various family pets would always love to play under the trees, and they were just an important presence in our lives.”
Laurette also mentioned that on special occasions, friends and family would gather in the yard and take advantage of the shade that the massive tree provided.
But this year, Laurette decided it was time to share the love with others, and decided to donate the tree in the front yard, where it will serve as the centerpiece at Honolulu Hale for the Honolulu City Lights.
“It’s quite beautiful to share it with the city. Honolulu City Lights have been quite important to us as a family growing up, and now with my daughter here, it’s lovely to go down as a family and enjoy all the lights and decorations,” said Laurette. “So it means a lot to know that our tree will be featured this year.”