W. H. Shipman House

The W. H. Shipman House is a two-story mansion with a distinctive round tower and curved glass panes in Hilo. The building includes modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing and electricity and sits on Kaiulani Street on an island within the Wailuku River.

The mansion was designed by architect Henry Livingston Kerr and built by J. R. Wilson in 1899, before William Herbert Shipman purchased it in 1901. The purchase marked the property's transition to a guesthouse that later hosted notable visitors from around the world.

The street name honors Princess Kaiulani, niece of King Kalakaua and a significant figure in Hawaiian royalty. The house became a social gathering place for Hawaii's leadership and represents connections between local communities and international visitors.

The property includes a main house, guest quarters, staff accommodations, gardens, and garages situated on an island within the river channels. Access and exploration of the site may be affected by the river, so it is helpful to check local conditions beforehand.

Writer Jack London spent five weeks here while his sailboat underwent repairs and later wrote about the experience in his book. The episode shows how the island became a refuge for literary figures of that era.

Location: Hilo

GPS coordinates: 19.72417,-155.09944

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:47