In the lobby, under glass is a rare Hawaiian flag quilt. The four Hawaiian flags were modified, the Union Jack is facing the wrong way, I think this was done so the center design would stand out more. Hey, artistic license. 
The Royal coat of arms in done in the traditions Hawaiian appliqué style, as well as the quilting stitches that echo the crown. These quilts are very rare and this one is in beautiful shape. Most people never saw this, although it is proudly displayed in the lobby right across from the elevators. But then most people haven’t trained themselves to really look closely at their surroundings.
Of course I had to go visit a Quilt Shop and found one near the resort. The Calico Cat was well worth a visit.
Imagine my delight in finding the store in a wonderful mid-century modern building. Right next to the Good Will drip off bins, oh well, cities have a life of their own, I can’t photoshop what I don’t like out.
Joel was very happy to join me, no, he didn’t stay in the store (which gave me time to really explore and buy some great patterns and fabric), he found a local coffee shop and enjoyed watching the city go by.
The big development of this area was in the middle of last century – this actually looks closer to Art Deco than mid-century. The design along the side of the building could be part of either style. The balcony is traditional Hawaiian; open to let in the breezes. Aged and weathered because that is what the tropics will do.
The Queen Theater built in the Art Deco Style in 1936 has been vacant for 20 years. There is a movement to try and restore the building and use it either for film or small theater. I hope they succeed, This is one of the most endangered old buildings in Honolulu, clearly the idea of conserving and readapting the old has yet to arrive in the Islands.
An old house that has an historical designation. This storybook home was built in 1928 and is well loved and cared for.
Someone mentioned the many interesting gates in the Kahala neighborhood – a very expensive beach community.
Although there are some large pieces of land, most of these homes are crammed in one next to the other, so of course for privacy people have walls and gates. The perfect canvas for some very impressive artwork done in metal.
Ironworkers must be doing well here, at least they have a lot of creative license.
The flora and fauna of Hawaii being a major inspiration.
This gate could be at home anywhere, if it weren’t for the tropical plants around it.
Getting artsy with glass.
Bamboo as inspiration.
Sometimes a gate just isn’t enough.
This looks to me like an old WWII air-raid siren. Of course it may be newer and is actually a Tsunami siren. Or maybe it is from WWII and it’s been repurposed. Whenever I’m out walking I always look up, you never know what you will see.