Hawaii June Highlights
June’s Hawaii trip was short and sweet, yet every day I had a pocket of time to explore in a small radius from dad’s home. Some art and architecture highlights are captured here in this post.
While in Waikiki, I had time to stop by a mid-century spiritual place, the Waikiki Baptist Church located at 424 Kuamo’o Street. As luck would have it, the door was open and I got to peek at the interior, too!
While in Kahala, I regularly pop into the luxury hotel just to glimpse the artful glass lighting. J. and I stayed here once and the next time he accompanies me on a visit, we plan to stay here again away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.
Ala Moana Shopping Center is a huge open-air mall with some public sculptures that uniquely capture the island spirit. I was pleased to find a modern abstract sculpture, dedicated in 1966, by Edward Brownlee.
The artwork is located on Mall Level 2, Center Court behind a staircase and escalator on the “Mauka ” side facing the parking structure.
From the “Take an Art Walk at Ala Moana Center” web page:
Description: Wrought from bronze and steel, this piece was originally designed not for visual effect but for tactical purpose and was placed in a sandbox meant for exploration. It was intended to be appreciated not just with the eyes, but felt as well.
About the Artist: Brownlee is known for his modernist architectural creations. He joined the Army after three years of high school and was stationed overseas in occupied Japan working as a topographer. Brownlee received his formal education at Oregon State University and at the California College of Arts and Crafts. In 1954, he became the first recipient of a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Hawaii. The Hawaii chapter of the American Institute of Architects recognized Brownlee with a special award for “outstanding contributions of art to architecture”.
I had fun photographing some works by architect Jo Paul Rognstad. Below some views of the Diamond Head Beach Hotel & Residences at 2947 Kalakaua Avenue, built in 1969.
The 16-story building was the last major condominium project constructed on the Gold Coast. The building footprint mirrors the particularly long, narrow site.
It bears resemblance to the 10-story apartment located at 3056 Kalakaua Avenue, designed by the same architect.
I happened to be in Makiki picking up takeout and knew that I’d be close to another Jo Paul Rognstad. It took only a few minutes to walk by Wilder Tower located at 1325 Wilder Avenue.
From @modtraveler website: Architect Jo Paul Rognstad brings a minimalist look to this 1969 23-story residential tower. Its simplicity of stripped down concrete resembles a giant piano keyboard.
The 41-story Century Center Condominium high rise completed in 1975 stands at the busy intersection of Kapiolani and Kalākaua. I like how the clouds and blue sky reflect off the glass facade. The raised geometric design on the parking levels lends a modern touch.
On cool mornings I enjoy the hike from dad’s house to Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Area. On this visit, the plumerias were in bloom. I gathered some blossoms that had fallen onto the sidewalk and brought them up as a floral offering.
