This semi-hidden door actually leads to St. Augustines, a Catholic church which sits behind a wrought iron fence just off Waikiki’s main drag. Its history dates back to 1850s when it was just a shack made from palm fronds and driftwood. You can read more about the history here.
View from the street of St. Augustine’s statue.
The top of the church as visible from the fourth floor of the condo building next door.
As to why the church is behind a locked wrought iron fence, across the street is a beachside park that is home to many homeless people. They oddly co-mingle with tourists from around the world, primarily Japanese, taking selfies in the sunset. Some look as though they’ve spend the night in the piss-filled gutters of San Francisco even though there are public showers and restrooms along the beach. I guess it’s hard to panhandle if you look clean and neat and well-fed.
Just to the right and in front the church is a very common sight in Waikiki, an ABC Store.
It is not an exaggeration to say you can find one of these shops on every block. You can find one of these shops on every block even though they all sell almost exactly the same stuff, which is basically everything but mostly cheap touristy trinkets.
Window of another trinket-filled store. The Hawaiian flag is similar to the Union Jack because many royals favored the Brits over the US.
You expect to see wonderful things when you travel but for me, the unexpected is what makes a trip special. This time it was a YWCA in the middle of Honolulu’s business and government district.
The Y is across the street from the Iolani Palace. From the outside it doesn’t look like much, however once past the reception area is an atrium with one of the most beautiful swimming pools I’ve ever seen. I wanted to leap right in with this fellow.
The architect of this building was Julia Morgan, the very same Julia Morgan who designed Hearst Castle. But that wasn’t the best part of the surprise. Inside of the atrium is the best restaurant we found in Honolulu. It’s modestly called Cafe Julia.
One of unique things about this place, beside its menu, is the owner’s collection of whimsical liquor bottles. There were thousands but because they were behind glass, it was hard to get a picture of them. Here are a few:
So if you’re ever in Honolulu, check out the Laniakae YWCA and Cafe Julia. Make sure to save room for the chocolate mousse! Check out other doors and unexpected delights over at Norm Frampton’s #ThursdayDoors event.
Saying nothing in particular 
The liquor bottles you were able to photograph are wonderful. No wonder the owner collects them. And you’re right, Jan, I love the pool it’s beautiful. :O)
I wish I could have gotten more pictures of the bottles but it was too sunny a day and the glass doors worked like mirrors.
Well that’s Hawaii for you, but then that’s why we love it. :O)
A fascinating journey, as always.
Thanks Glyn – I hope you are well!
Love those bottles.
Me too!
I will definitely check those places out if I ever get back out there.
I do like that first hidden door shot – nicely done Jan 🙂
The church just seems to be trying to survive – scrunched as it is by tourist shops and condos.
That pool looks so inviting, Jan, and I love that collection of bottles, so unusual.
Thanks Jean – it was a hot day and that pool such looked inviting!
Great green doors, peekaboo!
Those liquor bottles are neat-o 🙂
It’s all pretty, but it just looks so hot.
I wish I could have gotten more pictures of the liquor bottles. You’re right – it was hot!
A very different YMCA from the ones I’m used to!!
I think that’s what made it such a special surprise!
Those are the best door finds 🙂
I liked the church with the different angles. I particularly like green door’s and roofs. The gift and tourist shops usually do hold similar items but I like to peruse to see if any actual homemade or local artisans wares are included, Jan.
That YWCA is amazing! It is so interesting to find out this elaborate place is a “Y!”
I like the sound of the special Cafe Julia’s delicious foods and the liquor bottles sound like they deserve a museum! 🙂
The trinkets shops mostly sell junk from China – you have to go to the farmer’s markets to find local artisans.
Aloha Jan, great to see the beautiful door and church and lovely Hawaii. I am glad to know about the Honolulu Y, and will visit the pool and restaurant next time I’m lucky to be in HI. I always love Julia Morgan’s work, and her swimming pools are so elegant. Knowing that you are a Bay Area resident, if you’re ever in downtown Berkeley, you can see another JM pool at the Berkeley Women’s City Club on Durant Ave. I hear there’s another at UC Berk., but have never seen that one. Mahalo~~
I am going back to April, to where I got my problems and had abandoned the blogging world. Cool things I learn about Hawaii 🙂 Have never seen such sophisticated bottles in my life 🙂
Thx Inese – the collection of liquor bottles was quite extensive but hard to get good pictures of!
I wonder if they all were locally made. So fun.