Over 160 pieces of gray stone have been installed at the future Royal Hawaiian (Honolulu) retail store, the final step leading to a grand opening within weeks. The stone appears similar to the gray siltstone being used for the chain’s floors, but a closer inspection reveals differences. These wall stones have small and random voids that give them a volcanic appearance. Also, the crystalline structure of of the stone is larger than those in the flooring material. The first set of wall stone tiles was partially installed last April, but then removed for an unknown reason, delaying the grand opening of the store until these replacement stones could arrive. In the meantime, the store interior has been finished and employees have been farmed out to the city’s two other retail stores. Check photos after the break.
Thanks to Bruno for the photos. Also check the exterior of the newish Ste. Catherine store in Montreal–is the stone identical?
You can clearly see the finished stone siding and the support brackets used to hang the stone.
Workers use a system of hoists to lift each piece of stone into place.
This panoramic view shows the side of the store and how it will occupy two levels, one accessible from the ground level, and the other from the interior second-level of the mall.
