Four Seasons Resort Hualālai recently unveiled its more than $100 million resort-wide transformation encompassing all accommodations and amenities, with additional updates to come over the next several months.
The redesign, helmed by SF-based BAMO, contemporized the hotel’s aesthetic while holding onto the essence of Hualālai’s authentic Hawaiian character, while imparting the importance of family.
“When approaching a renovation of a property, especially one that has a loyal guest following, the key is to respect the character of the place,” said Janet Mercier, associate, BAMO. “With that in mind, our inspiration for the design was really the resort itself and the qualities that keep these generations of guests returning year after year. Our goal was to bring modern qualities while, at the same time, upholding the authentic Hawaiian experience for which the resort is so well-known. The aesthetic is personable and warm with a residential quality, designed to be your home away from home.”
The final phase (debuting in June) will be a full remodel of the resort’s three most over-the-top villas. Each will introduce a second story, indoor-outdoor living space and private plunge pool.
“Upon arrival, one of the first vistas you see as a guest is the sparkling blue ocean balanced by the stunning infinity-edge Beach Tree Pool, allowing the destination to unfold right in front of you,” Mercier noted. “The existing architecture is quiet and low-key, which has a dramatic impact on the sensibility and scale of the place, giving off a vibe that is immediately unique and relaxing. There are no airs or graces about the property, even on your first visit as you walk through that entry and gardens there is a feeling that this place is just as much yours as any other guest that has come before.”
Mercier said that by focusing on how a space “feels” in addition to how it “looks,” they can speak to the guest psyche through the senses and build in layers of meaning to create true havens: places apart from the everyday.
“Ultimately our goal was to enhance the ‘home away from home’ experience that is such a beloved part of the resort. To that end, we drew on our private residential design expertise to layer in the level of thoughtfulness, quality and details that guests would be accustomed in their own homes,” she said.
BAMO used natural textured wallcoverings and materials of residential quality, which balances the light as you enter the room to ease the transition from daylight to interior. They also made an impact with lighting elements that serve as the “jewelry” of the space. The new lighting scheme feels natural and bright and gives off a particularly warm ambiance in the evenings, Mercier said. BAMO enhanced the outdoor living spaces to allow for better flexibility and customization and also created a connection between indoors and outdoors via materials that flow seamlessly between both spaces.
“Without fail, our team always starts with the location and culture as the initial source of inspiration,” said Michael Booth, principal, BAMO. “The unique characteristics found throughout the beloved Kona-Kohala Coast drove the vision for the resort’s renovation, underscoring the striking juxtaposition between the black lavascape, white sand beaches and lush forests. Maintaining the essence of authentic Hawaiian tradition through design was paramount as the guests of the resort—past, present and future—value the spirit of aloha. Another aspect of Hawaiian culture we wanted to spotlight is the importance of family. In an effort to do so, we introduced spaces within the resort’s redesign to encourage quality time with loved ones. For instance, we opted to do away with a traditional dining area and instead, implemented a table that’s more casual and can be used as a gathering space for entertaining, family game night, a breakfast nook and more. This also allowed us to create a more gracious living lounge area.”
Four Seasons Resort Hualālai is designed with a mid-20th-century Hawaiian style with natural woods and a neutral color palette, Booth said.
“Our goal was to contemporize the resort’s aesthetic while holding onto the essence of its authentic Hawaiian character,” he added. “The distinct setting and local culture were incredibly important to this renovation. The resort sits in the ancient land division known as Ka’ūpūlehu, once a thriving fishing village. Outside, we see a tropical climate with dramatic coastlines—white-sand beaches flanked by lava fields, making an indoor/outdoor design that celebrates the land imperative. To bring the island of Hawaii’s stunning lavascape to life, a slate floor, reminiscent of lava, is found throughout most of the guestrooms and suites. The resort also features an extensive collection of local art dating from 1775 to the present throughout the property. While the locally sourced in-room artwork remained intact, we integrated custom tapestries inspired by Hawaiian Tapa fabrics within the guest rooms and suites, bringing to life a true sense of place.”
