A Step Above Perfection
The breeze slipped gently beneath the brim of my straw hat as I closed the door to my guest room. The room had been my home for just three nights, where I had grown accustomed to falling asleep in a billowing swath of sateen sheets after indulging in one last sip of champagne and looking out on the picturesque landscapes of the Kohala coastline. I hesitated briefly before walking away, reasoning that the timely breeze was possibly a sign; one final push to urge me back in and extend my stay at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Sadly, the breeze ceased, and I accepted that my time had come to leave. As I handed my keys over, my final words were, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
The resort was as near perfection as anything I had ever experienced prior to that stay in March of 2018—having just returned from a glamorous safari in Africa and a luxury cruise to Antarctica—but improving upon perfection is what this Five-Star, Five-Diamond resort does best, so it came as no surprise to me when the resort announced a multi-million-dollar resort-wide renovation in 2020.
Few, if any, would argue that the resort was in need of a renovation, but since the first guests arrived at the resort back in 1996, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has been on a continuing mission to improve upon its already exacting standards of experiential luxury. The renovations brought in new amenities, new accommodation options and countless new details, both big and small, that all work together seamlessly to enhance the guest experience and continue to pay respect to the land. The addition of a new bungalow was a favorite for guests returning to the resort once it reopened on Dec. 1, 2020, where six oceanfront guestrooms offer stunning views and intimate access to Kumukea Beach on the northern edge of the resort.
“The renovation of the guest rooms creates a heightened sense of luxury, respecting the beloved spirit of Hualalai but providing a more modern and fresh interpretation,” explains Charlie Parker, general manager of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. “I am a great believer that the design of space can have a significant influence on your state of mind, and our interior design firm has done an outstanding job in creating a warmth and comfort within our rooms and suites which creates an immediate sense of belonging.”
There’s never been a question about Hualalai’s dedication to local artistry and Hawaiian tradition—as every touchpoint throughout the resort’s more than 800 acres has always included a nod to Hawaiiana—and at the heart of the renovation was a dedication to preserve that Hawaiian heritage. Internationally renowned design firm BAMO reimagined the guestrooms and suites throughout the property, creating an interior flow that’s as natural as the way the impressive lava formations meander through the resort.
Each room also features updated technology, with a focus on in-room entertainment, connectivity, enhanced lighting and greater energy efficiency—something the resort has always been cognizant of from the beginning and has continued to act as the leader in sustainability on the island. Throughout the resort’s five dining establishments, more than 75 percent of the ingredients used are from Hawai’i Island and are sourced from more than 160 farms.
Hualalai’s dedication to sustainability has often extended to education and outreach through onsite experts and scientists who offer a behind-the-scenes look for guests through cultural programs or excursions—like snorkel lessons with a marine biologist or a salt harvesting experience at the nearby salt flats with a cultural ambassador—but the new additions to the resort’s 1.8-million-gallon swimmable aquarium, King’s Pond, will offer guests more of an opportunity to dive into the amazing aquatic offerings throughout the property.
Along with updated amenities, guests will have access to the new Kumu Kai Marine Center adjacent to King’s Pond, where 3,000 tropical fish welcome swimmers to their semi-saltwater home carved into natural lava rock. A new touch tank and digital educational display offer interactive intros into the reserve, while exclusive experiences range from private eagle ray feedings to a junior marine biologist experience.
One of the most exciting additions to King’s Pond is the new infinity-edge pool that rises to an elevated perch above the pond and doubles as an underwater art gallery. “The architecture and design of Hualalai has been inspired by Hawaiian culture and part of the new King’s Pond infinity pool captures that essence with two art sculptures on the bottom of the pool,” Parker explains. “The art was created by local artist, Alex Gupton, and features two of our most cared-for marine animals, Kainalu, the spotted eagle ray who has lived in King’s Pond for more than 20 years, and the honu who are often found resting along the coast of the resort.”
From above, the animals appear to be swimming toward the Pacific Ocean, which is where another one of the resort’s most impressive renovations begins. Known around the world for its famous 17th hole that “touches the ocean,” the Hualalai Golf Course recently unveiled its new look during the PGA Mitsubishi Electric Championship in January of 2021 with reshaped greens and bunkers.
More additions are planned for the rest of the year, including a villa expansion project and a dedicated Culinary Academy on top of the celebrated ‘ULU Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge that will play host to interactive culinary experiences and many guest chef appearances.
Hualalai’s use of modern design and tasteful technology within a sustainable backdrop of natural beauty enriches the already authentic and ethereal experience guests have come to expect from this opulent property. The resort has somehow managed to make its modern additions feel timeless, and today the resort offers a glimpse into Hawai‘i’s Golden Age while portraying the purest expression of what it means to be Hawaiian.