Fairmont Orchid

WHERE NATURE SHAPES NARRATIVE

Along Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, Fairmont Orchid connects guests to the breathtaking experience of the Hawaiian landscape. The recently refreshed resort from the Accor Ownership Group offers open-air hallways, gorgeous gathering spaces, stunning views from every room, and the sound of gentle waves. Kevin Barry Art Advisory was thrilled to team up with hospitality design firm HBA San Francisco to give the space a refresh and reflect the natural spirit through an immersive art and design experience that honors the land and its people.

Spanning more than 500 guest rooms, lounges, lobbies, and meeting spaces, the Fairmont Orchid art program was designed to feel completely in sync with its surroundings. We focused on bringing in hyper-local elements that are eye-catching yet calming. Textures like raw canvas, matte plaster, and gilded finishes give each piece character, while creative matting and framing add dreamlike detail. The phrase “fresh luxury” guided our approach. The program feels refined and contemporary, but always connected to place. Champagne gold finishes, endemic floral motifs, and ocean-inspired forms come together to reflect the beauty of Hawaii, creating a natural flow between indoor spaces and the coastal landscape beyond.

Local artists play a starring role. To share just a few, Abigail Romanchak’s “Wahine Po’aimoku” brings a modern take to traditional kapa patterns, while Native Hawaiian artist Douglas Pooloa Tolentino’s textured collagraph “Rejuvenation” evokes a deep sense of connection and renewal. Carena Phillips’ work is also showcased throughout the property, using the land as both inspiration and material in her unique cyanotype process. Each local piece adds authenticity and a personal voice to the story.

Our custom work also helps deepen the Hawaii narrative. “Topo Aerial” interprets the island’s volcanic contours in three-dimensional carved wood, while “Kapa Texture” reimagines traditional textile design through frayed edges and a linen matboard. These pieces, like much of the collection, reflect the island’s natural beauty with a light, modern touch.

Throughout public spaces, sculptural moments create unexpected layers of experience. “Sanctuary” by Jennifer Glover Riggs uses dimensional paper and acrylic to form a meditative focal point. “Wooden Wave” by Kerry Vesper mimics the curl of the ocean in rich Wenge wood. And finally, the cover of our Summer 2025 ELEVATE issue features Kuroshio Currents by Randy Doering, a bronze-finished sculpture honoring the Pacific current that carries warmth and life to the island’s shores.

There’s so much more to explore from our expansive Fairmont Orchid art program. Dive deeper into the inspiration and impact of our approach in the Coastal Reverie issue of ELEVATE by KBAA.