Fine art photographer Gray Malin’s new series will take you on a breathtaking island-hopping tour to three Four Seasons oases in Hawaii.
Known for beachy aerial shots he snaps while riding in a doorless helicopter, Malin captured scenes like Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina’s white-umbrella-dotted crescent-shaped lagoon, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea’s expansive saltwater Fountain Pool and the newly renovated Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’s distinctive black-lava-rock coastline over in the Big Island.
As part of the Gray Malin x Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii collaboration, each beach haven also offers special on-property amenities — from trays featuring images from the collection to a tropical Gray Malin Kokomo cocktail with local coconut, lime and mint — and sells his works in its shops.
To help you experience it in person, Malin and the three resorts will host a social media giveaway today and give one winner an epic Hawaii vacation with two nights at each Four Seasons; a large, framed piece from the collection; and a book signed by Malin. To enter, visit @GrayMalin @FSHualalai, @FSMaui and @FSOahu on Instagram.
We talked to Malin about the collection, his favorite Hawaiian beaches and why he keeps returning to the islands.
Why is Hawaii a special place for you?
For me personally, Hawaii is a retreat. I visit as often as I can to breathe the fresh air, recharge and reconnect. My work is meant to evoke joy, and I often photograph places you want to escape to — my brand slogan is “make every day a getaway.” There’s no place like Hawaii that really embodies that same spirit.
Additionally, the past two years my family and I spent Christmas in Hawaii on the Big Island, and I couldn’t imagine a more picturesque and memorable vacation. We’ve created incredible memories together on the Big Island.
How frequently do you visit?
I grew up going to Kauai with my family and since then have been able to visit the various Hawaiian Islands at least 20 times. More recently, during 2020 and 2021 I have spent months there working remotely with my husband and kids.
What did you try to capture at each property?
It was important to me to capture the allure of each resort, as well as the iconic locations that guests remember from the time they have spent at the properties, such as the swimming pool or beach.
In general, my work has always centered on translating the spirit of travel and adventure through photography, creating memorable moments and bringing people together — and my collection with Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii mirrors that mindset.
What experiences can guests expect at each Four Seasons resort?
With the launch of my partnership, guests can now enjoy Gray Malin immersive experiences at the three properties. This includes a signature Gray Malin Kokomo cocktail that you can sip poolside at each property, as well as my latest coffee table book, Gray Malin: The Essential Collection, in all of the hotel suites.
At Four Seasons Hualalai, I’m thrilled that my decorative trays and outdoor pillows featuring my photography are now featured on all of the chairs and tables surrounding the beloved Beach Tree swimming pool.
At Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, I’ve customized four of the luxury cabanas at the Serenity Pool so you can step into a Gray Malin photograph. Each cabana features my signature aerial photography shot above the resort along with my outdoor pillows, decorative trays and my board games.
Similarly, when you visit Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina, you will find two luxury pool cabanas decorated with my beach photography shot above the resort as well as a collection of fun Gray Malin products inside. In addition, the walls of the Penthouse Suite are adorned with a curated display of my artwork from Ko Olina and Gray Malin products throughout the suite that create a colorful and playful atmosphere.
All of these activations create an opportunity for guests to interact with my brand in an unexpected and exciting way that goes beyond simply viewing my photography!
What activities do you like to do when in Hawaii?
I love waking up early and seeing the sunrise, heading to the beach in the mornings, going out to snorkel in the afternoons and doing a sunset boat ride in the evenings.
If you go in the winter months, I highly recommend going out on a whale-watching boat.
What are your favorite Hawaiian beaches?
My favorite beaches on the Hawaiian Islands are Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Lanikai Beach in Oahu, Makena Beach in Maui, and Mauna Kea Beach in Hawaii.
Do you have a favorite island?
When I was younger, my favorite island was Kauai, but now it is the Big Island. And who knows what it will be in the future! Each island has unique experiences and amazing places to explore.
Are there any places in Hawaii you still want to explore?
I would like to photograph the island of Lanai from the air and one day make it to Molokai!
