When you want a respite from the tourists in Maui, head to The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Tucked inside the exclusive Kapalua Resort on the north shore, the waterfront hotel gives you unfettered access to its 54 verdant acres, Pacific views that stretch to Molokai island and the brand’s signature service, sans crowds.
As part of the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort, the hotel provides access to one of the state’s largest nature preserves with two marine sanctuaries, two championship golf courses and Kapalua Golf Academy, miles of hiking trails and court play at the Kapalua Tennis Garden.
In the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel, soak up the rays from the stunning three-tier swimming pool or take cover under one of the palapas in the 20,000-square-foot sundeck. Indulge in Hawaiian therapies like the lomi lomi massage in the spa or dine at one of the six newly refreshed onsite restaurants.
As part of the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort, the hotel provides access to one of the state’s largest nature preserves with two marine sanctuaries, two championship golf courses and Kapalua Golf Academy, miles of hiking trails and court play at the Kapalua Tennis Garden.
In the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel, soak up the rays from the stunning three-tier swimming pool or take cover under one of the palapas in the 20,000-square-foot sundeck. Indulge in Hawaiian therapies like the lomi lomi massage in the spa or dine at one of the six newly refreshed onsite restaurants.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- One of the best amenities at the luxury hotel greets you upon entering the warm, inviting dark-wood-paneled lobby. The missing back wall nicely frames the palm-tree-lined pool, luxe cabanas and the Pacific.
- You’ll want to spend your days lounging in and around the undulating three-tiered pool surrounded by luxe cabanas.
- A standout perk is the spa. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua draws on Hawaiian traditions for inspired treatments like Pohaku Wela, an 80-minute service that uses warm volcanic stones to help aching muscles and aid relaxation.
- This is a family-friendly hotel. When kids aren’t playing in their own pool and water play area, the Ritz Kids program will keep them busy with everything from a session on sharks to a hike to learn about Hawaii’s volcanoes. (The Ambassadors of the Environment program lets adults in on the fun with activities like whale watching, snorkeling and hiking.)
- End the day at the Alaloa Lounge, where you can sit outside near a fire pit, watch the sun sink into the horizon, sip a Coconut Fever (vodka, coconut, lime, lemongrass syrup, tiki bitters) and catch the nightly Farewell to the Day Sunset Ritual, which includes the blowing of a conch shell and the banging of a sacred Hawaiian drum.
Things to Know
- As a guest at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, you’ll receive free transportation around the larger Kapalua Resort area. It includes the aforementioned golf courses and marine sanctuaries, along with several nearby restaurants and bars, including Merriman's Kapalua, which serves regional cuisine and striking views from its lanai on the edge of Kapalua Bay; Taverna, a rustic, open-air Italian eatery; and Pour House, a wine bar where you can sip and paint the Maui sunset.
- Kapalua hosts a bevvy of annual events, including Celebration of the Arts, Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, Wellness Week, XTERRA World Championship and PGA Tour Tournament of Champions.
The Rooms
- A subdued, sophisticated island vibe permeates the 463 rooms at the Maui hotel. It pops up in the dark wood furnishings, hardwood floors, locally inspired artwork and Hawaiian patterns in the throw pillows, curtains and rugs.
- The most Hawaiian feature may be the lanai, or balcony. Reserve a room overlooking the impressive free-form pool and the ocean beyond it so that you can wake up and take coffee on the lanai and take the scene in.
- Flat-screen TVs, DVD players and Nespresso coffeemakers come standard in all rooms.
- Accommodations have marble-covered bathrooms with separate tubs and shower stalls.
- Upgrade to a room on the Club Level, where you will have access to a special lounge that serves breakfast, light snacks, hors d' oeuvres, beverages and desserts throughout the day. It also comes with its own dedicated concierge.
The Restaurants
- Helmed by chef Isabelle Toland, the newly refreshed Banyan Tree restaurant incorporates Hawaiian tradition into every plate. Opt for one of the fresh fish preparations (ahi poke or sweet and spicy island-style ceviche) or dig into one of the impressive towers for two piled high with sensational seafood (The Great Sea) or an array of fresh and pickled local vegetables (Chef's Harvest).
- The Alaloa Lounge gives you amazing vistas and cocktails, along with light bites like lumpia (Filipino egg rolls stuffed with chicken, pickled carrot and cucumber).
- Dig in to the breakfast buffet — complete with a bloody mary bar — at Ulana Terrace, which overlooks the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star resort’s three-tiered pool and the Pacific Ocean.
- If you’re looking for a snack or smoothie while basking in the Hawaiian sun, order from the Pool Bar & Café. (You can even be served poolside while relaxing on a one of the chaise lounges).
- For a meaty meal, head to the alfresco Burger Shack, which serves creative burgers like the Ali’i (grass-fed beef, hamakua mushrooms, Swiss cheese and smoky chipotle aioli) alongside tropical shakes like the Kula Crunch (strawberry and macadamia nut cookie). Opt to order a to-go kit to bring on a beach picnic.
Amenities
Bar
Golf
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
Getting There
1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Maui, Hawaii 96761
TEL800-262-8440
TEL800-262-8440
TEL808-669-6200
TEL808-669-6200
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