The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Is a Special Place to Connect With Nature and Hawaiian Culture
With its rugged natural beauty and spirit of aloha, Hawaii has long been one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations. Maui, aka “The Valley Isle,” is often a firm favorite and The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is one of the most notable luxury resorts on the island, boasting a scene-stealing pool deck with private cabanas, guest rooms adorned with native art and world-class service. Located in West Maui, just minutes from Lahaina, the list of cool experiences to share with your SO here are many: think ocean adventures and stunning coastal hikes to indigenous-inspired spa treatments—plus, hula lessons and Hawaiian flower crown workshops!
Connecting With Nature
A brilliant way for guests to immerse themselves in Maui’s local culture and natural environment at the resort is through the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program. With six bays and beaches nearby, snorkeling, scuba and whale-watching (prime season is mid-December through mid-April) are popular. Hiking is another way to soak in the spectacular scenery: the 20-mile round trip Mahana Ridge Trail winds through old coffee and pineapple fields, while the much shorter 1.7-mile Alaloa Trail is part of the guided tide pool exploration experience. The latter trail is over 500 years old, making it the “original highway” of Maui.
Enjoying Poolside Pupu, Sunset Cocktails (and Everything in Between)
With six distinct dining destinations, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua will certainly appeal to foodies. Chefs sustainably source many ingredients locally as well as from the on-site organic garden to use across dishes, highlights of which can be found on the menu at the resort’s signature restaurant, Banyan Tree. There are greens and veggies from Hua Momona Farms, cheeses from Surfing Goat Dairy and a signature cocktail crafted with locally made falernum. For breakfast, head to Ulana Terrance and grab lunch at Olu Cafe, which specializes in light bites and poolside pupus. Alaloa Lounge is the spot for live music, cocktails and catching the sunset.
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Hitting One of the Longest Drives of Your Life
Golf Digest added The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua’s two 18-hole championship courses to its 2022 “Best Golf Resorts in Hawaii” list, so couples who love teeing off together will be in seventh heaven here. While the resort’s Arnold Palmer-designed Bay Course is famous for its dramatic oceanfront 17th hole, numerous golfing greats—including Tiger Woods and “The Big Fijian,” Vijay Singh—have all teed off on the Plantation Course, which holds a PGA Champions Tour event each January. Anyone keen to put some time in at the driving range or work on their swing technique can schedule an hour or two of award-winning private instruction at the Kapalua Golf Academy.
Blissing Out at the Spa
With its lush garden setting, feel-good sanctuary The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Spa is big on using botanicals and herbs (some of which are sourced from the resort garden) across its rituals and therapies, such as the Kapalua Touch of Honey and Deep Cleansing Organic Facial. Current seasonal specials available range from a CBD pedicure to the spiced passion fruit lomi lomi massage. But getting blissed out together doesn’t stop at spa treatments; there’s a nice selection of wellness and fitness classes for guests that changes weekly. Highlights include sunrise yoga, tai chi, sound healing and a labyrinth meditation walk.
Savor a New Setting With the Fire Lanai Collection
Because it always feels special to gather around a fire! A new premium room category, the Maui Fire Lanai Collection on the ground floor of the resort’s Nāpili Tower features sun decks and fire pits on its extended patio lanai living spaces. Another perk? Direct access to three adjacent and photogenic infinity-edge pools, which are inspired by natural lava rock formations at Makaluapuna Point in Kapalua—should a walk to the beach feel like too much of a stretch. At night, get cozy around your private fire pit, watch the stars twinkle across the sky and savor a slice of that marvelous Maui indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
1 Ritz-Carlton Dr
Kapalua, HI 96761
808.669.6200
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodor’s Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
