We had the great pleasure of staying at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua in June, 2023, while attending the Kapalua Wine Festival. It was just two months prior to the terrible fires in nearby Lahaina. In the aftermath, this hotel/resort, and others, housed people who had lost their homes. On October 8, 2023, the property re-opened to visitors. The island welcomes back, and encourages, tourists to visit because tourism dollars are essential to the financial existence of Maui. Here’s an article for RealFoodTraveler.com readers about our experience at the property to help you know what to expect when you go. Watch for a special deal they are offering and a new honor for the property at the end of this piece. 

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The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua – Culture, Adventure, Food and Fun

In a previous article about the Kapalua Food & Wine Festival, we shared some of our experiences as guests of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. But there is so much more to a stay at this magnificent resort that we wanted our readers to know about!

History and Culture

So important is local Hawaiian culture and history to The Ritz-Carlton, they employ Clifford Nae’ole as their Hawaiian cultural advisor. In his role for over 30 years, he guides staff and visitors alike toward a greater awareness, appreciation, and respect for the culture and ecosystems of this incredible place. Clifford leads tours and talks for guests, as well as other programming to connect with the local community and nurture the sense of Ohana (family).

The concept of Ohana transcends space and time for the indigenous Hawaiian people. Between the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton and the ocean is the Honokahua Preservation Site. Recognized as a “wahi pana” (sacred site), this swath of land is permanently set aside in respectful remembrance of the ancestors who were laid to rest here. Today they are visited by subsequent generations of Hawaiians who come for ceremonies and celebrations to honor the roots of their Ohana.

A walkway leading up to the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is in an area near the sacred burial ground to the far right, framed with low shrubbery. Guests are asked to not tread on that area.

Without fences around these hallowed grounds, visitors are on the honor system to respect the wishes of the Ohana and stay out of certain areas. Distressingly, I noticed some people ignoring the signs and tramping about. Fellow travelers, it is our responsibility to honor the expectations of the local culture.

Embedded throughout The Ritz-Carlton are elements that pay homage to Hawaii’s cultural history. Wood panels in public spaces are based on native designs; the work of local artists graces many walls; a collection of artifacts is on display just off the lobby. QR codes near each display offer a self-guided tour.

Decorative panels feature native designs throughout the property.

Another memorable nod to Hawaii’s rich culture is the sunset ritual in the open-air lobby of the Ritz-Carlton. Daily, a Hawaiian native son raises a conch and blows prayers of gratitude to the world. Everyone in the busy lobby paused in quiet acknowledgment. It was a short and powerful reminder that visitors are blessed to be in a place of natural beauty that is inextricably connected to a rich human history.

Malama

In the Hawaiian language, malama means “to care for”; and The Ritz-Carlton offers a program for individuals and groups to engage in volunteering activities that contribute to the betterment of the local community and the island’s delicate ecosystem. For travelers seeking a way to tread lighter on the landscape, and leave the place a little better than before, this is a great opportunity to connect your values with action.

Coastal Adventures

An unexpected pleasure for this visitor to the Ritz-Carlton was the ability to leave the gorgeous, manicured grounds and explore the raw, savage lava coastline; the Kapalua Coastal Trail crosses the resort ground (at the edge of the property next to the sacred burial grounds) and is easily accessible. Along the way, visitors can enjoy watching waves roll in across the Pacific that smash against the black cliff faces, sending spray across the fingers of the ancient lava fields. Under the hot sun, with no shade, the spray refreshes as you gaze over into the turquoise waters, frothy with foam.

On my coastal walk, I followed the trail all the way to Kapalua Bay, about 1.5 miles; along the way the trail varies from gravel to boardwalk to rough lava rock fields – at times, the trail seems to disappear altogether. Take a trail map (at designated trail heads), wear a hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes (flip flops won’t cut it on the rough lava!), and pack plenty of water – the trail is fully exposed to the hot sun. Be mindful of the sea bird nesting grounds in these areas – watch for signs to avoid specified areas.

For a quicker walk back to the resort, there is a sidewalk along most of the road from Kapalua Beach to The Ritz-Carlton.

There are many coastal adventures to be had with Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua as your homebase.

Beach Time

Just down the crest that The Ritz-Carlton rests on is gorgeous sandy D.T. Fleming Beach in Honokahua Bay. Locals also enjoy this beach, casting long lines into the surf to catch dinner and grill it at the beachside park. Tidal pools invite exploration. The fun beachside Burger Shack serves gourmet burgers, outrageous shakes, beers and more on a huge patio under palm trees; operated by The Ritz-Carlton, it excels in every way while retaining a casual surfer dude beach vibe.

Care for a burger and milkshake with that view? Get it at the Burger Shack on the Ritz-Carlton property.

Venturing further along the coast, off property, there are a series of beaches to discover. Oneloa Bay offers a picturesque wild beach. Namalu Bay is a rugged alcove with sheer cliffs above clear green water. Napili Bay is a perfect stretch of sand with a family atmosphere. Shallow waters extend far out and reefs break the waves for children to frolic in the gentle surf while others snorkel. Overlooking it all is a casual eatery and bar Sea House Restaurant; it offers unexpectedly reasonable prices, good food, and Happy Hour specials. Servers are friendly and welcoming. Grab a seat in the bar or patio, order a local beer, and watch the fun beach scene with expansive views beyond to the islands of Lanai and Molokai. Better yet, jump in the surf and pop back for a drink after drying off!

Another picture-perfect beach gem to enjoy is at Kapalua Bay. A public parking lot with showers and restrooms and a hut with rental equipment draws locals and visitors, making this a busier beach; that said, there is plenty of sand, surf, and swaying palms for all to enjoy.

For meaningful cultural exploration, ecosystem adventures, and sheer joyous fun, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is an ideal home base to explore the wonders of Kapalua and western Maui.

The rooms and dining at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Our room was beautiful and spacious. While many have views of the ocean, we enjoyed a view of both pine trees and the ocean which was very peaceful to take in as we sipped morning coffee on the balcony. Some rooms on the main level, have expansive patios that extend onto the grounds like an outdoor living room. They also make stepping right out to the tiers of swimming pools very easy! Although our room was lovely, we really enjoyed spending time in the main lobby/lounge area that was open-air, with warm, wonderful breezes, views of the entire property and ocean. It became our favorite place to get some work done while enjoying coffee or sandwiches from Kai Cafe or nibbles, sushi and drinks from Alaloa Lounge, both right off the lobby. Live evening music in the lobby makes the experience even better.

Talk about a room with a view, the lobby/lounge area of the hotel and resort makes you feel right at home.

Hungry for more? Here’s what to expect when attending the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival.

Just past the swimming pool area is the stand-alone restaurant, The Banyan Tree with a huge patio that lets you get views of the ocean, the beautiful property and gardens. With a menu of coastal cuisine specialties, the lush restaurant is a great place for a special dinner during your stay.

Scenes from the beautiful on-site restaurant, The Banyon Tree.

While frolicking in the pools or just lounging beside them, if you get a powerful thirst or get hungry, Olu Poolside is right there. For an extra-luxurious experience, reserve a cabana, complete with TV.

Ulana Terrace is the on-site breakfast-only restaurant. A la carte items are available but the buffet is too wonderful to miss. Standards you’d expect include eggs, potatoes and breakfast meats (each changing slightly, daily), a made-to-order eggs station, pastries and cold and hot cereals. But Ulana Terrace’s buffet goes far beyond to fresh salads, a spread of lox, onion, capers, and tomato for bagels. There’s also avocado toast, charcuterie, yogurt parfaits, chia pudding, and delicious Asian specialties. Be sure to get fresh juice before sitting down; POG is a local favorite, made of papaya-orange-guava.

The breakfast buffet at Ullana Terrace has so many options, there’s something for everyone.

Two special notes:

1. As of the publishing of this article, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is offering a “Return to Maui” package in which a donation is made to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund to support wildfire recovery needs when you stay a minimum of three nights. The package also includes the daily breakfast buffet for two at Ulana Terrace plus a one-time $300 resort credit.

2. The property was recently voted #1 Resort on Maui by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers. Congratulations!

For more details about the activities and amenities of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, visit their website, here.

-Story and photos by Jimmy McDonough, Eco-friendly food, travel and adventure editor and Courtney Drake-McDonough, managing editor and publisher, RealFoodTraveler.com

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