Ritz-Carlton Kapalua

Away from the island’s other big resorts, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua wows guests with luxurious grounds and sweeping views.

• The one and two-bedroom residential suites, with their own kitchens
• Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassador of the Environment program for guests aged 5-12, plus other activities to keep kids entertained
• The club level, with a daily parade of food, including sunset pupus and drinks

The Ritz-Carlton, located on the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort on Maui’s northwest shore, has stunning vistas and 466 guest-accommodations decorated in bright, Hawaiian inspired hues. The hotel’s open-air lobby and club lounge are currently under renovation and will open in 2022. Before that, an $180 million renovation in 2008 was one of the largest in Ritz-Carlton company history, and it produced 107 one- and two-bedroom full-ownership residential suites and a slew of refurbished guest rooms. The 2008 renovation also included a new children’s pool in addition to its 10,000 square foot, three-level pool–which was most recently updated in 2020–and the Waihua Spa, with fifteen treatment rooms and aroma-therapy infused showers.

Because the property is just above the shore, it’s a short walk down to a path on the beach. The relatively windy beach has no cabanas and feels more pristine. If you want a beach where you can hang under a cabana all day, the Ritz offers a free shuttle to Kapalua Beach, where various water sports are available (a beautiful walking path takes you there as well.) The concierges are also happy to arrange any manner of activities–from snorkeling to horseback riding and hiking. The biggest draw for golf enthusiasts is the stunning championship course, home to an annual season-opening PGA event.

A lovely choice for couples, friends and families who enjoy top service, poolside relaxation, water sports and golf. The Ritz is also a great option for those interested in taking the ferry over to Lanai.