The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua features Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, offering an environmental and cultural education center with excursions led by expert naturalists. Guests can hike through the Hawaiian rainforest, snorkel among Maui’s beautiful coral reefs and participate in underwater photography sessions, always exploring the relevance of Hawaiian culture. The Ambassadors program creates opportunities for each participant to learn about Hawaii’s unique ecosystems while demonstrating their connection to the larger global systems. This program also seeks to inspire guests to live a more sustainable life and to gain a greater understanding of the relationships between land to sea, humans to nature, people to people and present to future. According to Jean-Michel Cousteau, “We expect everyone, by learning more about our natural world and their places within it, to return to their communities as environmental stewards or ambassadors of the environment.”
MONDAY
Underwater Photography “Picture This”, Snorkeling9:30am – 12:30PM $79 Share your reef adventure with friends and family back home through digital underwater photography
The Fires of Pele1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. $59Sand sculpting, storytelling and a hike to an ancient lava flow will help us to learn how the Hawaiian islands rose from the middle of the sea as fiery volcanoes.Twilight Coastal Adventure* 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $69 Join us for an evening hike along the Kapalua Coastal Trail, as we visit a few of Maui’s secret spots including the habitat of nocturnal shearwater and twilight tide pooling.
TUESDAY
Adventures in Nature9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $69 Capture the beauty of the local flora and fauna through nature photography while exploring Hawaii from beautiful coral reefs to lush green rainforests.Cousteau’s Kitchen 1:30 - 4:30pm $59 Explore our Chef’s Garden. Learn about organic practices and discover vegetables, herbs and fruits. Create tasty snacks using our solar ovens while learning about how food affects our health and our world.
Creatures of the Night* 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $69Venture into the night to experience heightened sensory awareness while observing nocturnal wildlife.
WEDNESDAY
Life at the Edge of the Sea 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $59Explore our beaches and tide pools as we take a close-up look at both sides of the water’s edge.
Survivor1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. $69Can you imagine arriving at a deserted island? No computers, TVs or video games! What would you do? How would you survive? Join us on our journey to square one and learn the basics of island survival and discover what early Hawaiian life was really like.
In the Kitchen*5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $69Don your chef hat as we bake our own pizza and learn about the local ingredients that make up this tasty treat.
THURSDAY
Wet and Wild Waves 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $59 Surfs up! Learn about waves, tides, and how to catch a perfect wave. Then hit the waves and have fun boogie boarding.Turtle Tracks 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. $59 Come and learn more about one of Hawaii’s most loved and respected species, the Green Sea Turtle. Creatures of the Night* 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $69 Venture into the night to experience heightened sensory awareness while observing nocturnal wildlife. FRIDAY
Shore Snorkel for Beginners9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $79Join our experienced naturalists as they guide you through a beginner’s step-by-step snorkel instruction, perfect for your first time visit into the underwater world. Oh My, A Butterfly!1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. $59 Discover the living symbol of Kapalua. Butterflies will flutter around both flowers and us, in our outdoor tropical garden as we learn about the lives of these fascinating creatures through crafting, story telling and face painting.Star Voyager*5:30pm – 8:30pm $69Star gazing and a closer look through our telescope are part of this adventure, as we embark on our own journey to learn about how the ancient Polnesian navigators used the night sky to discover Hawaii.
SATURDAY
Marine Debris to Artistry 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $59 Engage your artistic talents by creating unique artworks and jewelry using native Hawaiian plants and new-found treasures such as beach glass. Lights, Camera, Take Action! 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. $69 Ambassadors will spread the word on sustainable living by researching, writing, and starring in a public service announcement! In the Kitchen* 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $69 Don your chef hat as we bake our own pizza and learn about the local ingredients that make up this tasty treat. SUNDAY
Programs are available upon request and require a 24 hour advance booking notice.
*EVENING PROGRAMSA 24 hour advance booking notice is required for all evening programs.
EXTENDED HOURSExtended hours are available for participants of our programs. If desired, lunch and/or dinner can be provided for an additional charge to the guest. Please contact Ambassadors of the Environment for more information.
Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance of program or a 50% charge will apply.For further information, please contact Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Center at (808) 665-7292.
ZODIAC WHALE WATCH – 3 Hours Seasonal – December 15 through April 15$99 per guest, minimum age requirement 5 Get up close and personal with our ultimate whale watch! Our fast, safe and comfortable zodiac ensures every seat is front row and with expert narration from our expert naturalists, this is an adventure you can’t miss!CITIES UNDER THE SEA – Snorkel/Underwater Photography – 2-1⁄2 hours $89 per guest/$69 per child under 15 Explore the living communities of fish, coral and algae as our naturalists guide you on an interpretive and exciting snorkel. Capture these images with underwater digital cameras and create memories to last a lifetime. SEA KAYAK COASTAL TOUR – 4 hours $99 per guest /$79 per child under 15, Minimum age requirement 10 Enjoy spectacular offshore views of the West Maui Mountains and the islands of Lana’i and Molokai as we paddle alongside pristine coastline. Expert naturalists will interpret your surroundings as you enjoy crystal clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and some of Maui’s sea creatures, including the Hawaiian “honu”- the green sea turtle. (Snorkel optional depending on conditions.) COASTAL WALK AND TIDEPOOL EXPLORATION “Ke’ala ola”- The Path of Life– 2 hours $49 per guest /$29 per child under 15 Adventure the Kapalua Coastal Trail with our naturalists as we visit a few of Maui’s treasures that include the coastal tide pools and some of the most beautiful weathered rock formations. MAUNALEI MAGIC – Hike Exploration – 2-1⁄2 hours $79 per guest /$59 per child under 15 Trained hike leaders share their knowledge of Hawaii’s natural and cultural history while they interpret the geological formation and the biological speciation of the Hawaiian Islands. Guests also experience a cultural perspective as they are told of life in old Hawaii, and how the native people learned to thrive in harmony with nature. STAR GAZING – “Kilo hoku’” – 1 hour $25 per guest /$12 per child under 15 Navigate these celestial highways in the night sky of Kapalua with our star expert. Discover how this dark, mysterious world acted as a guide in ancient Polynesian navigation. *STAND-UP PADDLING – “Ku papa he’e nalu” – 2 hours $129 per person Polynesians had the ability to “walk upon the water” by using their technology and skills upon surfboards and canoes. Test your skills while our naturalists describe the coral reefs below, home to the Hawaiian “honu” – the green sea turtle. MONDAYS 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Maunalei Magic Rainforest Hike 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cities Under the Sea TUESDAYS 7 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sea Kayak Coastal Tour 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Coastal Walk & Tidepool Exploration 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Cities Under the Sea 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Star Gazing WEDNESDAYS 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Stand up Paddling 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cities Under the Sea 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Maunalei Magic Rainforest Hike THURSDAYS 7 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sea Kayak Coastal Tour 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Coastal Walk & Tidepool Exploration 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Star Gazing FRIDAYS 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Stand up Paddling 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cities Under the Sea 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Maunalei Magic Rainforest Hike SATURDAYS 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Stand up Paddling 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cities Under the Sea 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Maunalei Magic Rainforest Hike For further information, please contact Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Center at (808) 665-7292.
MONDAYS Ai Pono ‘Eat Well’ - 10:30 a.m. Enliven your culinary senses by joining one of our resort chef’s on a complimentary interactive tour of our Chef’s Gardens. This educational adventure encourages healthy living for a sustainable future. The tour begins at the Banyan Tree restaurant herb garden; Reservations are required. PBI Tennis Mixer 4 p.m. Hosted by PBI Tennis Professionals at The Kapalua Tennis Gardens. Join resort guests for a tennis mixer and enjoy casual tennis play with tennis racquets provided. Reservations are required please call 808 . 662 . 7730.TUESDAYS Na Mea Makamae ‘ The Treasures of These Islands’ 10 a.m. Discuss the treasures among The Hawaiian Islands and learn about Hawaiian wellness philosophies &medicinal herbs while discovering their ancient uses. This ‘walk & talk’ also includes an introduction to the artwork by famed local artists featured throughout the resort. Meets in the Medicinal Gardens on the lobby level. The Early Mapping of Hawaii - 3:30 p.m. Explore the early mapping and exploration of Hawaii with our map historians at the Ambassadors center. On display are the chronicles of the first printed maps of Hawaii by Captain James Cook. Reservations are required; meets at The Ambassadors Hale. THURSDAYS Once Upon an Island 10 a.m. For our youngest guests, join us for keiki story time at the Ambassadors Hale. Children read-aloud or along as they enjoy fun and educational stories of Hawaii and its’ famous marine life friends! Meets at The Ambassadors Hale. Snorkeling 101 12:30 p.m. Join Naturalists from Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment as they offer an introduction to snorkeling & learn techniques that will allow you to make the most of your snorkeling experience. Reservations are required; meets at lower pool deck. ALOHA FRIDAYS A Sense of Place 10 a.m. A Sense of Place begins with the presentation of the award-winning documentary Then There Were None followed by a discussion of the history and subjects discussed in the film. A guided walking tour of the Honokahua Preservation Site explains it's significance to ancient Hawaiians and its’ role today. Location may vary, please confirm with concierge . Lei Making 10 a.m. Make your own fresh-flower lei while learning its’ importance in the Hawaiian culture as a true sign of Aloha! Meets in the Medicinal Gardens breezeway. Ocean ‘Features’ 3 p.m. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s teaches that “Protect the Ocean and you Protect Yourself”. Through documentary ‘features’, learn what you can do to make a difference in your community and the world. Featured at The Ambassadors Hale.
Seasonal – December 15 through April 15
Zodiac Whale Watch Expedition, $99 per person Minimum age requirement 5 Join us on an exclusive, intimate whale watching adventure. Get up close and personal with Maui’s most famous visitor, the Humpback Whale. Each year, these gentle giants make mammoth journeys between their feeding and breeding sites. In this off-shore habitat we will explore an underwater world beyond imagination, filled with discovery and mystery. Our fast, safe and comfortable Zodiac ensures that every seat is front row, offering a premium viewing experience. Listen to live whale song with our hydrophone as you prepare for the optimum photo opportunities. Our ultimate whale watch includes expert narration by naturalists promising quality, accuracy and integrity. Climb aboard and enjoy nature's splendor and discover how we as Ambassadors can protect this wondrous creature. $99 per person Minimum age requirement 5
Adult Activities The Ambassadors team will provide your group with a creative, competitive and most importantly, FUN event! Stimulate camaraderie and team development in a non-competitive or competitive atmosphere as guests engage in a variety of fun excursions, games and activities designed to build communication skills and trust among teammates. Choose from a variety of programs based on interests such as land, water, culture and sustainability.
VolunTeaming Features a combination of teambuilding and volunteer activities. Support local conservation efforts by participating in the enhancement of strategically chosen and culturally significant locations. Measure your group’s impact with a literal “before & after” evaluation; immediate gratification for participants and immediate appreciation from the ‘aina (land) and local community. These activities are customized to accommodate your groups time allotment and are focused on participating in projects that are needed in the community with our non-profit 501(c)3 partners. Children’s Activities Let us create a memorable event for the children in your group. The Ambassadors team will customize exciting and unique day and evening activities for children ages five and up. Environmental exploration and cultural discovery is included in each of our diverse program options led by friendly and fun naturalists. Our expert staff is highly trained, CPR/First Aid certified and have completed identification back ground checks providing the ultimate care for your children. Ambassador games, activities, themed parties and weekly camps will allow children to make new friends while creating memories that will last forever. For further information, please contact Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Center at (808) 665-7292.