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.”
CITIES UNDER THE SEA – Snorkel/Underwater Photography – 2-1⁄2 hours $89 per guest/$79 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. COASTAL WALK AND TIDE POOL EXPLORATION “Ke’ala ola”- The Path of Life– 2 hours $49 per guest /$39 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 /$69 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 /$15 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. The Mana Maker (Offered Monday – Saturday, morning and afternoon options available)The Mana (strength) Maker is a four hour adventure that begins with a culinary tour led by our naturalist and talented resort chef as they teach guests how to cultivate herbs and spices while gaining insider information about organic farming and sustainable practices. The tour is followed by a Hawaiian Blessing reflecting on the past, present and future before partaking in the special adventures together with nature. Guests then choose to join expert naturalists in exploring life beneath the waves during an interpretive snorkel over one of Maui’s pristine coral reefs or discover the vibrant forest within Kapalua’s Maunalei Arboretum. Or choose to voyage with experienced steersman in an outrigger canoe as the ancient Polynesian seafarers did in their epic journeys that they embarked upon in search of new lands. ($279 per guest, includes transportation, picnic lunch and refreshments and photos. Advanced reservations required, minimum two people per tour and must be minimum of 12 years-old to enjoy)**STAND-UP PADDLING – “Ku papa he’e nalu” – 2 hours (Offered Monday - Saturday, 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.) $129 per guest 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. *72-hour cancellation policy applies **SEA KAYAK COASTAL TOUR – 3 hours (Offered Daily, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.) $139 per guest/Minimum age requirement 10 Enjoy spectacular offshore views of the West Maui Mountains while experiencing snorkeling alongside pristine coastline. Expert naturalists will interpret your surroundings as you kayak and snorkel above crystal clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and some of Maui’s sea creatures, including the Hawaiian “honu”- the green sea turtle. 72-hour cancellation policy applies. **OUTRIGGER CANOE ADVENTURE – 3 hours (Offered daily, 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.) $149 per guestThe Outrigger Canoe Experience is perfect for families and adventure seekers! Naturalists will guide you through the underwater playground to a “turtle cleaning station”, pointing out a multitude of fish along the way in this memorable experience that includes snorkeling, equipment, snacks and photos! MONDAYS7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Stand-up Paddling 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Maunalei Magic 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cities Under the Sea TUESDAYS 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Stand-up Paddling 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Coastal Walk & Tide Pool Exploration 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cities Under the Sea 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Star Gazing WEDNESDAYS 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 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 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Stand-up Paddling 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Maunalei Magic 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Coastal Walk & Tide Pool Exploration 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Star Gazing FRIDAYS 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Stand-up Paddling 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Maunalei Magic 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cities Under the Sea SATURDAYS 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 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 HikeFor further information, please contact Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Center at (808) 665-7292.
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 51:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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 herb garden at the lower pool deck; 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. 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 and 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 a video presentation narrated by our map historian. Featured at The Ambassadors Hale. Want to learn more? Meet the map historian on Tuesday and Friday mornings in the Medicinal Garden (lobby level). On display are the chroni-cles of the first printed maps of Hawaii by Captain James Cook. Reservations are required; meets at The Ambassadors Hale.THURSDAYS Along the Coral Reef 12:30 p.m. Join Naturalists from Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment as they offer an introduction to Hawaii’s coral reefs. Learn how we can keep them bright & beautiful for the future while protecting our marine life. Meets at The Ambassadors Hale. 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 its significance to ancient Hawaiians and its’ role today. Location may vary, please confirm with Front Desk. Lei Making 11:30 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.SATURDAYSOcean ‘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. To make reservations or for additional information, please contact The Ambassadors of the Environment Center at (808) 665-7292.
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 group's 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 has 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.