Koi pond under the shade of a Banyan Tree

A Journey of Wonder and Delight

Ambassadors of the Environment

Guests of all ages are introduced to the natural beauty and cultural traditions of Hawaii with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. Through guided, family-friendly excursions, Maui becomes a living classroom where adults and children learn about the environment and leave with an appreciation and respect for nature.

Guided Hike Kapalua
Ambassadors
Adults and Families

Guests must be at least five years of age to participate in family activities; proof of age is required. For reservations and schedule and price information, please call (808) 665-7292. Reservations and cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance.

Coastal Hike & Tide Pool Exploration

Adventure 1.7 miles along the Alaloa Trail, the original ‘highway’ of Maui, dating back more than 500 years. Hike along beautiful bays and ancient lava fields while we search for native birds, Hawaiian sea turtles, and our seasonal Humpback whales. Near the end of the trail, explore the tidal pools to get up close and personal with some of our tide pool creatures.

Coast walk Kapalua Maui

Cities Under the Sea

Coral reefs are as complex as a bustling city, and each of their inhabitants has a job that keeps the city running smoothly. Through direct observation and close guidance from our Cousteau-trained and lifeguard certified Naturalists, we will learn about the inhabitants of Maui’s reefs and how they get their jobs done. This special snorkel will lay the foundation to observing the interactions and connections beneath the surface.

Kapalua Bay Snorkeling

E-Bike Tour

Using electric-assisted bikes, join us on a journey to the road less traveled: behind the resort exists an intricate array of paved paths and a world of Maui’s flora and fauna to explore. Wild-grown guavas, sprawling pines, and camouflaging chameleons accompany us on our exploration. Ages 16 and older.

Electric Bike Tours
Exploring Tide Pools

Turtle Tracks

Adventure outside with one of our naturalists to search for green sea turtles in the wild. Learn about Hawaiian sea turtles, their behaviors and nesting patterns, and discover the role sea turtles play in our environment and Hawaiian culture.

Marine Debris to Artistry

The Fires of Pele

Sand sculpting, storytelling, and a hike to an ancient lava flow help us to learn how the Hawaiian Islands rose from the middle of the sea as fiery volcanoes. Join our naturalist to uncover the geology of the region and the traditional Hawaiian legends that speak to the creation of the Hawaiian archipelago.

Cities Under the Sea Snorkel Experience

Introduction to Snorkeling

Join our Cousteau-trained and lifeguard certified naturalists as we introduce you to the wonders and joys of snorkeling. We’ll teach you how to use the gear, how to dive down safely, and how to observe the many diverse creatures of the ocean, all taught from the safety and comfort of our beautiful pool. This program can be tailored to swimming ability and is intended for beginners.

Survivor

Survivor

Can you imagine arriving at a deserted island? No computers, TVs, or video games. What would you do? How would you survive? Join us on a journey into the garden to uncover the survival tools that come from the earth, learn the basics of island survival, build our own survival shelter, and get a sneak peek into what early Hawaiian life might have been like.

Tide Pool Exploration

Life at the Edge of the Sea

Through hands-on exploration and guidance from our experienced naturalists, explore our tidal pools and discover the unique lives of hermit crabs, urchins, snails, and other uniquely adapted tide pool creatures.

VolunTeaming

VolunTeaming brings together teambuilding and volunteer activities to support local conservation efforts. Activities are customized per group and are in collaboration with community nonprofit partners. Aside from the immediate gratification of helping others, you’ll be able to measure your group’s impact with a before and after evaluation.

Adults

Ideal for corporate retreats, family reunions and group getaways. The Ambassadors of the Environment team will create a fun, competitive event to boost camaraderie, communication and trust among teammates. Programs are based on interests including land, water, culture and sustainability.                                            

Kids

For children ages five and older. Environmental exploration and cultural discovery are at the forefront of these kid-friendly, expert-led activities. Staff is friendly, highly trained, CPR-/first aid-certified and has undergone complete background checks to ensure the safety and comfort of participants and their parents.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ambassadors of the Environment
Program Details
Reservations

Reservations for all activities should be made 24 hours in advance at 808.665.7299 ext. 7299 or ambassadors.kapalua@ritzcarlton.com.

Extended hours are available for all programs at an additional cost per hour, per child. Meals can also be provided at an additional cost.

Birthday parties can be arranged for kids of all ages with a variety of themes and activities.

Policies
  • Children must be at least five years old and bathroom independent; proof of age is required.
  • Parents are required to sign a waiver before children can participate.
  • Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance to avoid a 50% cancellation fee.
  • For changes and cancellations, please call 808.665.7299 ext. 7299 from your hotel room.
  • Activities are subject to weather conditions.
  • The hotel reserves the right to cancel activities if there are no registered participants by 5 p.m. the day before morning activities or three hours before afternoon and evening activities.
  • Guests encouraged to bring their own water bottle (refill station available in center and bottle water available upon request).
What to Expect

All activities begin and end at the Ambassadors center next to the tennis and basketball courts.

It’s recommended children arrive with a swimsuit for water-based outings, closed-toe shoes for hiking and reef-safe sunscreen for all activities.

Naturalists reserve the right to require any individual to wear a personal flotation device during water-based activities.

Water entry for all snorkeling excursions is from the shore unless otherwise noted.

 

The Experts

Ambassadors of the Environment is led by naturalists who do more than guide; they bring their knowledge, experience, wonder and passion to the world’s greatest playground: nature. Naturalists hold degrees from a wide range of science fields and are experienced in working with children. They’re trained by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s team and frequently participate in trainings with Dr. Richard Murphy, who’s been chief scientist with the Cousteau family for more than 40 years.