Planning A Trip To Maui | The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Three Tiered pool with ocean view Kapalua Maui

Planning Your Trip

Radiantly beautiful Maui — Hawaii’s second largest island — is one of the world’s most sought-after locations. Offering sparkling beaches, gorgeous sunsets, locavore dining and eco adventures, the island has something for everyone. The only conundrum? You may start planning to extend your trip as soon as you arrive.

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What To Pack

For more than a thousand years, Hawaiian culture developed independently from outside influences. Spanning cultural, culinary, artistic and spiritual practices, its origins are in the Polynesian people who first voyaged to Hawaii. Learning about and respecting these diverse traditions, from traditional healing to the art of hula, is at the soul of any meaningful Hawaiian journey. A little advance research will deepen your understanding — though once you arrive, you’ll find a warm introduction to the islands’ traditions from the Ladies and Gentlemen of the resort, including the hotel’s cultural adviser, Clifford Nae’ole.

Resort Essentials

Famed for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and miles of hiking trails, Maui beckons visitors to experience the outdoors.

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, sandals and casual wear or a chic cover-up for long days at the beach. Bring a lightweight jacket as well as long pants (men) and one or two going-out dresses (women) for evening.

Bring running shoes for working out (along with your usual fitness attire) and hiking. Take along one dressier pair of shoes for any business meetings or evenings out.

Don’t forget to have your camera (even if it’s just your smartphone camera) with you for every photo op. A waterproof case keeps your valuables dry and lets you take underwater photos, too.

Beach Vacation

Let the spirit of Aloha guide you on a mellow coastal escape to Maui, nature’s playground.

Plan to wear your swimwear with sandals and a cover-up or casual wear to the beach. Bring plenty of sunscreen, water and your favorite reading material in your beach bag. You can rent neoprene/wetsuits and watersports gear at the beach.

If you’re traveling with little ones, consider gear such as kid-friendly sunscreen, swim diapers, beach toys, hats and rash guards. A lightweight beach tent provides a shady place to play or nap.

If you’ll be island-hopping, packing cubes are a great way to stay organized without having to unpack in every destination. A nylon laundry bag separates your clean and dirty clothes — you can throw a wet swimsuit into it, too.

Day Trips

Plan for a few scheduled day trips in advance; otherwise, you may just decide to never leave the beach.

A sunrise or sunset hike up Mount Haleakala, Maui’s amazing dormant volcano, is a must. Aside from sturdy walking shoes, you’ll need warm layers — socks, hat, scarf, fleece jacket and long pants.

Bring sun hats, sunscreen and sunglasses for hiking (such as to Maunalei Arboretum), ATV rides or a whale-watching boat ride.

Carry a backpack or cross-body bag to hold your daily essentials, including electronic devices and extra water, while keeping your hands free.

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What To Reserve

A Kapalua itinerary is almost impossibly forgiving. Simply lounging on the beach and gazing out at the horizon does wonders for the soul. But there are a few experiences you won’t want to miss.

Dining Reservations

The Maui dining scene is as vibrant as they come, with top-notch local ingredients and traditions to draw from, and a bevy of chef-led establishments making waves. The latest buzz is around the newly reimagined Banyan Tree restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua featuring a talented new chef, Isabelle “Bella” Toland. Classic Hawaiian recipes are deconstructed and redesigned with a local twist using Mediterranean cooking techniques to develop a menu that will enliven your senses through the ways of the islands. Fresh seafood is the star of the show, with dishes like the locally caught Fisherman’s Choice and the signature Mahi Mahi.

Spa Appointments

Long famed for its ancient healing energy, Maui is rich with native botanicals and restorative traditions that inspire and inform its modern five-star spa experience. Waihua (pure water) is the defining theme of The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua, where spa-goers can enjoy both indoor and outdoor treatments — including in private “hale” rooms for two — incorporating Hawaiian herbs grown in the hotel’s own organic garden. Signature treatments incorporate local traditions such as Lomilomi massage and pohaku wela (hot stones) as well as advanced skin-care techniques and ESPA products.

Cabanas

Take in Kapalua’s dreamy coastline and technicolor sunset from the shade and privacy of your own luxurious cabana. At The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, guests choose from two distinctive offerings to accommodate their group: Oasis Day Bed, for three guests or a Poolside Cabana Suite, the ultimate luxury experience for up to eight guests that includes a dedicated cabana attendant, seasonal tropical fruit, refreshing tray-passed bites, a selection of magazines, unlimited water and soft drinks, house sparkling wine, a credenza with refrigerator, a flat-screen TV and more.

Outdoor Excursions

Beyond surfing, sunning and sipping, there are two land activities worth planning in advance. The first is a hike in Haleakala National Park, to the lip of its famed volcanic crater. The summit offers spectacular views of the blazing sky at sunrise and sunset, though darkness yields its own treat: a glittering firmament of shooting stars. The second is a drive on Maui’s Hana Highway, the 52-mile, winding jungle road as famed for hairpin turns and one-lane bridges as for unforgettable scenery: lush plant life, deep gorges and valleys, gushing waterfalls, expansive ocean views. It might even inspire you, as it did Georgia O’Keeffe, to pick up a paintbrush in pure astonishment.

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Itineraries

A vision of lush land, pristine beaches and crystal, blue water, Maui has a well-earned reputation as a destination for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. From swimming under waterfalls and sailing past whales to enjoying farm-to-table fare and handcrafted cocktails, there’s truly a Maui for everyone. And at the heart of it all is The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, a secluded island resort that exudes the Aloha spirt and captivates guests with thoughtful amenities. Whether it’s your first trip or your 50th, there’s always something new to discover on the Valley Isle.

Top Things to Do

From spas to snorkeling, discover the best things to do, eat, and see in Maui, Hawaii. If the world is your oyster then consider The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua in Maui your gleaming pearl. Perched on the shore of the Pacific, this Hawaiian resort is the epitome of paradise. Here, blogger Karina Reske answers the call of the ocean alongside explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau.

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Three Days of Paradise in Maui

In a place where the land is the lure, it’s no surprise that Maui has a long history of environmental stewardship. The island is home to pristine beaches, awe-inspiring mountains and stunning waterfalls, as well as a strong farm-to-table food movement that inspires chefs to draw from the bounty of the land. Gain a deeper sense of connection to the natural wonders and cultural traditions of Hawaii at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, a secluded Maui resort that both embraces nature and pampers guests with luxury amenities.

Tables and chairs are separated from the surf by only a line of vegetation and a strip of sand at The Beach House

Day 1

Morning
Walk 1.5 miles along the coastal trail from the resort to Napili Bay. Enjoy Breakfast with a View at The Sea House followed by a beach day on the white sands of Napili Bay Beach.

Afternoon
Pack your snorkel gear to see honu’s (turtles) swimming by with schools of fish and bask in the warm waves. Walk back along the coastal trail path back to the resort or call the shuttle to pick you up.

Evening
Head home for a rest and rinse, then catch the lobby lanai sunset ceremony, and then enjoy delicious dinner at Banyan Tree followed by live music around the fire pits in Alaloa Lounge. Be sure to try the Mai Tai, as each restaurant offers a unique version of the infamous cocktail.

Day 2

Morning
Begin your day with a restorative yoga class on the Beach House lawn, included with your resort stay.

Afternoon
Lunch at iconic Mama’s Fish House is a mandatory highlight of a Maui visit. Vintage Polynesian décor and oceanfront views welcome you and the tropical tiki drinks and local island fare will fill you up to shop around Paia Town. All your souvenirs can be found in these boutiques full of unique gifts. Take a short hike to Twin Falls and enjoy the serene botanical trails. Ho’okipa Beach is infamous for honu’s sitting. Continue your upcountry journey to Makawao, where Espresso Mafia and The Maui Cookie Lady are a great afternoon sweet treat.

Evening
No journey is complete without a stop at Surfing Goat Dairy or Maui Ocean Distillery. On the way home, you may head to Miso Phat for fresh sushi, or enjoy a nightcap at Alaloa Lounge.

Day 3

Morning
Experience Island life from up above with an adventure with Kapalua Ziplines. This three-hour excursion provides stunning panoramic ocean views and will deliver excitement and a hint of adrenaline.

Afternoon
When you return to the resort, lunch at Burger Shack beckons you followed by an afternoon of beachfront swimming and sunning at DT Fleming Beach. Rest in the shade and enjoy a famous milkshake which also poses for an excellent photo opportunity.

Evening
Depart the hotel for a unique late afternoon treat at Maui Cookie Lady in historic Makawao Town before heading to the crater. Enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset from the crater before heading to the airport for your flight home.

Five Days of Paradise in Maui

On the western edge of Maui, a lush tropical oasis awaits. Visitors to Kapalua find welcoming shores and immense beauty, similar to what attracted the area’s first inhabitants. Hike through verdant rainforest, snorkel beneath the ocean’s shimmering surface, cycle down the face of a dormant volcano or simply relax on golden-sand beaches. At The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, everything on your Maui must-do list is right at your fingertips.

Day 1

Morning
Start your morning with a stroll to discover the Kapalua Labyrinth, walking through a circular rock path as you unwind and restore peace to your mind and body. Follow the Kapalua coastal trail to Ironwoods Beach and enjoy a morning dip to invigorate yourself and walk back to the resort to treat yourself to the fresh local offerings of the famous breakfast buffet at Ulana Terrace. Following breakfast, check in to The Waihua Spa for your HydraFacial and Lomi Lomi Massage treatments. Make sure to allow time for a relaxing soak in the lava rock grotto and eucalyptus steam.

Afternoon
After the spa experience, tuck into your poolside cabana overlooking the beautiful waterfall-lined swimming pools.

Evening
As you ease into your first day in Kapalua, treat yourself to a sunset dinner at The Banyan Tree restaurant, the seafood curry is Chef’s favorite!

Day 2

Morning
Walk 1.5 miles along the coastal trail from the resort to Napili Bay. Enjoy Breakfast with a View at The Sea House followed by a beach day on the white sands of Napili Bay Beach.

Afternoon
Pack your snorkel to see honus (turtles) swimming by with schools of fish and bask in the warm waves. Walk back along the coastal trail path back to the resort or call the shuttle to pick you up.

Evening
Head home for a rest and rinse, then catch the lobby lanai sunset ceremony, and then enjoy delicious dinner and live music with a fire pit view in Alaloa Lounge.

Day 3

Morning
Begin your day with a restorative yoga class on the Beach House lawn, included with your resort stay.

Afternoon
Lunch at iconic Mama’s Fish House is a mandatory highlight of a Maui visit. Vintage Polynesian décor and oceanfront views welcome you and the tropical tiki drinks and local island fare will fill you up to shop around Paia Town. All your souvenirs can be found in these boutiques full of unique gifts. Take a short hike to Twin Falls and enjoy the serene botanical trails. Ho’okipa Beach is infamous for honus sitting. Continue your upcountry journey to Makawao, where Espresso Mafia and The Maui Cookie Lady are a great afternoon sweet treat.

Evening
No journey is complete without a stop at Surfing Goat Dairy or Maui Ocean Distillery. On the way home, you may head to Miso Phat for fresh sushi, or enjoy a nightcap at Alaloa Lounge.

Day 4

Morning
Experience Island life from up above with an adventure with Kapalua Ziplines. This three-hour excursion provides stunning panoramic ocean views and will deliver excitement and a hint of adrenaline.

Afternoon
When you return to the resort, lunch at the Burger Shack beckons you followed by an afternoon of beachfront swimming and sunning at DT Fleming Beach. Rest in the shade and enjoy a famous milkshake which also poses for an excellent photo opportunity.

Evening
A sunset catamaran sail is one of the best ways to unwind and feel the fresh warm breezes blow through your hair. Following your over-the-water excursion, stop in at Whalers Village for live music, shopping, and a delicious Mai Tai at Monkey Pod.

Day 5

Morning
A visit to Maui is truly complete with a trip to Haleakala State Park. From sunrise to sunset, the Haleakala crater is not a site to miss. An early morning departure from the resort is key, but the views and memories you will make are unforgettable. Your options include a bike adventure down the mountain or a lovely breakfast in the town of Kula. Enjoy a relaxing last morning at the resort with the Ambassadors of the Environment Cities Under the Sea Excursion.

Evening
Join us in the Aloha Garden Pavilion for Tales of The Kapa Moe Luau. Where dreams become a reality, feelings are awakened, and emotions are fed. It is truly a feast for all senses.

Seven Days of Paradise in Maui

Escape to the ultimate haven of luxury and tranquility on the breathtaking island of Maui, where every moment is a symphony of opulence and natural beauty. Your dream vacation awaits, an unforgettable 7-day journey through paradise that will redefine your sense of indulgence.

Aerial view of The Labyrinth at Makaluapuna Point

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Luau Dancers

Day 1

Day 2

Morning
Walk 1.5 miles along the coastal trail from the resort to Napili Bay. Enjoy Breakfast with a View at The Sea House followed by a beach day on the white sands of Napili Bay Beach.

Afternoon
Pack your snorkel to see honus (turtles) swimming by with schools of fish and bask in the warm waves. Walk back along the coastal trail path back to the resort or call the shuttle to pick you up.

Evening
Head home for a rest and rinse, then catch the lobby lanai sunset ceremony, and then enjoy delicious dinner and live music with a fire pit view in Alaloa Lounge.

Day 3

Morning
Enjoy breakfast (try the breakfast ramen), and head to Maalaea Harbour. Catch the ferry boat ride to the island of Lanai. Pack snacks from the Lanai ferry market and enjoy a short 0.5-mile walk to Hulopo’e Beach at Manele Bay. Soak up the sun and swim to your heart's content.

Afternoon
Head up to Malibu Farm for lunch (and a pina colada) and then take in a bit more fun in the sun on the beach. Enjoy the views on the ferry ride back to Lahaina and hop in line for Ululani’s Shave Ice before your short car ride back to Kapalua.

Evening
Take the shuttle to Merriman’s for sunset happy hour on ‘The Point’, a bluff overlooking the Pacific. Catch a breathtaking sunset as you sip the Merriman’s Mai Tai with its signature honey lilikoi foam, this is a MUST.

Day 4

Morning
Begin your day with a restorative yoga class on the Beach House lawn, included with your resort stay.

Afternoon
Lunch at iconic Mama’s Fish House is a mandatory highlight of a Maui visit. Vintage Polynesian décor and oceanfront views welcome you and the tropical tiki drinks and local island fare will fill you up to shop around Paia Town. All your souvenirs can be found in these boutiques full of unique gifts. Take a short hike to Twin Falls and enjoy the serene botanical trails. Ho’okipa Beach is infamous for house-sitting. Continue your upcountry journey to Makawao, where Espresso Mafia and The Maui Cookie Lady are a great afternoon sweet treat.

Evening
No journey is complete without a stop at Surfing Goat Dairy or Maui Ocean Distillery. On the way home, you may head to Miso Phat for fresh sushi, or enjoy a nightcap at Alaloa Lounge.

Day 5

Day 6

Afternoon
In Hawai‘i, mālama means “to care for.” The Ritz-Carlton Maui proudly offers a Mālama Hawai‘i experience in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment. There, guests can choose a guided e-bike, hike, or snorkel tour, and add on their choice of volunteer opportunity: a beach cleanup, invasive species removal, or native seed planting, all while learning about Hawai‘i’s eco-system and ways to become a better environmental steward.

Evening
A sunset catamaran sail is one of the best ways to unwind and feel the fresh warm breezes blow through your hair. Following your over-the-water excursion, stop at Whalers Village for live music, shopping, and a delicious Mai Tai at Monkey Pod.

Day 7

Morning
A visit to Maui is truly complete with a trip to Haleakala State Park. From sunrise to sunset, the Haleakala crater is not a site to miss. A 3 a.m. early morning pickup at the resort is required, but the views and memories you will make are unforgettable. Your options include a bike adventure down the mountain or a lovely breakfast in the town of Kula.

Evening
Join us in the Aloha Garden Pavilion for Tales of The Kapa Moe Luau. Where dreams become a reality, feelings are awakened, and emotions are fed. It is truly a feast for all senses.

Maui Memorable Moments

Discover timeless island luxury nestled among 22,000 acres of pristine wide-open space on Maui’s Northwest shore. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is located minutes from downtown Lahaina on the island of Maui.

Restore at Waihua Spa

Handcrafted to honor Maui’s iconic Road to Hana, The Waihua Spa at The Ritz-Carton Maui, Kapalua is a rejuvenating escape beckoning you to bliss. Indulge in the signature Lomi Lomi Massage treatment and a HydraFacial leaving your skin as soft as the Maui sun. Make sure to allow time for a relaxing soak in the lava rock grotto and eucalyptus steam. Reconnect with the cultural significance of Kapalua by taking our complimentary hula lessons on the property. Learn about this unique dance and how it preserves and perpetuates the stories, traditions, and culture of Hawaii.

Maui Mai Tais

No time on Maui is complete without the sips of the island’s beloved rum punch. Enjoy unique Mai Tais at each of our resort restaurants, as well as the famed signature Mai Tais with honey lilikoi foam at Merriman’s Kapalua. Savor sunset happy hour and pupus on ‘The Point’, a bluff overlooking the Pacific at Merriman’s.

Haleakala State Park

A visit to Maui is complete with a trip to Haleakala State Park. From sunrise to sunset, the Haleakala crater is not a site to miss. An early morning departure is required, but the views and memories you will make are unforgettable. Whether you’re adventurous and bike down the mountain or a lovely scenic drive back down, stop for breakfast at Komoda Bakery in Makawao. They’re known for their rich cream puffs and guava-filled malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts), but all their pastries are outstanding. The bakery has been run by Tazeko Komoda’s family since he started it in 1916 (the recipes were created by Ikuo, one of his five sons). Alternately depart the hotel for a fabulous late lunch at Mama’s Fish house before heading to the crater. Enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset from the crater before heading to the airport for your flight home.

World Class Golf

A bucket list destination for any golfer, Kapalua’s two 18-hole courses create a golf Mecca. The Plantation Course is home to The PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions and The Bay Course offers the only hole in Maui to over the ocean. Enjoy a meal or beverages with a view after your day of golf at the Plantation Course and take in the breathtaking sites of Kapalua.

Kapalua’s Beaches & Bays

Stroll along Kapalua’s Coastal Trail to discover the Kapalua Labyrinth, walking through a circular rock path as you take in the fresh air and surrounding West Maui coastal and mountain views. This 1.5-mile trail leads you to explore D.T. Fleming Beach (home to The Burger Shack), white sand Oneloa Bay (Ironwoods Beach), famed Kapalua Bay, and gorgeous Napili Bay. To the right of our resort is neighboring Honolua Bay Beach. Pack a picnic and walk through the lush, wooded forest until you emerge upon the beach for a day of snorkeling and adventure.

Ambassadors of the Environment

Hosted in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau, this resort-based program introduces guests to the local culture, natural surroundings, and traditions of Hawaii through guided, family-friendly excursions. Cities Under the Sea and Whale Watching (November – April) create memories to last a lifetime.

Kapalua Adventures

Experience Island life from up above with an adventure with Kapalua Ziplines. This excursion provides stunning panoramic ocean views and will deliver excitement and a hint of adrenaline. Experience eight ziplines as well as West Maui’s only suspension bridge. Join Maui Off-Road Adventures for a scenic ATV tour through some of the most breathtaking areas of Maui. Get your heart racing as you drive through this pristine terrain. If heart-racing adventures are not your speed, embrace the outdoors and explore the many Kapalua trails that offer miles of trails from mountain ridges to the coastline. You’ll find trails weaving a diverse tapestry throughout the land for every kind of hiker.

Explore our Historic Paia Town

Lunch at iconic Mama’s Fish House is a Maui highlight featuring vintage Polynesian décor and oceanfront views with the tiki drinks and local island fare. Surrounding Paia Town features boutiques full of hand-crafted and unique treasures. Nature lovers relish hiking in Paia’s deep forests and lush valleys. Vintage Polynesian décor and oceanfront views welcome you and the tropical tiki drinks and local island fare will fill you up to shop around Paia Town. All your souvenirs can be found in these boutiques full of unique gifts. Take a short hike to Twin Falls and enjoy the serene botanical trails. Ho’okipa Beach is infamous for Ho’no sightings. Continue your upcountry journey to Makawao, where Espresso Mafia and The Maui Cookie Lady are a great afternoon sweet treat.

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