How to Make the Most Out of a Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Back in the mid 1980s, the Maui Land & Pineapple Company—century-long stewards of more than 22,000 acres of real estate on the Hawaiian island of Maui—approved the development of a luxury hotel on a wedge of land nestled within the company-operated Kapalua resort. But preconstruction excavations of the area uncovered an ancient Hawaiian burial ground. So, in a brilliant pivot, that land was designated as the Honokahua preservation site, while next door, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, was reimagined a nudge inland. The result: an immaculately landscaped 54 acres of comfortably unfussy elegance, which, following a recent $100 million renovation, has surpassed its already heady levels of luxurious seclusion in paradise.

The Ritz Carlton Maui, luau/ Photo: Courtesy of Melia Lucida

This is not to say that The Ritz-Carlton Maui does not have a beach. In fact, it has direct access to a lovely stretch of D.T. Fleming Beach, which is so secluded that one feels a bit like Robinson Crusoe, if Daniel Defoe’s shipwrecked hero had been able to avail himself of such luxuries as Wi-Fi, restrooms and the delightfully delicious fare from the beach-adjacent Burger Shack. (Tip: Ask that your milkshake—which is not to be missed—and burger be packed so you can enjoy an alfresco lunch on the beach just steps away.) But the beach is more of an ancillary amenity, with most guests opting instead to congregate at the resort’s focal point, the expansive 20,000-square-foot pool complex designed to evoke the lava rock formations at nearby Makaluapuna Point with a trio of infinity-edge pools connected by waterfalls. For a luxe-plus experience, reserve one of the custom luxury cabanas, which, in addition to featuring flat-screen televisions, comfortable lounge furniture and well-stocked refrigerators, are ideally situated to soak in the incredible ocean vistas. Sunset is not to be missed, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than seated around a firepit in the Alaloa Lounge, the lobby-adjacent lanai looking out over Honokohau Bay.

Alaloa Lounge / Photo: Courtesy of Jason Dewey

Comprising nearly a quarter of the 468 new guest accommodations are the Residential Suites. Located throughout the resort, these rooms fuse luxe comforts—a furnished lanai with views of the ocean or mountains, island-inspired decor featuring works from local artists, a kitchen filled with top-of-the-line Wolf appliances, curated amenities, and tastefully appointed living areas—with one of the greatest luxuries of all, privacy.

Plantation golf course / Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Most recently, The Ritz-Carlton Maui unveiled its Fire Lanai Collection. Located on the ground floor of the Napili Tower, these 33 guest rooms and suites were designed to exude a sophisticated take on the spirit of aloha, highlighted by extended lanais with private firepits. Surrounded by lush foliage, each accommodation features a shaded trellis, hammock, custom outdoor lounge furniture, dining table and views of Kapalua’s tropical landscape. And while The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, is the only resort in the Hawaiian Islands to offer guest rooms with private firepits, one can’t help but assume that any number of luxury resorts throughout the islands (and stateside) will soon follow suit.