Background & Location
I had a three-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, which was the second Ritz Carlton property in the US that I’ve stayed at, as I was previously staying at the Ritz Carlton Residences in Waikiki as the first leg of my trip.
The Ritz Carlton Maui, Kapalua is a north shore gem spanning 54 acres, boasts ample walking/hiking coastal trails, Michelin-quality restaurants and easy access to a variety of outings ranging from ATV, horseback riding, ziplining to sunset trilogy cruises (and spotting humpback whales if you’re lucky between November and May!)
As of this posting, cash rates for The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua start at around USD 800 per night in the low season, or 72,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points.
Travel Agency Benefits
I work at the same travel agency as Ty, Fora Travel, and can assist in booking hotel stays. Fora is part of Marriott STARS & Virtuoso. These partnerships give you special perks when booking with me. The Ritz Carlton Maui, Kapalua comes with the following:
- Personalized and customized amenity designed to be meaningful to the guest
- Daily breakfast for two
- Complimentary upgrade upon availability
- $100 Hotel Credit per stay
- Early check-in/late check-out upon availability
If you are interested in getting these perks and want to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, feel free to email me at jenny.tong@fora.travel or Ty at takeofftotravel@fora.travel, and we would be happy to help you plan your trip.
Takeoff Points
Date of Stay: April 2025
Room Type: Deluxe Club Access Room, Partial Ocean View with Lanai, 1 King Bed
Pros: Beautiful property and surroundings with great food options and activities – ideal for foodies, families, golfers, and active adventurers.
Cons: Not in the “happenings” of Wailea/Kaanapali, weather tends to get a bit windier on the island’s North side, but still very pleasant most of the time, and rooms are a bit dated.
Honorary Mention: An ancient Hawaiian burial ground found during construction influences the hotel’s location. This led to changes in Hawaiian building laws and the hotel not being oceanfront due to protected land situated right in front of the property – if you’re concerned about it not being oceanfront, this is why. However, they do offer golf buggies for those who have mobility issues and want to access the beach, otherwise, it is just a few minutes walking distance from the hotel to the beachfront.
Separately, the channel between Kapalua, Moloka’i, and Lanai is a significant location for humpback whale sightings due to the protectiveness and relative shallowness of the water, making the property and its surrounding area a great spot for humpback whale sightings, particularly in the peak seasons of January through March.
Check-In
Our transfer dropped us off at the front entrance, and the welcoming staff quickly helped us with our bags as we had a later-than-intended arrival and had a lot of grounds to cover. Apologies in advance for my photos, since I was focused on taking video, so I didn’t capture the most detailed shots.
The entire resort is very open and inviting, with multiple entry points depending on which way you come from – the beach, the coastal trails, or the main road.
As you make your way through the front entrance, you’ll pass through the lively lobby bar with the reception to your left. You’ll also see right away upon entry a large board featuring detailed programming of all the resort activities in the lobby area.
Deluxe Club Access Room (Partial Ocean View with Lanai)
My room was on the 8th floor (so 2 floors above the lobby, which is confusing but consistent across most hotels in Maui as they are all built upon a hillside and extend down towards the beach).
Right when you enter the bathroom, you see the double sinks with ample counter space. On the sink countertop was an amenity box with a shower cap and a vanity kit – a bit on the slimmer side of amenities readily available compared to the Waikiki location, presumably due to sustainability efforts.
Toiletries are provided by Diptyque in the Philosykos scent, which is a refreshing scent that many Ritz Carlton properties are now featuring, like the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage that Ty stayed at recently. There is a separate bath (unpictured) on the right side of the bathroom. And, there is a water closet with a wooden door, a sizable standup shower that has a waterfall feature and a wand.
Bedding
There is a large bench at the foot of the bed that could serve as a sitting area or extra space to spread out your clothing and knick-knacks. In the center of the room was a comfortable king-size bed, as well as a sitting chair on the side.
Towards the back of the room is a dining table where you’ll find your welcome amenity should you book with Fora under the Marriott STARS partnership.
Dining & Bars
Banyan Tree
After settling in, it was time to check out the “Chef’s Table”, an immersive new dining experience on Fridays with Chef Donovan Foster at its signature restaurant, Banyan Tree. Additionally, monthly rotational Michelin star chef dinners at the Banyan Tree cater specifically to food enthusiasts.
Club Lounge
The room I had included club access, which ranges anywhere from $50-$300 per double occupancy room, depending on the seasonality. It might sound like a lot at first, but considering you’re pretty much fed from 7 am to 8 pm, and once you taste their house-baked cookies, it may justify itself.
The Alaloa Lounge
The Alaloa lounge offers more casual dining later in the evening, often accompanied by local musical talent. Since my stay coincided with the 33rd annual celebration of the arts’ programming, the atmosphere was extra lively, which was wonderful to witness.
Ulua Terrace
There are also Sunday buffet-style brunches held on the Ulua Terrace with the same expansive ocean view throughout the restaurant windows. It features a sashimi station, hot food, and a large selection of desserts.
Pool Cabanas
Fresh fruit poolside? Say less.
Kai Cafe
For a quicker grab-and-go option, Kai Cafe has a variety of sandwiches, salads, acai bowls, and lattes for people heading onto an excursion or who do not have club access.
Amenities and Activities
Fitness Center
On the lobby level, there is a 24-hour fitness center. I was able to join one of their gentle morning yoga classes during my stay in the side studio in the gym.
The Spa
The Spa, which features fifteen treatment rooms, as well as a sauna and relaxation corner, should guests wish to rejuvenate themselves more before heading back to the rest of the resort. I highly recommend the LomiLomi, which was one of the best massage experiences I have ever had.
The Luau
The Luau, which takes place on-site at the Aloha Garden Pavilion, offers a cultural experience featuring local talent in a covered/indoor-outdoor setup, including a dining component every Tuesday and Friday.
Excursions
Kapalua has plenty of outdoor activities to offer, including a variety of trail running options, most notably along the Kapalua Coastal Trail, and ziplining, excursions to Lanai, and even glow-in-the-dark bucket golf. Its location is right by the Plantation Course, which hosts the PGA Tour’s The Sentry and has tee times reserved exclusively for guests at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua at a preferred rate. For those who are sunset cruise lovers, the concierge can help arrange a sunset trilogy catamaran cruise that departs from and returns to Kaanapali.
Beach
So the hotel isn’t beachfront, but you could walk to DT Fleming Beach, which is only an 8-10 minute walk.
The Verdict
Overall, I enjoyed my stay at The Ritz Carlton Maui, Kapalua. If you’re looking to have a luxurious and culturally enriching Hawaiian experience, this is for you. From foodies who can sample from the multitude of restaurant offerings, to those interested in relaxation and well-being who can indulge in the spa and daily programming like yoga, it’s got something for everyone. Its expansive grounds and array of activities, from outdoor adventures to unique evening entertainment, cater to active individuals and families. Additionally, its proximity to prime whale-watching locations and culturally significant sites makes it ideal for those wanting to connect with the natural beauty and history of Maui. With a nice room refresh, the Ritz could in fact be the quintessential Maui resort.
Have you stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua before? How was your stay? Comment below!
Cheers,
Jenny
Have any questions? I’ve also started working with a travel agency, Fora Travel, and can assist in booking & planning trips. Comment below or email me at takeofftotravel@gmail.com. You can also view all my other posts here! Thanks for stopping by!
