The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, offers numerous choices. Traveling with the family or friends? How about a one- or two-bedroom “residence,” with a kitchen, dining bar and double lanai? Or a suite. No kitchen, but with an extra bathroom. Just the two of you? A room will do nicely. The views may be the same, but you won’t have the kitchen or extra bath.

No matter your choice, you will bask in comfort amid tasteful surrondings. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, is among Maui’s most luxurious hotels. The low-key room décor soothes in soft tones of sand, ecru and blue. It does little to distract from the stunning views that stretch over lawns to Moloka‘i. The hotel sits at a quiet edge of Kapalua not far from Fleming’s State Beach.

The hotel has long been known for its cultural sensitivity. Even the story of its location is worth remembering. When construction started,  workers found human bones at the site,. It was then down the hill and closer to the ocean. The hotel company responded to concern from  Hawaiians and moved the hotel up the hill. Today a hedge marks off the Honokahua Preservation Site, a burial place for about 3,000 Hawaiians. Clifford Nae‘ole, hotel cultural advisor is often here, sometimes leading a ceremony.

Nature plays a role in hotel programs at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment Center. You’ll find youngsters eagerly engaged in nature crafts. Or join a program of whale watching or take a rainforest hike.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua hosts two of Maui’s top festivals, The Kapalua Wine & Food Festival and the Celebration of the Arts. Maui artists have long been in the lobby on Fridays and their works hangs on the walls. When hunger strikes, you can get a taco at ‘Ai ‘Ono or dine serenely on grass-fed filet mignon at the Banyan Tree,

Activities galore beckon. But just sitting at one of the terrace firepits and watching evening creep over Moloka‘i is about as fine a Maui moment as you’ll find.

See and save more places to create your own itinerary or modify a Bindu itinerary.

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  Photo by The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
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  Photo by The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
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  Photo by The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua