- Hotel Website: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
- Location: Google Maps
- Book: Check availability
- Room Type: Fire Lanai Ocean View – Firepit, Ocean View Room, 1 King, 440sqft/40sqm
- Review Score: Results of our review
- Hotel Fact: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua has a unique and interesting history tied to its location. During the resort’s initial construction in 1987, a significant Hawaiian burial ground (known as the Honokahua Preservation Site) was discovered. The site, which is the resting place of over 2,000 ancestors (or kupuna), was so important that the entire hotel was redesigned and moved inland to protect it.
The rooms are described as “spectacular” and “meticulously designed.”
The Fire Lanai Ocean View room is specifically highlighted as a unique and recommended choice.
The standout feature of this room is a spacious outdoor patio (“lanai”) with a private fire pit.
This amenity is noted as being unique to The Ritz-Carlton Maui among all hotels in the Hawaiian Islands.
The fire pit is perfect for enjoying cool evenings and stargazing.
All rooms come with the signature luxurious amenities for which The Ritz-Carlton is known.
Location: The resort is situated on the northwestern shore of Maui, within the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort. It’s surrounded by a golf course and offers a secluded feel, but it’s a drive away from the busier areas like Lahaina and Whalers Village. The beach is a short walk or shuttle ride from the main hotel building.
Unique Room Amenity: A standout feature mentioned in the review is the Fire Lanai Ocean View room, which includes a private outdoor patio (“lanai”) with its own fire pit. This is noted as a unique offering for a guest room in the Hawaiian Islands.
Dining: There are multiple on-site dining options, from the casual Burger Shack on the beach to the fine dining experience at The Banyan Tree. The review specifically highlights the variety and quality of the food.
Amenities & Activities: The resort features a stunning three-tiered pool area with cabanas, a spa that uses Hawaiian traditions, and a number of on-site activities. These include a “Sense of Place” tour, complimentary fitness classes, and the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program.
Hospitality: The review praises the complimentary valet service and the exceptional recognition and perks for Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite members, including club-level breakfast.
Drawbacks from customer reviews: Some recent reviews mention that the hotel’s fees, such as for valet parking and certain beach chairs, can feel like a “money grab.” There are also some complaints about a lack of towel replenishment and issues with room maintenance. The location is noted as being windier and having rougher surf, which can be a downside for swimming. The rooms, while recently renovated, have been described as a bit dated by some.
🍸 Bar
🏖️ Beach
⛳ Golf
🏋️ Gym
🏢 Meeting rooms
🏊 Outdoor pool
🍽️ Restaurants
đź’† Spa
🎾 Tennis
The Luxe Atlas Rating
Design: 10/10
Vibe: 10/10
Romantic: 10/10
Air Conditioning: 10/10
Room: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Location: 8.5/10
Gym/Fitness: 10/10
Cleanliness: 10/10
Wow Factor: 10/10
Overall Experience: 9.85/10
Experience Unforgettable Luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
When you picture the perfect Hawaii getaway, you’re likely imagining pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and breathtaking ocean views. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, embodies all of this and more, making it a must-visit destination on the beautiful island of Maui. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first luxury vacation, this resort offers an unparalleled experience that is well worth the scenic drive up to the island’s northwestern shore.
A Grand Arrival in a Stunning Kapalua Setting
The journey to the resort is an experience in itself, with winding roads offering glimpses of the dramatic coastline and verdant greenery. As you pull into the property, you’ll immediately understand why this location was chosen. The hotel is majestically surrounded by the world-renowned Kapalua Golf Course, a golfer’s paradise that adds to the resort’s exclusive, tropical ambiance.
One of the first things that sets this Ritz-Carlton apart is its thoughtful hospitality, starting with the complimentary valet service. Whether you’re checking in for an extended stay or simply visiting for a cocktail and dinner, the no-charge valet is a rare and welcome touch that truly makes you feel like a valued guest from the moment you arrive. Before heading inside, be sure to browse the charming little shops on the property for unique souvenirs or convenient snacks for your room.
The Heart of the Resort: A Lobby with an Unbeatable View
Stepping into the main lobby, you are greeted by an exquisite visual feast. The centerpiece is always a magnificent floral arrangement, a fresh and vibrant work of art that changes every few weeks and never fails to impress.
But the true showstopper is the lobby bar. Positioned to overlook the entire resort, this spot provides a panoramic vista of the sparkling pools, manicured grounds, and the vast, shimmering Pacific Ocean beyond. It’s the perfect place to grab a handcrafted cocktail and watch the sunset paint the sky. On cooler October evenings, when a refreshing breeze sweeps through Kapalua, the outdoor fire pits at the bar become the most sought-after spots, offering a cozy and romantic atmosphere to unwind.
Indulge in World-Class Dining and Spa Experiences
The luxury hotel rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, are nothing short of spectacular. This Maui resort truly offers “not a bad seat in the house,” as every room is meticulously designed to provide a sense of refined comfort.
For a truly unique Maui accommodation, the Fire Lanai Ocean View room is a highly recommended choice. These ground-floor rooms offer more than just a breathtaking ocean vista; they feature a spacious outdoor patio, or “lanai,” complete with your own private fire pit. This is a particularly fantastic and unique amenity, making The Ritz-Carlton Maui the only hotel in the Hawaiian Islands to offer guest rooms with private fire pits. The fire pits are perfect for enjoying the cool Kapalua evenings under a blanket of stars with the sound of the ocean in the background. The rooms themselves are outfitted with the signature luxurious amenities that The Ritz-Carlton is known for, ensuring every moment of your stay feels special.
On-Site Dining Options and Hours
Here is a list of the incredible dining options available at the resort, along with their general hours of operation:
Ulana Terrace: Begin your day with a bright and indulgent breakfast overlooking the gardens, pool, and ocean.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM; Saturday-Sunday, 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM.
The Banyan Tree: Indulge in a vibrant menu rooted in coastal cuisine, showcasing the bounty of the land and sea with Maui’s most unique ingredients.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; closed Monday-Tuesday.
Alaloa Lounge: The lobby bar with a view! This is the perfect spot for handcrafted cocktails, light fare, and live entertainment with stunning ocean views.
Hours: Daily, 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Burger Shack: Enjoy casual, oceanfront dining with signature burgers, thick milkshakes, and cocktails at D.T. Fleming Beach.
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Kai Cafe: This grab-and-go café is perfect for a quick bite, offering homemade pastries, salads, and wraps made with local, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
Hours: Daily, 5:30 AM – 3:00 PM.
‘Olu Cafe: A fantastic poolside spot for lunch, serving hand-crafted cocktails, pupus, and lunch favorites made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Luau – Tales of the Kapa Moe: Experience Maui’s newest luxury luau, a feast for all the senses featuring authentic hula and a dramatic fire knife dance.
Hours: Tuesday and Friday, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM; check for seasonal changes.
Unpacking and Unwinding: Luxurious Rooms with a View
The rooms at this hotel are nothing short of spectacular. It’s truly a place where there’s “not a bad seat in the house.” Every room is meticulously designed to provide a sense of refined comfort.
A unique and highly recommended room is the Fire Lanai Ocean View. These ground-floor rooms offer more than just a breathtaking ocean vista; they feature a spacious outdoor patio, or “lanai,” complete with your own private fire pit. The fire pits are a fantastic addition, perfect for enjoying the cool Kapalua evenings under a blanket of stars with the sound of the ocean in the background. The rooms themselves are outfitted with the signature luxurious amenities that The Ritz-Carlton is known for, ensuring every moment of your stay feels special.
A Unique Shop for the Dedicated Ritz-Carlton Enthusiast
A special mention must go to the resort’s gift shop. This isn’t just any hotel shop; it’s one of the most well-stocked Ritz-Carlton boutiques you’ll find. For those who love collecting branded merchandise, this store is a treasure trove. You can find everything from branded hats and shirts to jackets and multiple styles of caps. This is a big deal for collectors, as many international Ritz-Carlton properties have limited or no branded items available. This little detail makes the Kapalua location feel even more unique and dedicated to its brand.
The Marriott Bonvoy Experience
For Ambassador Elite members of the Marriott Bonvoy program, this hotel truly shines. The staff here goes above and beyond to recognize and reward loyalty, making you feel valued and appreciated. Enjoying the club level breakfast is a fantastic perk that elevates the stay even further, with a curated selection of culinary delights and impeccable service. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, is a place that understands and celebrates its loyal guests.
A Top-Tier Hotel in a Dream Destination
Ultimately, whether you are staying for a week or just stopping by for a memorable cocktail, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, is a destination that delivers on its promise of luxury and unforgettable experiences. It’s a hotel that consistently finds its way onto my list of top 10 Ritz-Carlton properties worldwide, a testament to its stunning location, incredible amenities, and exceptional service. If you’re looking for the ultimate Maui resort experience, look no further.
