DESTINATION: KAPALUA

Kapalua Resort was always envisioned as a place where man and nature are pono, living in balance and harmony. Today, the resort thrives within a 23,000-acre paradise of pineapple fields, misty mountain ridges, pristine forests, ancient lava flows and ocean vistas all flanked by tall Cook pine trees.

Nestled within Kapalua Nui, or “greater Kapalua,” on Maui’s stunning West coast, the resort embraces its early Hawaiian and plantation heritage while providing its guests with a beloved place of rest and recreation. The scenic lands of Kapalua Nui stretch from the verdant peak of Mauna Kahalawai to the azure shoreline of the Pacific.
Nature Preserve.

Sitting high above the resort at the summit of the West Maui mountain range, Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve is the largest private nature preserve in Hawai‘i. National Geographic magazine has photographed and documented this preserve, which includes a native rainforest bog lake and shelters many endemic plants, birds and insects placed on the Endangered Species list and found only in Hawai‘i.

Kapalua Resort’s parent company, Maui Land & Pineapple Company, employs several full-time conservationists to ensure the preserve is well cared for and remains in its native condition. The team works to prevent the introduction and establishment of alien species that threaten the health of the preserve’s sensitive vegetation and soil. Due to its ecological fragility, public access is permitted only during supervised trips. The resort is also home to the Honolua-Mokule‘ia Marine Life Conservation District, stretching between two bays, and provides an ocean stewardship program that is entrusted with the care of these pristine bays and their shorelines.

THE RENAISSANCE OF KAPALUA RESORT

Kapalua Resort is currently undergoing a significant transformation, a renaissance of sorts, expanding its activities and amenities and creating new facilities to remain at the pinnacle of Hawaii’s hospitality industry while continuing its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Adventure enthusiasts will enjoy the new Kapalua Adventures Mountain Outpost. Situated at the foot of the Pu‘u Kukui preserve, the Outpost features a 3,000 square-foot pavilion and observation deck, a four-station climbing tower, eight-element high ropes challenge course and dual-track ziplines spanning nearly two miles in length. Designed with minimal impact to the environment, the Mountain Outpost is the point where all roads lead to adventure education and excitement. Likewise, the adventurous-at-heart will be drawn to the new home of Kapalua Resort’s expanded activity offerings, Kapalua Adventure Center, located in the clubhouse on Village Road. Highlights include a café with fresh, healthy fare and an impressive selection of beer and wine, specialty coffee bar, outfitters’ shop with premium clothing and outdoor gear, multi-media information center and trained adventure concierges.

Encircling the resort, the Kapalua Trail System includes a 3.5-mile coastal trail which will soon connect Kapalua Bay to Honolua Bay. Plans include rest stations and informational signs about the area’s natural history, flora and fauna. Walking trails currently in place are: a mountain path flush with ferns and stately trees winding around D.T. Fleming’s Maunalei Arboretum and up to the panoramic Pu‘u Ka‘eo overlook, and paths near working pineapple fields and across greenfairways to the wooded slopes of the Village Walking Trails.

Kapalua Farms, an organically managed, diversified farming operation located adjacent to the resort, features farm-to-the-table produce, herbs and eggs for resort restaurants and the surrounding community. By summer, Merriman’s Kapalua restaurant will be open in the former Bay Club location, overlooking Kapalua Bay and Coconut Grove. Acclaimed Hawai‘i chef, Peter Merriman, will feature locally grown, raised and caught foods in his Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine.

AWARD-WINNING GOLF

With two world-renowned championship golf courses and an award-winning golf academy, Kapalua Resort offers a complete golf experience that is second to none. The Plantation Course, with its panoramic vistas and rolling green fairways, was designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. This par 73 links course has tumultuous elevation changes, deep valleys and expansive greens with 97 bunkers. It is home to the annual Mercedes-Benz Championship PGA-TOUR in January.

The Bay Course, designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane, features gently rolling fairways and ample putting surfaces. Its par 72 greens offer relaxed play among tropical resort surroundings. This year, it becomes home to the new Kapalua LPGA Classic tournament in October.

Kapalua Golf Academy, Hawaii’s most comprehensive practice and instruction facility, features the largest staff of PGA teaching professionals in the state and 85,000 square feet of grass teeing area, an indoor/outdoor instruction bay, several practice putting greens, greenside and fairway bunkers, 18-hole putting course and three specialty short game areas.

WORLD-CLASS TENNIS

Voted one of the Top 15 tennis destinations by Tennis Resorts Online, Kapalua Tennis Garden is sculpted out of lush foliage, surrounded by signature pine trees and scenic ocean views. It features 10 plexipave courts with four lit for night play, and each set of courts enjoys its own viewing lanai. With the enthusiastic staff of Peter Burwash International tennis professionals, the facility offers year-round tournaments, daily clinics and matchmaking services, junior tennis and a full-service pro shop.

DELECTABLE CUISINE

Kapalua Resort offers a variety of stand-alone and in-hotel dining options which encompass a multi-cultural culinary world. These renowned establishments include The Plantation House Restaurant overlooking the 18th hole of The Plantation Course; award-winning Pineapple Grill on The Bay Course; highly acclaimed Banyan Tree at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; perennial favorite Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar at Honolua Village Center, exotic Kai Sushi in The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and the new Kapalua Adventure Center Café.

GATHERING PLACES

Honolua Store has long been a gathering place for Maui residents and island visitors seeking a hot meal, friendly service and a casual spot to just sit and talk story with passers-by. Built in 1929, it originally served as the “company store” for the bustling plantation village which encompassed the area known today as Kapalua Resort. A new full-service kitchen and expanded deli has been added to Honolua Store, offering a wide variety of menu items, and the retail area has been renovated with new features, including an expanded wine selection, coffee bar, fresh produce from Kapalua Farms and a variety of gourmet meats, cheeses and organic foods.

The Honolua Village Center at the heart of the resort is reminiscent of the old “town center.” Next to the newly expanded historic Honolua Store, the Village Center is designed to match the look and feel of Maui’s plantation era buildings. It houses Kapalua Realty, La Perle fine jewelers and Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, in addition to the Kukui Room, an informational place to relax or take a class on Hawaiian cultural arts and view the history of the resort and its plantation days.

Maui Gold® Pineapple Tour gathers families and friends for a one-of-a-kind tour led by Maui Pineapple Co. workers whose colorful commentary weaves history, facts and trivia into an authentic pineapple plantation experience. Guests ride in the new, luxurious Maui Gold shuttle van from the resort to the coast to fields being planted and/or harvested. They learn first-hand about the unique growing cycle, planting and harvesting techniques of pineapple, the symbol of hospitality. In the field, guests walk through rows of fresh pineapple, tasting samples and selecting a perfect specimen of sweet Maui Gold to take home as a souvenir.

PRESTIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS

A superb variety of resort accommodations offer the discriminating traveler a degree of luxury and privacy rarely encountered. The Kapalua Villas condominium vacation program features one, two- and three-bedroom units nestled in secluded enclaves throughout the resort. The Kapalua Gold Villas provide an even greater level of service and comfort for Villa guests. Gold Villas have been recently upgraded and standardized to offer guests luxurious accommodations, services and amenities.Richly appointed with an island sensibility and elegant flair, Gold Villas feature state-of-the-art appliances and fixtures, fine linens and furnishings. Amenities include VIP check-in, nightly turndown service, robes and slippers, and daily newspaper delivery. All Villa guests receive daily maid service, resort-wide charging privileges, dedicated concierge services and access to resort amenities.

Kapalua Luxury Homes offer another way to visit Kapalua Resort in style. Three- and four-bedroom luxury estate homes for vacation rental are located within the private gated communities of Kapalua Resort. Luxury Homes feature expansive indoor and outdoor living areas, gourmet kitchens with top of the line appliances, private outdoor pools and/or whirlpool spas, daily maid service and full access to resort amenities.

World-renowned for its outstanding location in the heart of the resort and commitment to service excellence, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has just emerged from a $160 million transformation to its rooms, restaurants, ballroom and pool areas. The 463 guestrooms, including one and two-bedroom Residential Suites, have been designed for the essence of island hospitality with dark hardwood flooring, area rugs with Hawaiian motifs and Hawaiian inspired artwork in koa frames. The redesigned lobby entrance showcases the new Kai Sushi restaurant and dramatic Alaloa Lounge. The Ritz-Carlton Waihua Spa has recently opened, featuring 14,000 square feet of space and 15 treatment rooms, including two outdoor couples’ cabanas, hot tubs, a fitness center and movement studio.
Signature Events

Kapalua Resort showcases annual events to celebrate Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage, natural resources, championship golf, tennis tournaments and acclaimed culinary arts. Among these diverse offerings, from sports and adventure to arts and entertainment, are the following signature events: Mercedes-Benz Championship in January, Whale Quest Kapalua in February, Celebration of the Arts over Easter weekend, Kapalua Wine & Food Festival in June and the newest event, Kapalua LPGA Classic, in October. For a complete listing of Kapalua Resort events, see the Calendar of Events in the back of this book.

COME FOR A VISIT, STAY FOR A LIFETIME

Visitors can make their Kapalua Resort vacation last forever and share it with family and friends by becoming an owner of one of the exceptional resort properties. Kapalua Realty’s “official Kapalua experts” have the firsthand knowledge and dedication to make your dreams of home ownership a reality. Current listings are available at: Honolua Ridge, Pineapple Hill,Pineapple Hill Estates, Plantation Estates, The Residences at Kapalua Bay, The Coconut Grove, The Ironwoods, The Bay Villas, The Ridge Villas and The Golf Villas. See kapaluarealty.com or visit the Kapalua Realty showroom at the Honolua Village Center.
Situated on one of the world’s most scenic oceanfront locations, The Residences at Kapalua Bay are under construction and expected to open in early 2009. They feature 84 private ownership homes with 3,000 to 4,200 square feet of living area and 62 Ritz-Carlton Club fractional ownership apartments with 1,900 to 2,250 square feet of living area. A lagoon style pool and private beach club is planned as well as the 25,000-square foot Spa at Kapalua Resort. Slated to open in May 2009, the spa was designed by internationally recognized spa consultant, Sylvia Sepielli, with guidance provided by Hawaiian cultural and wellness experts on Maui.

Kapalua Resort is more than just a beautiful vacation paradise – it is rich in history, culture and natural resources. In this breathtaking setting, the emphasis is on comfort, luxury, world-class amenities, attentive personal service and enriching activities – all contributing to a stay worth capturing for a lifetime.

Visit www.kapalua.com or call 1-800-KAPALUA for more information.