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DESTINATION: KAPALUA

 

Kapalua Bay imageKapalua Resort is one of those special places that offers sanctuary for all, where man and nature reside in harmony. Located on the northwestern edge of West Maui, 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 majestic Cook pine trees.

Nestled within Kapalua Nui, or “greater Kapalua,” lands, 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.

Natural Sanctuaries
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 pristine 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. Kapalua Resort is also home to the Honolua-Mokule‘ia Marine Life Conservation District, stretching between two popular bays. The company provides an ocean stewardship program that is entrusted with management of these bays, their shorelines and wildlife.


Metamorphosis of Kapalua Resort
Kapalua Resort has been undergoing a significant metamorphosis, a renaissance of sorts, expanding its activities and amenities and creating new facilities to remain at the pinnacle of Hawaii’s hospitality industry. Through it all, Kapalua Resort continues its commitment to environmental stewardship and Hawaii’s host culture.

Kapalua Road imageEncircling the resort, the Kapalua Trail System includes a 3.5-mile coastal trail which, when complete, will connect Kapalua Bay to Honolua Bay. You can now walk the coastline from award-winning Kapalua Bay to D.T. Fleming Beach Park. Walking and hiking 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; paths across green fairways to the high wooded slopes of the Village Walking Trails; a 5.75-mile stretch from Honolua Ridge trailhead, near pineapple fields and down the Mahana Ridge Trail to the heart of the resort.

Adventure enthusiasts won’t want to miss 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 giant swing, plus dual-track ziplines spanning nearly two miles in length across ridges and ravines. 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 home of Kapalua Resort’s activity offerings, Kapalua Adventure Center, located at the corner of Office and Village Roads. Full-service concierges are available to help you plan your itinerary for on-resort and island adventures. An outfitters’ shop is stocked with premium clothing, hats, shoes and gear. The Espresso & Smoothie Bar is open from morning to evening and Café Kapalua serves light, healthy fare for breakfast and lunch.

Kapalua Farms, an organically managed, diversified farming operation located adjacent to the resort, features farm-to-fork produce, herbs and all-natural eggs for resort restaurants and the neighboring community. Fresh vegetables and eggs are available daily in the Honolua Store and the farm’s produce is featured on menus in Café Kapalua, Merriman’s Kapalua, Pineapple Grill and The Plantation House Restaurant.

Gathering Places

Kapalua Lagoon imageHonolua 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 full-service kitchen and Deli are featured in the Honolua Store, offering a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items. New store amenities include Coffee Bar service with private label island-grown coffees, an array of wines from value to connoisseur, gourmet meats, cheeses, organic produce and groceries in addition to an expanded selection of home décor gifts and souvenirs.

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

Maui Gold® Pineapple Tour gathers families and friends for a one-of-a-kind adventure led by local guides whose colorful commentary weaves history and trivia into an authentic pineapple plantation experience. Guests ride in a 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.

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 healthy Café Kapalua in the Kapalua Adventure Center. Merriman’s Kapalua is the newest resort restaurant, overlooking Kapalua Bay and Coconut Grove. Acclaimed Hawai‘i chef, Peter Merriman, features locally grown, raised and caught foods in his Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine.

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. 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, wireless internet service, 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 from mountainside to shoreline. 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, resort-wide charging privileges, wireless internet service and full access to resort amenities.

Renowned for its outstanding location in the heart of the resort and commitment to service excellence, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua offers luxurious guestrooms, including one and two-bedroom Residential Suites, designed for the essence of island hospitality in Hawaiian motifs. The redesigned lobby entrance showcases the indoor-outdoor Kai Sushi restaurant and dramatic Alaloa Lounge. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua now features 17,000 square feet of space and 15 treatment rooms, including two outdoor couples’ cabanas, whirlpool baths in a fern grotto and taro patch, a fitness center and movement studio.


Award-Winning Golf

Kapalua Golf Course imageWith 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 season opener in January.

Kapalua Golf Course image
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 with inspiring views among tropical resort surroundings. It hosts the full-field Kapalua LPGA Classic tournament in October.

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

 

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 boasts its own viewing lanai. With the enthusiastic staff of Peter Burwash International tennis professionals, the facility offers year-round tournaments, daily clinics and lessons, junior tennis camps and a full-service pro shop.

Signature Events
Kapalua Resort showcases annual events to celebrate Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage, natural resources, championship golf 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 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 dreams of home ownership a reality. Visit the Kapalua Realty showroom at Honolua Village Center. Current listings are available at: Honolua Kapalua Cliffhouse ImageRidge, Pineapple Hill, Pineapple Hill Estates, Plantation Estates, Kapalua Place, The Coconut Grove, The Ironwoods, The Bay Villas, The Ridge Villas and The Golf Villas in addition to The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Residential Suites and the newest resort property, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay.

Situated on one of the world’s most scenic oceanfront locations, the newly opened Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay feature 84 private ownership homes with 3,000 to 4,200 square feet of living area and 62 fractional ownership apartments with 1,900 to 2,250 square feet of living space. A lagoon style pool and private beach club with restaurant are at the exclusive use of owners and club guests.

 

Rejuvenate with the Healing Power of the Sea
Surrounded by serene Kapalua Bay, its pristine waters giving life to a vibrant coral reef and lava rock arms cradling a white crescent beach, the 30,000-square foot Kapalua Spa embraces the healing properties of sea water.

From the moment you walk into the lobby, the sparkling blue Pacific is the focus, inspiring a sense of place for Kapalua’s newest attraction. With its beach house feel and utilizing elements of nature, Kapalua Spa brings the beauty of the sea into the décor of its 19 treatment rooms, whether interior or exterior.

Outside, nestled among fragrant gardens and a gently flowing waterfall, are six massage hale (bungalows) and four deluxe hale with stone soaking tubs. When you choose a deluxe hale with stone tub, you will receive a complete Kapalua Spa experience with rituals from the Hawaiian culture blended in relaxing massage and luxurious pampering. Inside, there are nine treatment rooms – four for facial services – which also include dual space for couples.

Facilities at Kapalua Spa feature tranquil relaxation lounges which showcase stunning views of the bay and island of Moloka‘i. Rejuvenate with steam and hot sauna then invigorate with a coldwater rainfall and whirlpool bath. After a spa treatment, you can swim laps in the saline pool then relax in a comfy chaise lounge on the sundeck and soak up the infinite scene. A complete fitness facility provides kinesis and circuit training along with free weights and cardio machines. The yoga/flex studio offers a variety of stretch and strengthening classes, including hot yoga. A juice bar with healthy fare and specialty retail boutique with apparel and skin care lines complete the spa offerings.

As you may expect, seaweed from all over the world is incorporated into Kapalua Spa’s extensive array of treatments. Kapalua on the Rocks combines a kelp treatment with hot stone massage; the Sea of Life facial features Hawaii’s red algae seaweed with essential oils and cranial massage, and sea mud is used in a hair conditioning treatment. Seaweeds and minerals are added to the water in the outdoor soaking tubs and nature’s bounty found in the islands is combined into ocean inspired skin treatments.

In the luxury beauty salon you can find a wide spectrum of hair, make-up and nail services to make you perfect for any special occasion, even just celebrating you!

 

A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES
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, attentive personal service and enriching activities – all contributing to a stay worth capturing for a lifetime of memories.

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