By: Amanda Huntsman

Nestled on 54 pristine acres within a vast 22,000-acre resort, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua stands as a beacon of luxury and family-friendly adventure. This resort offers a retreat that is both grand in scale and intimate in its unforgettable moments. Our recent family stay provided a firsthand look at why this destination, with its recent $100 million transformation, is the ultimate Hawaiian getaway for all ages. From the moment we arrived, we were swept away by the breathtaking views and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines the aloha spirit. The lush landscape, the dramatic cliffs, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean create a backdrop that feels like a dream.

Our journey began on a sun-drenched Friday, as our flight landed at Kahului Airport (OGG) and we made our way to the resort. The 2022 renovations were immediately evident; the guest rooms, suites, and residences have been meticulously updated with a fresh, island-modern design. Our Deluxe Ocean View guest room was a haven of comfort and style. It was spacious at 440 square feet, featured two queen beds, a mini-fridge, and a beautiful lanai that offered delightful partial ocean views. The enhancements to the Club Lounge, lobby, and the spectacular pool experience created a sense of refined elegance, setting the stage for a weekend of both relaxation and excitement.

That first evening, we were transported to a world of Hawaiian tradition at the Tales of the Kapa Moe Lūʻau at the Aloha Garden Pavilion. This was, hands down, the most fantastic lūʻau we’ve ever been to. It was an enchanting experience of captivating hula dancers in beautifully handmade costumes, rhythmic drums, and a feast of traditional dishes, all set against a breathtaking Maui sunset. We were mesmerized by the aerial performance and witnessed a dramatic fire knife dance. The feast itself was a highlight, with a build-your-own poké station that was a huge hit with both adults and children. We also couldn’t get enough of the West Side Maui hui hui chicken—an absolute must-try! The storytelling and music told the history of the island, creating a magical and educational moment that captivated the entire family and was the perfect introduction to the island's rich culture.

Our first full day was a perfect blend of activity and culinary delights. We started with a delicious and convenient breakfast in the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, with its private views of the 15th hole of the Bay Course. The made-to-order omelet station was a daily stop for us. The dedicated concierge staff provided personalized service, and the five complimentary food and beverage presentations daily meant we were never far from a gourmet treat, from light lunches to evening cocktails. After breakfast, we embarked on the Kapalua Coastal Trail Hike. This brisk, scenic 2.5-mile walk was absolutely stunning and perfect for all ages. Our journey to the final destination of Kapalua Bay took us along a variety of beautiful landscapes, from a charming boardwalk to a dirt path, over some unique lava rock, and finally a paved walkway, all offering breathtaking views of the resort’s dramatic coastline, crashing waves, and panoramicviews of the neighboring islands. Later, we refueled with lunch at the casual and delicious Burger Shack (@burgershackkapalua), a perfect spot for a family meal with incredible oceanfront views. The day culminated with a truly special dinner at the reimagined Banyan Tree (@banyantreekapalua). This was family-friendly dining done right, thanks to The Ritz- Carlton Kapalua’s incredible attention to detail. We were so grateful for our outdoor table, which was strategically placed right by a grassy lawn. This meant our kids could play freely and burn off some energy while we relaxed, knowing they were always in view. That kind of thoughtfulness for families is just one of the fantastic parts of the resort. We highly recommend kicking off your meal with the hot rock Wagyu—not only is it incredibly flavorful, it's also a super fun, interactive experience that even our kids loved. We also tried the Kaua‘i prawns, which were another huge hit at our table; the garlic brown butter, citrus, fried capers, and charred lemon really made them sing. My husband is a big curry enthusiast, and the Banyan Tree Seafood Curry, one of their signature dishes, absolutely exceeded his expectations. This gluten-free delight features Thai red curry, coconut broth, scallops, Kawaii prawns, local white fish, sweet potato, beans, cilantro, basil, and chili oil. We truly cannot recommend it enough—the flavor was simply incredible.

Sunday was all about unwinding and soaking in the Hawaiian sun. We spent the day at the resort’s spectacular tri-level swimming pool, a 10,000-square-foot oasis with a stunning 20,000-square-foot sun deck. We claimed our luxurious cabana, complete with a flat-screen television and a range of amenities, and the kids had a blast splashing in the separate children’s pool. The day ended with a memorable early off-property dinner at the renowned Merriman's Kapalua. On the concierge's recommendation, we enjoyed a meal at this iconic restaurant, where Chef Peter Merriman has been a culinary pioneer in Hawaii for over 30 years. He is a huge advocate for Hawaii’s local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, and his restaurant celebrates island-grown and harvested foods with simple preparations that highlight Hawaii’s diversity. We highly recommend their famous Mai Tai (spoiler alert, the secret ingredient is an egg!), and a must-try shareable is the tableside Hawaiian Ahi Poke, which includes line-caught Ahi, Maui onions, scallions, soy, ginger, avocado, and jalapeño. We also couldn't get enough of the Kampachi (local fish), a unique dish we consider a "must order," and were obsessed with the half-pound Keahole Lobster chili verde, served with jalapeño cornbread, sautéed sweet corn, and spicy roasted cherry tomatoes. To top it all off, you absolutely must try the pineapplemacadamia nut bread pudding—it’s a crowd-pleaser for all!

Throughout our stay, we made it a point to get our toes in the sand every single day, and the resort made it incredibly easy. Just a short, paved path from the hotel leads directly to the golden sands of D.T. Fleming Beach. This award-winning beach is a paradise for swimming, boogie boarding, and simply relaxing. To make our beach days even more seamless, we visited the convenient beach activity kiosk located on the south end of the beach. As hotel guests, wewere able to take advantage of complimentary amenities, including a beach chair and umbrella setup, which typically includes one umbrella and four chairs, making it effortless to settle in for a day of sun and surf.

The final day of our stay was dedicated to unique, educational fun. The kids participated in the hosted Turtle Tracks activity, part of the resort's remarkable Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. Under the guidance of expert naturalists, they learned about the fragile coastal ecosystem and observed these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, all while having hands-on fun. That evening, we gathered on the lawn for S’mores, an unforgettable moment of stargazing and sweet treats that felt like a perfect end to our adventure. We learned how stars were used for navigation, just as the Polynesians did when they journeyed to the Hawaiian Islands. We honestly could have stayed all night. Our lecturer, a local elementary science teacher, was so engaging!

One of our favorite things about this resort was the abundance of complimentary daily activities. My daughter and I even took a hula class. We might not have been the most coordinated dancers, but we definitely had the most fun, learning the graceful movements and sharing a memorable Hawaiian moment together.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is more than just a hotel; it’s a destination. With more than 70 weekly resort experiences, guests are sure to find their perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. From championship golf on the Plantation and Bay Courses to tennis, pickleball, and ocean activities like snorkeling and kayaking, the resort offers an endless array of options. Little ones can enjoy an ‘ohana pizza-making class or a family survivor course, while adults can recharge with wellness-focused programs like yoga and pilates, or explore outdoor programming, including labyrinth meditation walks and guided fitness hikes, for breathtaking views. The resort’s world-class Ritz-Carlton Spa® Maui, Kapalua, with its Hawaiian massage treatments and private outdoor shower gardens, provides a serene escape for ultimate relaxation.

For those planning a holiday escape, the resort offers an especially festive experience. Say “Mele Kalikimaka” with a signature Hawaiian twist on classic holiday traditions and a resort decked out in holiday lights and decor. From December 20th onwards, guests can enjoy Letter Writing to Santa, Festive Flower Crown Making, Holiday Hula Lessons, Stars and S’mores, a Local Artisan Marketplace, Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and even a HanukkahMenorah Lighting. These holiday happenings create a magical atmosphere that blends the warmth of the islands with the joy of the season.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is truly the perfect place for a family to connect, explore, and create lasting memories in paradise.

Learn more and book your stay, here.

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