Peek Into the $100 Million Transformation at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

The instant guests arrive at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, they step into an opulent lobby with unobstructed views of a grand three-tier pool and Honokahua Bay.  

But the entryway and vistas aren’t the only astounding features at the luxury resort, which received more than just a refresh in 2022.  

Marking a new chapter, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, invested an impressive $100 million into a resort-wide renovation. Powering the transformation is an effort to instill a sense of place and share experiences rooted in Hawaiian culture with guests. The property is adorned with work by native Hawaiian artists, including kapa panels and lighting inspired by ancient Hawaiian fish traps. Along with redesigned suites and elevated dining experiences, guests have myriad ways to engage with the island and its culture, including eco-tours and weekly mālama Hawaiʻi volunteer projects.  

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“The driving force behind this project is providing our guests with an unrivaled experience that can only be found in Kapalua,” said Andrew Rogers in a news release. The general manager added, “This transformation brings new beauty and new energy to our surrounding environment as the entire resort celebrates our unique sense of place. Our team of talented Hawaiʻi-based architects, designers and builders worked closely with our longtime cultural advisor Clifford Naeʻole to achieve our vision for the future of the resort as a luxury destination.” 

Nestled along the coast, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua has long been a serene enclave.
Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua has long been a serene enclave drawing affluent travelers seeking peace and a quiet home-away-from. It’s a few miles west from the hub of resorts in Kāʻanapali and Lahaina’s bustling Front Street. And situated along the Kapalua coast, it’s not far from Honokahua. In the 1980s, it was discovered that about 2,000 Hawaiian ancestors were buried at the site between 950 A.D. to the early 1700s. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua takes great care to show reverence for the sacred site, which ultimately altered the location of where it sits today.  

Over the years the resort has grown its reputation of being an advocate for perpetuating Hawaiian culture and traditional artforms. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua hosts the Celebration of the Arts, an annual festival honoring the Islands’ history and local artists preserving the spirit of their ancestors through traditional artforms.  

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is also home to two 18-hole championship golf courses. As one of Hawaiʻi’s premier golf courses, The Plantation Course hosts the PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament of Champions, while The Bay Course is also a popular and player-friendly choice.  

For guests that make The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua a part of their Valley Isle trip year after year, the upgrades throughout the property are impossible to miss. The lobby opens to an expansive lānai with sweeping views of Honokahua Bay. Here, guests can order a latte and grab a fresh pastry from Kai Café to enjoy in the new seating area or to take them to-go. 

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The resort expanded its retail experience with three new boutiques.
Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

As the sun sets, guests can return to the Alaloa Lounge, an extension of the lobby, which comes alive with entertainment in the evenings. It’s a lively spot to share pūpū like crispy calamari and grilled shishito peppers or indulge in a sweet treat like butter mochi and ice cream. Of course, diners can also sip on specialty cocktails at the bar or share a bottle from the lounge’s extensive wine list.  

Just a short stroll from the lobby, guests can now shop at Hue Home + Design, Bikini Bird and the Shop by Wheat. The resort expanded its retail experience with these three new boutiques, offering home and lifestyle goods, stylish swimwear and apparel, and a curated collection of luxury essentials.  

The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge at the Ānuenue Room further enhances the luxury experience with a dedicated concierge and a five daily culinary presentations.
Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Also, near to the lobby rests the resort’s new jewel. The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge at the Ānuenue Room further enhances the luxury experience and helps set the resort apart from other upscale destinations. The exclusive space features expansive indoor and outdoor areas, and a dedicated concierge. Here, five grazing spreads are presented throughout the day, which include breakfast, lunch, mid-afternoon tidbits, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. But what might be the most tempting bites are the satisfying house-baked cookies—which are available all day. 

At the center of the renovations is the sprawling 10,000 square-foot pool. The resort’s three zero edge pools are connected through a series of cascading waterfalls to form a fleur-de-lis shape. Surrounding the pools, guests can find in-water lounges to relax while keeping cool, as well as dry lounge chairs. For those seeking a more private experience, the resort revealed new luxury cabanas and oasis beds. These luxe cabanas are equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth speakers, flat screen TVs, refrigerators, fans and for a homey touch, come with a fruit plate and homemade banana bread. 

The resort’s three zero edge pools are connected through a series of cascading waterfalls to form a fleur-de-lis shape.
Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Steps from the pool is the resort’s dreamy restaurant, Banyan Tree. While the Banyan Tree has been a signature piece of The Ritz Carlton Maui, Kapalua, perceptive diners will notice the reimagined menu. Utilizing seasonal ingredients, the dishes are ever-changing to highlight Maui’s unique and sustainable produce. While sitting on the restaurant’s enchanting patio, diners can experience exquisite dishes that highlight locally produced food and are perfectly paired with a cocktail, or two. 

From the grand lobby to the dazzling restaurants and right into the guest rooms and suites is a sense of ease and calmness. Designed by Philpotts & Associates, known for their expertise in Hawaiian culture and design, the interior of the resort exudes The Ritz-Carlton’s signature sophistication while embodying the spirit of the Islands. With azure blue and emerald green accents, the décor mirrors Maui’s natural beauty. And floor-to-ceiling windows brighten the interior with warmth and light, from the hallways to the bedrooms.  

While sitting on the Banyan Tree’s enchanting patio, diners can experience exquisite dishes that highlight locally produced food and are perfectly paired with a cocktail, or two.
Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

And in November, the resort debuted its Fire Lānai Collection. Located on the ground floor of the Nāpili Tower, each room in the series features an extended lānai with a shaded trellis, hammock and fire pit. It’s a rarity to come across a luxury resort in the Islands with a fire pit, but it makes for a cozy evening in Kapalua.  

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