Immerse in a Truly Authentic Hawaiian Experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Immerse in a Truly Authentic Hawaiian Experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Embedded in rich culture and full of storied history, the resort offers its travelers an authentic Hawaiian experience through a bevy of unique cultural activities and offerings, exclusive to the resort.

Nestled within the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua proudly maintains the Honokahua Preservation Site – a recognized “wahi pana” (sacred site) that lies adjacent to the resort, and serves as a destination where Native Hawaiians can gather to conduct ceremonial rituals and honor their ancestors. To further enhance the historical Hawaiian experience for guests, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua brought on the first Cultural Advisor of the Hawaiian Islands and Ritz-Carlton brand, Clifford Nae'ole, upon the resort's opening in 1992.

“Honoring and celebrating our deep historical and cultural roots is an important aspect of the resort,” says Clifford Nae'ole, Cultural Advisor at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. “Through these distinct cultural experiences, we look forward to educating and captivating our guests, further enhancing their overall journey with us and continuing to tell our unique story."

Guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua are invited to partake in the following cultural experiences offered by the resort:

Aloha E Ka La…Farewell to the Day Sunset Ritual

Daily in the Lobby

Led by a local Hawaiian native, guests are encouraged to join the nightly sunset ceremony on the balcony of the lobby, overlooking the ocean. The sound of the conch shell will echo throughout the lobby to summon the energies of the day and allow guests to say mahalo for such a wonderful day in Kapalua. The beat of the pahu (sacred Hawaiian drum) signifies the heartbeat of the day's light and a short oli (chant) will put the day to rest.

Self-Guided Cultural QR Code Tour

Enjoy Anytime

Visitors are encouraged to activate The Ritz-Carlton Mobile App to learn all about the cultural significance of the art displayed throughout the resort. Guests can explore at their own leisure, discovering seven different art locations, each telling its own story and how it relates back to its ancient Hawaiian roots.

E Ola Pono...Live Life Well

Fridays at 8am

Guests can discover the many traditional medicinal uses found among the native trees, plants and herbs on the island of Maui. The tour will begin in the medicinal gardens and continue down to the Ambassadors Hale.

Sense of Place - Film and Tour

Fridays at 10am

A Sense of Place begins with a presentation of the award-winning documentary “Then There Were None,” followed by a discussion of the history and subjects showcased in the film. A guided walking tour of the Honokahua Preservation Site will follow, to further explain its significance to ancient Hawaiians and its' role today.

Lomilomi Massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua

*Additional fee and advanced reservations required

Based on the Hawaiian tradition of working with the body, mind, and spirit, this treatment incorporates hands-on techniques that are both therapeutic and gentle. Each treatment is customized to the individual body's need to help circulation, relieve muscle tension, smooth away stress, and encourage the body's natural healing ability.

Maunalei Magic Hike with Ambassadors of the Environment

*Additional fee and advanced reservations required

Guests are invited to experience a unique adventure, allowing them to immerse in a completely different cultural perspective, as they are told of life in old Hawaii and how the native people learned to thrive in harmony with nature. Trained hike leaders guide guests and share their knowledge of Hawaii's natural and cultural history, while they interpret the geological formation and the biological speciation of the Hawaiian Islands.

The Artists' Collection

Daily, 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to stop by the lobby for a unique opportunity to engage directly with renowned local Maui artists. Featured artists vary by day and the artwork displayed from The Artists' Collection are available for purchase through our Kilohana Boutique.

Give Back Getaways

Third Saturday of every month

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua offers “Malama Ka Aina” once a month to support Give Back Getaways. Naturalists of Ambassadors of the Environment and guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua support local conservation efforts through a variety of local forest restoration efforts. Guests can participate in seasonal-based service projects; each offering the opportunity for learning how life, land, and water are all vitally important in native and modern-day Hawaiian Culture.

24th Annual Celebration of the Arts

March 25 – 27, 2016

Travelers can mark their calendars for the 24th Annual Celebration of the Arts, taking place at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua March 25 – 27, 2016. This year's theme will be “Ka Ike Kuhohonu,” meaning “a deep knowledge” and will focus on the elders educating young Hawaiians on how to build an even more positive future for Hawaii and its people.

For more information or reservations at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, please call (800) 262-8440, the hotel directly at (808) 669-6200 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/Kapalua.