8 Ways to Experience the Magnificence of Maui

Amber Kallor

If the world is your oyster then consider The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua your gleaming pearl. Perched on the shore of the Pacific, this Hawaiian resort is the epitome of paradise.

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Rise With the Sun

Greet the day like a native Hawaiian by joining the traditional e ala e sunrise ceremony that takes place along the shores of Honokahua Bay every morning. Allow the sound of crashing waves and sweet-smelling tropical breezes to awaken your senses. “I felt so energized after starting my day so close to nature,” says blogger Karina Reske.

AWAKEN THE ALOHA SPIRIT

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Meet the Locals

Every day is an adventure, especially when you set sail with Jean-Michel Cousteau, the world-renowned explorer who developed The Ritz-Carlton’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. These one-of-a-kind excursions (including whale watching) transform Maui’s magical landscape into a living classroom for guests of all ages. “A mama whale and her baby swam right under our boat!” says Reske.

DISCOVER EPIC EXCURSIONS

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Explore Maui By Foot

Hike along gleaming bays and ancient lava fields as you scour the skies and seas for native wildlife. Experience Kapalua’s majestic coastline on your own or enjoy the expansive views accompanied by a naturalist from the Ambassadors of the Environment program. “Having time with my son and husband in this tropical paradise was an absolute dream,” says Reske.

SEE MORE ACTIVITIES

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Experience the Ocean

Cool off after a brisk hike while getting up close and personal with the marine life who call Kapalua’s many tide pools home. “I held a sea urchin for the first time in my life,” says Reske. “I even kissed a sea cucumber!” According to locals, smooching one of these slippery creatures will bring you seven years of good luck.

GET BACK TO NATURE

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Make a Splash

Venture into the deep via a snorkeling expedition. Swim with sea turtles, examine colorful coral reefs, or enjoy an encounter with an octopus. “It’s like being a mermaid!” says Reske. “The naturalists told us everything we ever wanted to know about all the creatures we saw,” says Reske. Guides capture the entire experience with digital cameras to ensure your underwater memories last a lifetime.

EXPLORE UNDERWATER WORLDS

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Go on a Culinary Journey

After working up an appetite on the high seas, enjoy locally sourced ingredients at one of six delicious dining options at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Take in exquisite ocean views from the patio at the Burger Shack or experience haute cuisine rooted in Hawaiian culture at the award-winning Banyan Tree restaurant helmed by head chef Isabelle Toland.

SAVOR ISLAND INGREDIENTS

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Rev Up or Wind Down

Maui offers endless options for daredevils and relaxation seekers alike. While Reske’s husband and son plunged into the ocean from rocky cliffs, she indulged in a luxe treatment at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Spa. Decompress with a Pohaku Wela hot stone massage, an invigorating coconut scrub, or a hydrating honey wrap before Zen-ing out in the volcanic stone grotto or lush Mala Nanea garden.

MELT AWAY STRESS

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Create Lasting Memories

Round out your Hawaiian escape with a complimentary hula lesson, take in the thrilling fire show staged nightly at Banyan Tree restaurant, or stroll the sacred grounds of the Honokahua Preservation Site. “It’s amazing that we got to see all that Maui has to offer,” says Reske of her visit to The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. “This experience reminded us that nature is a vital part of life.”

ESCAPE TO KAPALUA

“The ocean is the source of all life–and an endless source of joy.” —Jean-Michel Cousteau

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