Story by Ken Panton
Photography by David Lewis Taylor

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is both sprawling and intimate, understated yet thoroughly finished. Exemplary service and sheer luxury at the Ritz-Carlton is but the beginning of an enchanting experience awaiting guests at Kapalua, on the Island of Maui. Designed with full respect for the area's natural beauty and Hawaii's rich history, the resort gently follows the contours of the natural landscape. Perched above the Honokahua Bay on the bluffs overlooking the Honokahua Preservation Site, the resort is framed by championship golf courses and the majestic West Maui Mountain Range.

Built within a 23,000 acre pineapple plantation, the natural beauty is inescapable. Greeted by century-old Cook Pines lining the regal entrance to the plantation-style hotel, guests are assures a dramatic first impression. A few historical sites remain on the property, including The Kamulani Chapel and the Homolua General Store. The culture and history of the Islands comes to life through the "Sense of Place" tours, led by the Resort's Hawaiian Cultural Advisor Clifford Nae`ole. Paintings and art-work that reflect the natural wonders of the island, created by Maui's most esteemed artists, are mixed with traditional works of art throughout the resort. Beautifully landscaped to complement the subtle décor and stunning views, the Hawaiian spirit of tradition and aloha impart instant relaxation to all visitors.

The best way to truly indulge in the luxury of the resort is to lose oneself at a private cabana on the private beach, or poolside at the three-tiered cascading swimming pool. Spend an afternoon swimming and marveling at the expansive views while planning a culinary experience in the evening. Sushi Chef Norio Yamamoto prepares traditional and modern interpretations of sushi with the freshest and highest-grade ingredients. The complex mixing of textures and flavors in his oyster martini is delightful. With water, water, everywhere, the seafood is sure to be superb. At The Banyan Tree Restaurant, the new pacific cuisine is clean with flavors that complement and extract the most essential elements of the dishes.

By hosting the annual Mercedes Championship (a PGA Tour event) this locale has endeared golf lovers to the fairways in paradise. The three 18-hole championship golf courses at The Kapalua Golf Club stretch from the foothills of the West Maui Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Golfers will find a diversity of challenges and terrain to play through. Even the pros recognize and utilize the instruction at the renowned Golf Academy. Balancing science and a player's intuition to improve their game is an art that is made simple by patient and knowledgeable instructors like Jim Hartnett (pictured at right).

Water-sports, athletic, cultural, educational and even enriching activities abound at the resort, and at the spa, the perfect massage and beauty treatments are the perfect personal indulgences. To learn more about the luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, click here. For information on the Island of Maui visit the official web site. For Hawaiian vacation planning to Kapalua and all other Hawaiian destinations, visit Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays.