MAUI MAGIC 

A fall getaway to The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua was the perfect mix of celebration, relaxation, and island adventure.

As a fall escape, I headed to Maui with my best friend to mark our children’s 21st birthdays. My last trip to the island had been as a pre-teen, so my return decades later felt nostalgic. Some things were just as I remembered—the warm “aloha” greetings and those postcard-perfect colors of the emerald-green Cook pines (named after Captain Cook), ocean blues, golden beaches, and black lava rock trimmed with wild fountain grass. Yet, thanks to The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua’s wide range of activities, this vacation was awash in new experiences, creating a raft of new memories.

Upon arrival, fragrant orchid leis landed around our necks, and we were whisked away to our room in the Napili Wing. Our balcony overlooked it all—the pools, the ocean, and neighboring Moloka’i. Inside, grasscloth-covered walls and Hawaiian artwork set a chic, but relaxed tone.

Club Life
Best decision ever? Adding access to the Club Lounge. It quickly became our go-to retreat, with sweeping views of Bay Course, the hotel’s championship golf course, and the Pacific Ocean. The food and drink lineup was nonstop with culinary presentations at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Favorites included custom omelets in the morning, buttery scallops with chili oil in the afternoon, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies at all hours (dangerously addictive), and handcrafted cocktails at sunset. While enjoying our meals on the lounge terrace, we were entertained by the antics of three playful kittens, who live on the property. The trio’s shiny coats, plump bellies, and friendly personalities were a testament to the resort’s policy of feeding its resident felines.

Adventures
While we spent plenty of time poolside and at the beach, we couldn’t resist two activities: a Coastal Hike and a Pickleball lesson. Our hike along the Kapalua Coastal Trail started at the Ambassadors Hale (also known as “the Department of Fun”). The 3-mile route took us first past Honokahua, a sacred burial site preserved for Native Hawaiians. When the resort was being built in the early ’90s, ancestral remains were discovered. In response, the company decided to set aside that oceanfront property, preserving it for local Hawaiians who visit to honor their ancestors.

From there, we wound past sand dunes, mangroves, and sparkling bays where sea turtles glided through crystal-clear water. Our guide pointed out seabirds nesting in burrowed tunnels, their fluffy chicks peeking out from the openings, and shared how whale season (January–March) transforms Maui Nui Basin into what locals call “whale soup” as the shallow, mostly predator-free waters of the area are popular with mama whales giving birth. Along the way, we discovered multiple beaches, each with its own personality—from Ironwood’s solitude to D.T. Fleming’s surf breaks to Kapalua Bay’s calm, family-friendly waters.

On the return, we strolled past the Maui Pineapple Chapel, a charming reminder that the resort sits on what was once a pineapple plantation. For decades, Hawaii was known for its pineapple trade, which began in the 19th century. The decline came in the ’80s, with Dole closing its last facility in the early 2000s. Still, you’ll spot nods to the pineapple throughout the resort—the chandeliers in the welcome hallway are one fun example.

Later, we swapped hiking shoes for sneakers and tried Pickleball in Paradise with pro Brooke Revuelta. Between volleys and laughter, we had an absolute “ball,” and now understand why this game has taken over the world.

Before we left the Hale, we checked out the activity chart. The resort offers more than 70 activities designed for every age and interest. After the devastation of the Lahaina fires, some travelers worried there wouldn’t be enough entertainment on the island. The Ritz-Carlton rose to the occasion with a lineup that has something for everyone: bucket golf and fitness classes; turtle and whale programs; cultural immersion experiences; and even s’mores under the stars.

Eat, Sip, Repeat
Dining at the Ritz is a full-on experience. At The Banyan Tree, I devoured mahi mahi in a brown-butter yuzu-miso sauce, while my friend ordered a seafood curry loaded with scallops, prawns, and local fish. After opting to share the Brussels sprouts dusted with lilikoi-pineapple, we celebrated our “healthy choice” with a decadent chocolate cake topped with blackberry curd and goat cheese mousse. Award-winning wine sealed the deal. The Banyan Tree received the 2025 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and is recognized as one of the world’s best destinations for wine enthusiasts. Cheers!

For casual days, the Burger Shack delivered ocean breezes, margaritas, and burgers—plus a curious flock of chickens. The Alaloa Lounge came alive at sunset with sushi, cocktails, and live music, while the Kai Cafe kept us fueled with morning pastries.

Spa & Sun Deck Days
One afternoon at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Spa, I surrendered to a traditional lomilomi massage, a rhythmic Hawaiian ritual that uses coconut oil and feels both grounding and luxurious. Spa access also meant time in the steam room and alternating between hot and cold plunges. Another afternoon, we lingered by the pool in a private cabana, enjoying William Kent Krueger novels and the resort’s famous banana bread. With a 20,000-square-foot sundeck, layered pools, and shaded cabanas, we had plenty of places to “lounge.”

Aloha, Again
From coastal hikes and Pickleball laughs to scallops, sunsets, and spa indulgence, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua was everything I needed for a joyful return to the island. So, I was surprised when a taxi driver shared that tourism is down by half since the Lahaina fires of two years ago. The people of Maui are ready to welcome visitors back; support this beautiful community by booking your dream vacation now. Maika‘i kau huaka‘i—have a great trip.

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com.