Pacific bluff retreat
The open-air lobby looks past palms to a three-tiered lagoon pool, where evening brings sunset conch-shell rituals.
“The waterfront hotel gives you unfettered access to its 54 verdant acres, Pacific views that stretch to Molokai island and the brand’s signature service, sans crowds.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Dedicated poolside cabana attendants and a club lounge serving five daily culinary presentations.
Remarkable
On 54 oceanfront acres, guests join Cousteau naturalists for guided marine adventures.
Notable
Volcanic stone grottos and outdoor hales host traditional lomilomi massage beneath coastal palms.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
This opulent monolith of a hotel is remote, tucked away on Maui’s northwest coast, and perhaps uncharacteristically it’s set back from the beach…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The Kapalua Coastal Trail winds along the shoreline toward D.T. Fleming Beach and the jagged lava formations of Makaluapuna Point.
The rooms
Hardwood floors and sand tones frame private lanais, while ground-floor Fire Lanai rooms add personal firepits and direct lawn access.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Black rock waterfalls link three cascading lagoon tiers, fringed by palms and shaded teak cabanas.
The spa and gym
Outdoor volcanic grottos and cedar saunas sit beside a 24-hour fitness center with panoramic ocean views.
Restaurant
The Banyan Tree
Wood-fired Hawaiian seafood and local produce are served on an oceanfront terrace ringed with firepits.
This oceanfront property in West Maui has a long-standing commitment to honoring Hawaiian culture—educating guests, fostering community engagement, and protecting the sacred land it occupies.
At the table
Alaloa Lounge serves craft cocktails alongside live Hawaiian music, and Burger Shack dishes up lunch by the sand.
How it began
During 1987 construction, builders shifted the entire resort footprint inland to protect and preserve the ancestral Honokahua burial grounds.
“The Kapalua’s 463 richly revised guest rooms, suites, and one- and two-bedroom residences feature dark wood floors and sand-color decor with sea-tone accents, brightened by floor-to-ceiling windows...”
Good to know
Stay here
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.