Hawaiian Airlines redefines the flight; The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua elevates the stay
Words by LESLEY McKENZIE
On Maui’s northwest coast, where ironwood forests meet jagged lava cliffs, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua stretches across 54 acres overlooking the Pacific. Set beside the Honokahua Preservation Site — one of Hawaii’s revered wahi pana, or sacred places — the property is nestled within the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort, a region long celebrated for its championship golf courses, scenic trails, and storied pineapple fields.
A sweeping $100 million renovation, completed in late 2022, infused the property’s 468 guest rooms and 107 residential suites with modern sophistication. Interiors nod to nature with dark wood floors, marble baths, and curated local artwork, while private lanais frame ocean views, mountains, or tropical gardens in bloom. For something more intimate, opt for the Fire Lanai Collection — Maui’s only guest rooms with private firepits, the perfect backdrop for golden hour quiet.
Programming has also been thoughtfully considered from every angle. Guests can choose from more than 60 weekly experiences, from hiking the Alaloa Trail to snorkeling coral reefs under the guidance of Cousteau-trained naturalists. Golfers can take to The Bay and The Plantation courses, both celebrated for their panoramic ocean views and PGA-level pedigree.
Meanwhile, the resort’s 17,500-square-foot spa is its own sanctuary: volcanic stone grottos, outdoor garden showers, and open-air hale set the tone for rituals steeped in ancient Hawaiian healing. Treatments like the Lomilomi massage and the Awa Nui body treatment draw from indigenous botanicals and centuries-old traditions.
As expected, meals are as transportive as the views. Across the property, six distinct restaurants and bars, offering everything from poolside fare to sushi workshops and wine tastings, showcase the island’s distinct culinary point of view. Banyan Tree, the crown jewel of the resort’s dining portfolio, features an indoor living garden and a menu informed by seasonal ingredients, with standouts such as Kaua’i prawns drizzled in garlic brown butter citrus.
And now, the journey to Maui feels almost as rewarding as the island itself. With the merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, travelers can now access an expanded network and greater schedule flexibility, all with the signature warmth and hospitality both brands are known for.
Onboard, Hawaiian’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet offers a transportive experience. It features the Leihōkū Suites, first-class cabins inspired by the celestial navigation of Polynesian wayfinders, complete with lie-flat seating, privacy doors, and island-inspired design details.
The journey becomes a culinary adventure through Hawaiian Airlines’ Featured Chef Series, an in-flight program that celebrates Hawaii’s regional flavors and rising culinary stars. Executive Chefs Wade and Michelle Karr-Ueoka of Honolulu’s acclaimed MW Restaurant, who oversee the inflight program, are joined by an all-star lineup of chefs, including Keaka Lee of Kapa Hale and Robynne Maii of Fête. Both lend their talents to First Class menus on routes from Hawaii to North America, giving guests an authentic taste of the islands before they even land. ritzcarlton.com; hawaiianairlines.com.
May 12, 2025
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