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Kapalua Is Getting Better Than Ever
For Maui's North End: Renovated Ritz Among Changes
BY LARRY TAYLOR
When you reach Kapalua, you're near the northwest tip of the Hawaiian island of Maui, on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains.
The slight increase in elevation makes it cooler by a couple degrees than in Wailea at the southern end. Also, there are many more trees here, including tall pines and eucalyptus, and it seems more rural than heavily developed area you went through on your way. And, of course, there is the scenic splendor of Kapalua Bay.
This popular region, though, is experiencing a construction boom. After the Kapalua Hotel was razed recently, the Ritz Carlton, decided to refurbish. Long a paragon, the Ritz is now closed for remodeling to become, as it says, bigger and better than ever. The $95 million renovation will feature new amenities, enhanced food and beverage outlets. Its world-class Spa will be expanded, and there will be more activities for children and teens.
When the hotel re-opens this coming Christmas season, it will offer 548 rooms and 107 one and two-bedroom full-ownership Residential Suites, which will be available to hotel guests, as well.
Kapalua is best known for the 650-acre master-planned golfing community, fronting five picture-postcard bays. Built in the middle of a pineapple plantation, it is also known for the Kapalua Villas where we stayed. Above the resorts are two world-class golf courses: The Plantation and The Bay, with plans being made for the construction of a third.
Rather than staying in a hotel, it was good to be in the more spacious atmosphere of our completely furnished villa. If we didn't feel like going out, we could cook in. All together there are 290 villas of one, two and three-bedroom sizes. From our lanai, we had a panoramic view of the coastline and the island of Molokai.
Of Kapalua's two courses, The Plantation is the most famous and most challenging. It is where the Mercedes Benz Championship is held each year. Famously, Tiger Woods beat Ernie Els in 2000 in a two-hole playoff. Stuart Appleby won it three straight years '64-'66. His streak was broken last year by Vijay Singh.
The Bay Course is the most suburban, weaving past the shoreline and some of Kapalua's historic old Hawaiian buildings. Head pro David Rau says that most visitors like to play both courses, "The Plantation is hardest," Rau says, "and The Bay is most user-friendly. It's a classic layout with great views."
Plans are being finalized for the new Mauka course. Designed by Tom Fazio, it will be for members only, and construction is scheduled to start in late 2008. In addition, a residential community is in the works with home sites located on the scenic "mauka" (mountain) side of the Kapalua Resort.
Rau is proud of Kapalua's unique Golf academy, opened eight years ago. It's is the largest course school in the state, with a staff of five pros exclusively teaching at the academy. Beginners to advanced players can sharpen their game with the wide range of instruction given.
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Of course there are lots to do on Maui when you're not playing golf. Top of the list is a visit to Haleakala Crater, over 10,000 feet high, it is particularly awe-inspiring at sunrise when you're seemingly on top of the world. Also be sure to visit Iao Valley and see the famous Iao Needle, a 2,250-foot lava rock covered with lush foliage, the tip often shrouded in magical mist. And, take a drive to Hana, a picturesque old-Hawaiian town and then from Hana continue on to view the seven sacred waterfalls. It is a 27 or so mile trek that has more sharp curves than you can keep track of. It is a day adventure worth the effort.
For snorkelers, a trip out to Molikini is a must. Take the Pacific Whale Foundation's boat, and in season you're guaranteed to see whales on the way. On our own, we enjoyed the "fish bowl" located in a lava depression near where the paved road ends in Wailea. The marine refuge off Honolua Bay near Kapalua is outstanding as well.
When not playing golf or touring there was the pleasure of lounging on lovely Kapalua Bay's beach near our villa- a great place to relax on soft sand or snorkel in gentle waters.
For information regarding golf and The Villas, call (800) KAPALUA or visit www.kapalua.com
Contact Ritz-Carlton Kapalua at (800) 241-3333 or www.ritzcarlton.com
BY LARRY TAYLOR
When you reach Kapalua, you're near the northwest tip of the Hawaiian island of Maui, on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains.
The slight increase in elevation makes it cooler by a couple degrees than in Wailea at the southern end. Also, there are many more trees here, including tall pines and eucalyptus, and it seems more rural than heavily developed area you went through on your way. And, of course, there is the scenic splendor of Kapalua Bay.
This popular region, though, is experiencing a construction boom. After the Kapalua Hotel was razed recently, the Ritz Carlton, decided to refurbish. Long a paragon, the Ritz is now closed for remodeling to become, as it says, bigger and better than ever. The $95 million renovation will feature new amenities, enhanced food and beverage outlets. Its world-class Spa will be expanded, and there will be more activities for children and teens.
When the hotel re-opens this coming Christmas season, it will offer 548 rooms and 107 one and two-bedroom full-ownership Residential Suites, which will be available to hotel guests, as well.
Kapalua is best known for the 650-acre master-planned golfing community, fronting five picture-postcard bays. Built in the middle of a pineapple plantation, it is also known for the Kapalua Villas where we stayed. Above the resorts are two world-class golf courses: The Plantation and The Bay, with plans being made for the construction of a third.
Rather than staying in a hotel, it was good to be in the more spacious atmosphere of our completely furnished villa. If we didn't feel like going out, we could cook in. All together there are 290 villas of one, two and three-bedroom sizes. From our lanai, we had a panoramic view of the coastline and the island of Molokai.Of Kapalua's two courses, The Plantation is the most famous and most challenging. It is where the Mercedes Benz Championship is held each year. Famously, Tiger Woods beat Ernie Els in 2000 in a two-hole playoff. Stuart Appleby won it three straight years '64-'66. His streak was broken last year by Vijay Singh.
The Bay Course is the most suburban, weaving past the shoreline and some of Kapalua's historic old Hawaiian buildings. Head pro David Rau says that most visitors like to play both courses, "The Plantation is hardest," Rau says, "and The Bay is most user-friendly. It's a classic layout with great views."
Plans are being finalized for the new Mauka course. Designed by Tom Fazio, it will be for members only, and construction is scheduled to start in late 2008. In addition, a residential community is in the works with home sites located on the scenic "mauka" (mountain) side of the Kapalua Resort.
Rau is proud of Kapalua's unique Golf academy, opened eight years ago. It's is the largest course school in the state, with a staff of five pros exclusively teaching at the academy. Beginners to advanced players can sharpen their game with the wide range of instruction given.
Of course there are lots to do on Maui when you're not playing golf. Top of the list is a visit to Haleakala Crater, over 10,000 feet high, it is particularly awe-inspiring at sunrise when you're seemingly on top of the world. Also be sure to visit Iao Valley and see the famous Iao Needle, a 2,250-foot lava rock covered with lush foliage, the tip often shrouded in magical mist. And, take a drive to Hana, a picturesque old-Hawaiian town and then from Hana continue on to view the seven sacred waterfalls. It is a 27 or so mile trek that has more sharp curves than you can keep track of. It is a day adventure worth the effort.For snorkelers, a trip out to Molikini is a must. Take the Pacific Whale Foundation's boat, and in season you're guaranteed to see whales on the way. On our own, we enjoyed the "fish bowl" located in a lava depression near where the paved road ends in Wailea. The marine refuge off Honolua Bay near Kapalua is outstanding as well.
When not playing golf or touring there was the pleasure of lounging on lovely Kapalua Bay's beach near our villa- a great place to relax on soft sand or snorkel in gentle waters.
For information regarding golf and The Villas, call (800) KAPALUA or visit www.kapalua.com
Contact Ritz-Carlton Kapalua at (800) 241-3333 or www.ritzcarlton.com
