Boredom is not an option at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, thanks to its schedule of 70-plus weekly events and activities — more than any other hotel in Hawaii. Guests can fill their days without ever leaving the property, and still have lots to try during their next visit.
“The decision to expand our programming came in the wake of the Lahaina wildfires in 2023,” said Angela Berkey, director of recreation for the property. “There was a perception that without Lahaina, there wasn’t much to do on the west side of Maui, but that’s not true and never has been. We already had a strong foundation of guest activities and saw an opportunity to build on it — to enhance what already existed."
From June to December 2024, 10 of the hotel’s managers, including Berkey, met and brainstormed. “Many of our ideas came from what we love to do with our families on our days off,” Berkey said. “Others were inspired by amazing things we’ve seen and done during our travels.”
The group organized their thoughts according to five themes: outdoor pursuits, food and beverage, health and wellness, keiki (children) and teens, and arts and culture. From there, they narrowed the lists to suggestions that were executable, engaging, fun and diverse.
Guests can get an up-close look at marine animals during coastal walks led by Ambassadors of the Environment naturalists.
Credit: 2025 The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua“Our intent is to offer something for everyone,” Berkey said. “Our guests come to Maui for different reasons — relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion or family bonding — and we want to connect with them and steer them toward experiences that will enrich their stay. Our on-property activities aren’t just about entertainment. They’re about creating meaningful moments — adding depth and joy to our guests’ time with us. Most are free.”
Our on-property activities aren’t just about entertainment. They’re about creating meaningful moments.
Activity Options
Those interested in culture can play traditional games such as konane (checkers) and huki huki kaula (tug of war); learn how to dance the hula, string a lei and strum the ukulele; or listen to a storyteller share Hawaiian myths and legends. In the evening, they can gather around a firepit to toast s’mores and discover how early Polynesian mariners navigated the vast Pacific by observing the stars, wind, clouds, birds in flight, ocean swells and currents.
Cultural supervisor Kapua Whitford leads a Culture and Art tour, which starts in the Hawaiian garden.
“She discusses the native species growing there, including noni, which is valued as a medicinal plant,” Berkey said. “Throughout the hotel, she points out work by local artists, including paintings; sculptures; and replicas of artifacts such as featherwork, wooden drums, kapa [tapa] beaters and other tools. Interior design elements reflect the colors, shapes and patterns of nature and life in old Hawaii. For example, light fixtures resemble fish traps and carpets display lei and tapa motifs.”
Adults 21 years and older can learn the art of mixology by making and then sipping The Ritz-Carlton Maui’s signature Alii Mai Tai, which includes locally sourced rum and macadamia nut syrup. They can also roll sushi rice with avocado, cucumber and their choice of seafood into two rolls to enjoy with sake.
Meanwhile, kids don aprons and chef’s hats to make pizza and milkshakes. They can barely contain their excitement as they sample the delicious results of their efforts. Children also jump at the chance to transform plain white T-shirts into fashion statements with non-toxic fabric markers. Their little faces shine when they model their colorful designs for Mom and Dad.
Kids enjoy creating their own pizzas and tasting the delicious results of their efforts.
Credit: 2025 The Ritz-Carlton Maui, KapaluaSeveral of the hotel’s events and activities are open to the public. Berkey describes Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, one of only six in the world, as “education through adventures.” Guides are naturalists who hold degrees in botany, biology, oceanography and other natural science fields.
“They arouse new respect and admiration for nature during family-oriented survival training, e-bike excursions, hands-on gardening and coastal hikes and tide pool explorations,” Berkey said. “On the seaside walks, participants might see and gently touch marine animals such as hermit crabs, sea urchins and sea anemones."
Everyone is also invited to attend the Kapalua Concert Series on the first Friday of every month. Top Hawaii performers who’ve been in the spotlight include Anuhea, John Cruz and Henry Kapono. The headliner on Jan. 2 will be Thunderstorm Artis, who grew up on Oahu. Now living in Nashville, he placed third on “The Voice” in 2020 and made it to the top five in this year’s “American Idol” competition.
Talented singers and musicians perform in the Kapalua Concert Series on the first Friday of every month.
Credit: 2025 The Ritz-Carlton Maui, KapaluaFoodies will appreciate the weekly Chef’s Table dinner at Banyan Tree restaurant, which features a five-course menu celebrating seasonal local ingredients. For the monthly Wine & Chef Series, guest chefs and sommeliers from Hawaii, the continental U.S. and abroad collaborate to create a gourmet, four-course dinner. Many of them are affiliated with Michelin-starred or James Beard Award-winning restaurants, and they appear between courses to discuss the dishes and wines being served.
The Tales of the Kapa Moe Luau can be booked most Tuesday and Friday evenings, and it will also be available on Thanksgiving this year. In addition to a captivating show of Polynesian music and dance, attendees enjoy a hearty buffet, which includes a build-your-own-poke station.
One highlight of Aloha Friday festivities is an open-air market where a dozen artists, crafters, designers and food producers entice shoppers with an array of locally made art, apparel, jewelry, teas, snacks, wood carvings and more. Every purchase supports small businesses on Maui.
The Sense of Place presentation can include a guided walk to the Honokahua Preservation Site.
Credit: 2025 The Ritz-Carlton Maui, KapaluaThe Sense of Place presentation on Aloha Friday often moves attendees to tears. It chronicles the decline of the Native Hawaiian population and their loss of identity following Western contact in the late 1700s; their cultural rebirth beginning in the 1970s and continuing to this day; and the significance of the Honokahua Preservation Site at the hotel, the final resting place for some 2,000 Hawaiians (burials date as far back as A.D. 600).
“Sense of Place lasts just 90 minutes, but it is powerful — at once heart-wrenching and inspirational,” Berkey said. “At the Ritz-Carlton Maui, we honor our kupuna [ancestors] who walked this land before us. Their wisdom, knowledge and values guide everything we do.”
