Spotlight on The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Mar 7

Written By Editor

What’s new at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua? Almost everything. As general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Andrew Rogers oversees all operations for the luxury resort. He continues to elevate the award-winning resort’s reputation through exceptional guest satisfaction, ensuring the highest brand standards are met, and offering unique guest experiences exclusive to Kapalua. He is passionate about and committed to honoring Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. A former golf professional, he still loves playing the game in his free time.

What is life like for you so far on Maui?

I have lived all over the world but there is nothing like living in Kapalua, Maui. It is incredible to live and work in paradise. Within minutes of leaving the resort, I can be hiking in the mountains, diving in the Pacific Ocean, or playing on one of our two championship golf courses.

What’s new at the resort or maybe I should ask what’s not new?

Great question! Over the past two years, the resort has undergone a $100-million transformation including new guestrooms, dining offerings, a best-in-class Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, pool experience and public spaces.

I love greeting our guests when they first walk through our all-new lobby lanai with unobstructed views of Honokahua Bay. Their eyes light up and they immediately soak in the aloha spirit.

As part of the overall reimagination, it was very important for us to also continue to honor and celebrate Hawaiian culture and our sense of place. Our Hawaiian cultural advisor, Clifford Naeʻole, curated our art and many of the design elements that bring to life Hawaiian cultural and history such as the hand-carved kapa panels throughout the property that tell the story of Kapalua.

What makes The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua so unique? 

Location. The resort is situated in the heart of Kapalua, which allows our guests easy access to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The hotel itself is set on 54 acres and nestled among 23,000 acres of wide-open space in West Maui, which is larger than some national parks, and surrounded by the six bays and beaches that were the favored beaches of the Hawaiian chiefs.

Here at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, we proudly maintain the Honokahua Preservation Site, a recognized “wahi pana” (or sacred site) that lies adjacent to the resort.

Do you have any secret spots around the hotel?

Shhh…it’s a secret! One of my favorite spots besides the 17th hole of the Bay golf course, is the Labyrinth on Makaluapuna Point. You can walk down first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee from Kai Café and watch the sun rise over Honokahua Bay. During whale season (December through March), this is one of the best whale-watching spots on the island.

Where is the postcard shot on property?

Our entire resort is picture perfect. However, a few of my favorite spots include a photo from the lobby lanai overlooking our three-tiered pool and Honokahua Bay; a photo from upper deck of the adults-only pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or in front of our upcycled “Aloha” surfboards at the Burger Shack. Of course, anywhere along DT Fleming Beach also makes a great postcard moment.

What is the Ambassadors of the Environment program?  

Ambassadors of the Environment is a special eco-tour program developed in partnership with world-renowned ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society.

We are one of only six Ritz-Carlton locations worldwide to offer the program, which offers both adults and children unique environmental experiences led by trained naturalists.

Our popular programs include a “Cities Under the Sea” snorkel tour, an E-Bike exploration, and Coastal Hike and Tidepool Walk. It’s always fun to learn something new and see marine creatures and green sea turtles up close.

What's the one treatment not to miss at the spa?

Our spa treatments are sheer bliss and many of them incorporate ingredients from Hawaii. Several guests have told me the Coconut Crush Body Renewal was the best spa treatment of their life. Spa and wellness is definitely part of the magic of Kapalua, and how you can restore yourself.

Which of the six dining experiences would you recommend as a must-do?

All of our dining experiences are fantastic! There is nothing like dining at the Banyan Tree. The only part even more incredible than the breathtaking sunset views is the cuisine itself. My favorite entrée there is the Coconut Red Seafood Curry.

I also recommend the sashimi, sushi, and wagyu smash burgers at Alaloa Lounge – the best on Maui! This is where you can go for live music seven nights a week.

For lunch, treat yourself to a super-thick, Instagram-worthy milkshake - and adult Mai Tai shakes - at the Burger Shack. Pair this with oceanfront views of DT Fleming Beach, and your vacation is complete.

What are you most proud of at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua?   

It goes without saying my incredible team of Ladies and Gentlemen who help our guests create memories that last a lifetime.

I always hear that our staff and service is the reason people return year after year, so it’s heartwarming to see these genuine connections.

What do you want Four Hundred members to know about Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua?

I would say, “Don’t wait.” Whether you have four days or a week, now is the best time to plan your trip. There will never be a perfect time, so if you do get a window to travel, just book it.

Here at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, we have so many options for families, couples, solo travelers, and anyone who wants a warm weather getaway.

There are events galore, like the Celebration of the Arts cultural festival taking place Easter weekend, Kapalua Wine & Food Festival from June 8-11, and our monthly Kapalua Concert Series.

You will restore yourself with nature - be it on the beach, at the pool, a round of golf, or ziplining – and you won’t regret it.