What it is

A lush 54-acre resort on the Pacific with 466 recently revamped rooms and every amenity you could think of.

What it isn't

Adults-only. Family thrills include a Ritz Kids program that will have vagabond tots whipping up pizzas with ingredients they pluck from the organic gardens and seeking out green turtle nests with a naturalist.

What we think

The only thing more fabulous than a Ritz-Carlton is a recently redone Ritz-Carlton. Rooms here are as cosseting as they come, with feather-topped king mattresses, marble-lined baths and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on your private lanai (balcony). If you’re traveling with even a small group, it’s well-worth upgrading to a suite for the space (a whopping 900-square-feet), sleeper sofa and powder room. Not that you’ll spend much time there; activities include two waterfront golf courses (one designed by Arnold Palmer), 10 courts in the tennis garden, and a holistic spa that’s arguably the most restorative on the island. Don’t believe us? Book the Tropical Awa Nui Journey, with a full sea salt and Hawaiian herb exfoliation and Lomilomi massage, among other delights.

You're here because

You’re addicted to the ultra-doting service you find at Ritz-Carlton—a magical land where a poolside, sunset four-course dinner in a private cabana with a personal butler is a doable affair.

The Moment

Among seven restaurants on the property, it’s pretty much impossible to pick your favorite. Until, that is, you take your first sip of a Mai Tai milkshake whilst reclining in the shade of 40 coconut palm trees at the Burger Shack. Heaven, you have some catching up to do.

Restaurants & Bars

The Terrace Chef-Crafted - Seasonal

Kai Sushi - Japanese

The Beach House - Local specialties, Seafood, Sandwiches

Aina Gourmet - Grab and Go

The Pool Cafe - Casual food, Poolside

Alaloa Lounge

The Pool Bar

Family activities

Jean-Michael Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment Program

Maui Ocean Center

Atlantis Submarine

Sugar Cane Train

Location

Set overlooking Honokahua Bay, a quick stroll from the Kapalua Labyrinth, set on a peninsula of lava stone that juts into the frothy deep turquoise sea.