Surrounded by 22,000 acres of pristine open space on Maui’s Northwest shore, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is a five-star resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The property proudly maintains the Honokahua Preservation Site, a recognized “wahi pana” (sacred site) that lies adjacent to the resort and serves as a destination where Native Hawaiians can gather to conduct ceremonies and protocol.

In addition to 466 newly reimagined rooms and suites, the hotel also features six dining experiences and a wide range of activities to enjoy including two championship golf courses, tennis, hiking, various water sports, as well as access to one of Hawaii’s largest nature preserves with two marine sanctuaries.

One of the largest spas on Maui, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua is inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions and incorporates indigenous plants and customs into treatments for a holistic approach to wellness. The spa’s lush gardens create a tranquil outdoor setting where guests can unwind before or after services, and the treatment menu showcases local botanicals and herbs cultivated in the resort garden.

We interviewed Lauren Avila, Spa Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, who shared insider tips, recommended treatments, and more.

Why You’ll Love It: Guests love our unique body treatments achieving balance through the use of Hawaiian herbs, detoxifying salt, coconut, mango, and antioxidant-rich benefits of honey and lavender. In ancient Hawaii, the purest of water, Waihua, was celebrated for its healing powers. Today, guests of our Maui resort spa can experience this centuries-old tradition with treatments based on native practices. Therapies draw on plants, flowers, and fruits from throughout Hawaii and herbs. Private hale cottages are perfect for couple’s treatments and outdoor gardens provide a serene setting for pre- or post-treatment relaxation.

Key Features: Treatment rooms framed by private garden showers, volcanic stone grottos with heated whirlpools, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, dry cedar saunas, aromatherapy showers, relaxation lounges, Hawaiian-inspired healing therapies, and a “Mala Nanea” relaxation garden and outdoor whirlpool.

Snacks Served: We serve a variety of flavorful teas, fruit and nut bars, and fruit-infused waters with coconut and pineapple green tea antioxidants.

Insider’s Tip: We offer weekly sound bath meditation sessions to restore one’s mind and body back to a state of balance that extends beyond the spa. Harmonic vibrations from the instruments have a profound effect on the receiver, promoting healing and well-being. Many people emerge from the experience feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. A must-do after any spa treatment! 

Bonus: Guests receive a piece of dark chocolate infused with the flavors of mango and guava grown locally at the Maui Ku’ia Chocolate Factory after any spa service. Guests enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne while enjoying any manicure/pedicure or hair service in our beauty salon.  

Unique Treatment: Tropical Awa Nui Journey indulge in a blissful journey that provides balance through the use of Hawaiian herbs and detoxifying sea salt. This ancient tradition of healing is designed to cleanse, calm, and soothe the body and mind. You skin will be left enveloped in a tropical coconut mango aroma.

Splurge Treatment: Our Oxygen Rejuvenating Facial. Cooling oxygen delivers powerful antioxidants and serums, which naturally improve hydration levels, protect, and repair skin. Performed with Intraceuticals skin care, it reduces expression lines and leaves skin smooth, firm, and more defined.

Insider’s Favorite: My favorite treatment is the Coconut Crush Body Renewal! This full-body, coconut-powered service is love at first scrub! Begin with a coconut whipped shea butter sugar scrub., where exfoliating cane sugar infused with apricot seed powder buffs away dull skin. Organic coconut oil is massaged into sore, tired muscles to lock in vitamins and essential fatty acids for a total body glow. Followed by an organic coconut and rose oil scalp treatment and a moisturizing foot massage that will feel like pure paradise!

Featured Products: ESPA, Eminence, Farmhouse Fresh, Herbivore, Intraceuticals, Knesko, Skinceuticals, and a variety of gifts, locally made jewelry, fitness apparel, and loungewear.

For more information, visit the website and follow them on Instagram: @ritzcarltonkapalua

[Photos courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua]

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

1 Ritz-Carlton Drive

Kapalua, HI 96761

808-669-6200