The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – Maui's Oceanfront Sanctuary for Golf, Spa, and Sunset Romance

Overview

At the edge of the Pacific, where lava cliffs meet lush fairways and sea breezes carry the scent of plumeria, couples find their rhythm—sometimes on the course, sometimes in the spa, and often, together beneath a molten sunset.

Perched on Maui's northwestern shore, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua blends Hawaiian tradition, world-class golf, and oceanfront serenity. Here, mornings begin with the sound of waves beyond your lanai, afternoons stretch between palm-lined fairways or spa gardens, and evenings melt into fiery skies reflected off Honokahua Bay.

The resort sits within the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort community, surrounded by protected coastal sanctuaries and pineapple fields. It's a playground for both the adventurous and the serene—where hiking trails meet soft sand beaches and torchlit dining complements championship golf.

Best Time to Visit: April–October for sunshine and trade-wind breezes; December–March for whale-watching season. What to Pack: Light golf apparel, linen, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, resort casual for dining, and a light wrap for coastal evenings.

Where to Stay

The resort's rooms and suites face the Pacific or the West Maui Mountains, with private lanais, Hawaiian art, and décor inspired by local wood and lava stone. Couples can choose between garden-view tranquility or oceanfront grandeur. Suites add deep soaking tubs and separate living spaces for lazy post-spa afternoons.

For extra privacy, the Club Level offers exclusive access to an ocean-view lounge with curated bites and cocktails throughout the day—a perfect retreat for quiet mornings or sunset toasts.

Golf

Kapalua is sacred ground for golfers. The resort offers access to two iconic courses:

• Plantation Course: Home of the PGA TOUR's Sentry Tournament of Champions, it winds along natural ridges with ocean panoramas. Wide fairways, elevation shifts, and trade-wind challenges make it both playable and exhilarating.
• Bay Course: A coastal beauty with holes that skirt the Pacific and even play directly over it. Designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane, it's friendlier for relaxed vacation rounds yet still thrillingly scenic.

Couples often book morning tee times followed by beachside lunches at the Pineapple Grill or Plantation House Restaurant overlooking the 18th hole. Golf instruction, rentals, and twilight rounds are all available through the Kapalua Golf Academy.

Day Spa

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua celebrates Hawaiian healing traditions with treatments inspired by the land and sea. Signature experiences like the Lomilomi massage and volcanic clay detox pay homage to the island's elements. Spa guests enjoy private outdoor hale (thatched treatment cabanas), eucalyptus steam rooms, and a meditation garden shaded by bamboo.

For couples, book the "Aloha Together" ritual—a synchronized full-body massage followed by a warm coconut milk bath and tropical fruit tasting in your own open-air suite.

Dining

Banyan Tree leads the resort's culinary lineup with Pacific Rim cuisine and ocean views framed by banyan branches. Ulana Terrace serves farm-to-table breakfast buffets with Maui coffee and fresh papaya, while Burger Shack keeps toes-in-the-sand afternoons deliciously casual.

Nearby, Merriman's Kapalua remains the island's classic sunset dining spot—open-air, candlelit, and perched directly above Oneloa Bay.

Nearby Attractions

Just beyond the resort, explore the Kapalua Coastal Trail—a 1.7-mile path tracing lava rock cliffs, tide pools, and coves perfect for morning walks or sunset hand-in-hand strolls. Snorkelers love Honolua Bay for its reefs and sea turtles, while adventure seekers can zipline through the West Maui Mountains.

For nightlife, head 15 minutes south to Lahaina, where live music pours from tiki-lit patios and beach bars like Duke's Beach House and Kimo's. Closer to home, the resort's Alaloa Lounge offers crafted Mai Tais and nightly live Hawaiian music overlooking the ocean.

Why It Works for Couples

Kapalua's magic lies in balance: championship golf by morning, ocean spa bliss by afternoon, and shared sunsets that feel almost cinematic. Both partners can pursue what they love—sometimes separately, often together—and always reconvene to toast the day as the Pacific glows gold and pink. It's equal parts romance, play, and discovery—a place to connect, unwind, and fall in love with the world again.

Planning a visit? Explore The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua's current golf and spa packages and discover why this Maui sanctuary is perfect for couples seeking championship golf, Hawaiian spa traditions, and unforgettable Pacific sunsets.