We are deciding on spending our honeymoon at the R-C in Maui. We had a wonderful experience at the R-C in Naples over the summer. Has anyone been to this hotel, can you share your experience - how is the beach, pool etc. Thanks.

I have never been...but from what I understand it is lovely!

The pool area is supposed to be really nice...and if I'm not mistake they serve complimentary pineapple skewers. yum!

We are going to Maui in May and chose the Kapalua Bay Hotel, just next door to the Ritz. Even though our agent could have given us a better rate at the Ritz, we prefer the understated atmosphere of KBH, in addition as guests we can use the facilities at the Ritz.

Another drawback (for us) was that the Ritz is set far back from the beach...there are ancient burial grounds between the hotel and the beach. That may not be a problem for you..

If the Ritz is your bag, then I'm sure it won't disappoint! However, other luxury properties on the island include the Four Seasons, The Fairmont Kea Lani and Kapalua Bay...which may be worth checking out.

congratulations and enjoy!

Hi Debbie!!

The Ritz Carlton Kapalua is a beautiful place to stay in Maui (if not one of the best).My husband and I stayed at the Ritz in early Dec, 2002.it was absolutely heavenly!!! Very luxurious and private. World class dining, golf and tennis, fabulous spa and the rooms are gorgeous and spacious!! The service is amazing-friendly and very attentive to your every need!! The beach out front is breathtaking-very quiet and the hotel has loungers and food and drink service right there.The beach is a SHORT (like 1 or 2 minutes) walk down a very scenic path.It wasn't an issue for us-the staff will take you down in a golf cart too!!!We spent every afternoon sunning and having Mai Tai's by the beautiful pool area. The private cabanas are great!!! The staff will bring you everything you need!!! The entire Kapalua area is beautiful-lots of scenic walking paths, very lush and green and the beaches are among the best in Maui. The weather was perfect-sunny and 80's the whole time! This hotel is perfect for a honeymoon-private, luxurious and very romantic!!! Have a great trip!!

I totally agree with padme. I stayed at the Ritz in 01/03 and absolutely loved it. The grounds are beautiful and the service is impeccable. The pool area is large and was never crowded when we were there. The beach is a bit of a walk but is not far. The concierge is very helpful in making reservations for activities (whale watching etc.),driving directions and weather info. on other parts of the island etc. It is a perfect place for a honeymoon. I am already planning a return trip. You will have a great time!

Thank you so much for your input. Or course I've been doing a lot of reading and now have some concern about the weather. I heard it is very windy on that side of the Island and since it is near a rain forest -- more rainy than let's say Wailia. Do you think this is true? Also how would you think the Ritz Carlton compared to The Fairmont?

Thanks again.

I think it depends on the time of year. I have read several of those rainy/windy comments...but I've heard from several friends that stayed in Kapalua that this was not a problem for them. I guess the liklihood of weather problems for that area of the island are greater...but that is why it is so beautiful there, so green and lush. It also depends on when you go...I think there is more of a chance of bad weather in the winter than in the summer. I've also read/heard that often times it is just a passing shower and quickly clears up. If it looks like a total wash-out then drive to one of the sunnier beaches. Just my 2 cents...

I read it all too, and in the end we stuck with the Kapalua area...taking my chances, maybe...but really even it if does rain every day, we are in Hawaii!!

good luck!

Hey Debbie!!

Kapalua does have more wind than other parts of Maui, however, it is usually not very strong and actually keeps the heat down so you are more comfortable by the pool or the beach in Kapalua than Wailea. Wailea is very dry and desert looking(very ugly on first sight but as you move towards the beaches it is beautiful). The hotels seem much closer together and not as sprawling as the resorts in Kapalua. I don't know if we were just lucky or the Kapalua weather debate is blown out of proportion-it was sunny and beautiful every day for 10 days when we were at the Ritz and this was in December!!!One morning it sprinkled for about 15 minutes but it was so light and warm out that we still stayed out by the pool. Kapalua is definately more private and lush compared to Wailea, however we just as easily could have had a great vacation at the Four Seasons as well.I did ALOT of research planning our trip and I am so happy that we decided on the Ritz. Wailea is a little off the beaten track but if you have a car you can go anywhere pretty quick-main highway links up all of the main resort areas.Don't get caught up in the weather-you can't control it so stay where you think you will have the best time regardless-besides you will be in Maui baby!!! Have a great time!

Level of service and hotel quality at RC Kapalua is on par with that of RC Naples. They're both among the top 10% of RC properties in the chain.

People who don't like the RC Kapalua gripe about one of a few things: weather (on average, over time) is a bit sketchier (windier, rain spells, clouds) than Wailea, RC is a removed from the other attractions on the isle (which can be a pro or a con), the hotel is cookie cutter RC Victorian architecture and has no Hawaiian flavor to it, not right on the beach, windy pool.

Versus Wailea, Kapalua is much more green and much quieter.
Wailea vs. Kapalua is like one of those conservative/liberal, Ford/Chevy, type A/type B debates.
There's no right or wrong answer, no best of the two. Depends on what YOU like and desire.