We spent a week in Maui splitting our time between the Ritz and the Four Seasons. We were familiar with the Ritz so we wanted to return for nostaligic reasons, but we also wanted to try out the Four Seasons.

The Ritz is an incredibly beautiful property. The grounds are expansive. The pool area is one of the most gorgeous I've ever seen. Unlike the Four Seasons, they had room to build the hotel in a way that didn't seem crowded.

In the past, there were a lot of complaints about the dingy rooms. With the remodeling, the rooms look modern. They got rid of the carpeting and put in wood floors. The furniture has all been updated.

We loved our stay at the Ritz. They upgraded our room for us. And we loved the breakfast at the Terrace Restaurant every morning. You can't beat it.

The advantages that the Ritz has over the Four Seasons is that it has a large central court with a huge pool. Sitting by the poolside doesn't necessarily mean being in a large crowd. However, the poolside service at the Ritz was spotty. I read one reviewer complaining that you had to get your own towels at the poolside at the Ritz. I never understood why they complained about this until you experience the service at Four Seasosn.

The Ritz has a disadvantage in that it's in Kapalua. It tends to get very windy there and the weather tends to be worse there than on the Wailea area where the Four Seasons is located.

The Ritz has a beautiful beach but it's a short hike down to the water and with the pool as big and beautiful as it is, hardly anyone seem to be at the beach. I did inquire about going to Kapalua Bay and it's beach (considered one of the most gorgeous in Hawaii) and they have golf carts to take you there and get you back.

Bottom line is that for sheer beauty of your surroundings, you can't beat the Ritz. Service is definitely not up to Four Seasons standards but then the Four Seasons seems to charge a heck of a lot more.

Before going to the Ritz, I was a little nervous based on some of the reviews, but I should not have been worried. It was wonderful. Yes, it is a little bit farther away from the action. Yes, it can be windy and a bit chilly on the beach or at the pool. BUT, neither of those were problems. Being farther out meant more privacy, fewer people, and more peacefulness. It's an easy enough drive to the beaches and shopping in Kaanapali and Lahaina. We found those areas to be fun to visit, but crowded and more "touristy" than relaxing. As for the breeze, it was nice to have that to cool us off. Other areas of the island were extremely warm with NO breeze. And the "walk" to the beach is a paved path down the side of the hotel. No big deal. Be sure to take advantage of the shuttle to check out other beaches and restaurants in the resort. Great views all over. Also, make the drive to the beaches north of the resort. Honolua Bay is amazing for snorkeling and the walk down to the beach is full of beautiful trees and plants.

The people who worked at the Ritz were great, especially the valets. Our room was upgraded upon arrival, a few minor issues ( really squeaky bedroom door) were resolved immediately, and restaurants were very good. Our meal at the Banyan Tree was fantastic, and we are big restaurant goers. Eat the mango chutney at the breakfast buffet!

Our only wish is that they had an adults only pool area, as teachers on a honeymoon, we wanted to try to avoid the kiddies. Overall, lots of pool space, so not a huge problem.

I have stayed in several luxuray resorts and hotels all over the world. This is by far the most incredible hotel I have experienced.
If you want an incredible vacation or honeymon please stay here. My only regret is that we are only here for 5 days, we are vising other islands.


My bride and I are celebrating our honeymoom at this property. At her insistance I paid paid stay here in leiu of using points for a free stay at a near by Hyatt. (best move I have ever made). This is my only honeymoon. This is an outstanding property with first class service and amenities. If you are a Ritz Carlton patron you will not be disappointed. This is a 5 diamond property for 5 diamond guests.

We have an ocen view residential suite that included a free 4th night and a $250.00 meal credit. I suggest you book at the Ritz Carlton site directly. The suite has a full kitchen and state of the art appliances and kitchen tools. We did not plan to cook but with the fridge and microwave we have the luxury.

The pool, beach, golf, spa, and views are truely paradise. My wife swelled with tears upon first entry to the suite. This a 5 star luxury facility and is exteremly accomodating. I can not imagine a more wonderful resort. The best sicky buns at breakfastI have ever had.

We flew into West Maui Airport and the hotel sevice van was waiting before we had our bags.

One last thing I did read many reviews and from what I have experenced this resort is outstanding.

I have just returned from an 8-day trip to the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Maui. I have stayed at Ritz Carlton Hotels before, but I must say this one took my breath away. From the moment I first arrived the hospitality was incredible! From the valet, the front desk and the bellman, I felt like a welcomed regular VIP guest, where everyone knew my name! The staff was so friendly, knowledgeable and always went out of their way to make my day perfect.

Upon check in, the front desk gave me running maps, hiking trails and a daily activity sheet. They also informed me of the different nightly specials in the hotel restaurants.

The concierge recommended some of the most fabulous island activities that I have ever done. They would easily take care of dinner reservations and book activities.

The grounds were breathtaking. They have a private beach that is so peaceful and romantic. All of the trees and flowers looked and smelled like heaven. The hotel was so amazingly beautiful, with dark wood, air smelling of Hawaiian flowers and open windows so I could feel the fresh breeze. Everywhere I looked, had the most perfect view.

A favorite way to start my mornings was by going for a long walk around the spectacular grounds. Talk about relaxing! Brunch was never a bore with fresh papaya; omelets made your way and fresh fruit smoothies, different everyday.

The pool was so captivating; I was in it any chance I got. The service was incredible, rolled up towels as pillows and tasty pina colada’s. There are three separate pools plus a very grown up kiddy pool with their very own waterfall. :>

For a relaxing way to end the day with a magnificent view, I would sit in the outside lounge overlooking the pool. Delicious food, tropical drinks and live music were just a few feet away.

The housekeeping staff was very on top of things. I began to look forward to the nightly turn down service where I received the Ritz one page newspaper with the 'Hawaiian word of the day', fitness schedule and hotel info/updates.

Basically to sum it all up, this was one of the best vacations ever! It was largely due to the Ritz Carlton hotel and staff. Thank you so much! I would absolutely recommend that everyone go for a visit…at least once! ;>