Granite Cliff Studio

Kapalua Livin is a social media hashtag that I like to use. I arrived to Maui in 2011 with only the things I could carry, a light checking account and no real plans other than returning to Alaska. Well that all changed.

One of my first experiences on Maui was meeting a group of fellas that worked at the Ritz Carlton Club and Residences on Kapalua Bay. Especially a man named Aaron Sullivan. Aaron’s wahine was out of town and the annual employee Christmas party was going on. We ventured up north to undiscovered territory for myself. A rendezvous was arranged to meet some coworkers and have a few before the festivities. There was a two drink max for employees. With Aaron’s favorite beer in hand we walked out on to the Bay Course and found a spot by the famous ocean hole tee box, with friends joining us shortly there after. It was so great to laugh and joke with new people who were the definition of ohana. Besides the camaraderie, I fell in love with this view. There were humpback whales breaching and waves crashing. The sun was setting between Molokai and Lanai, just incredible. This is the moment Kapalua Livin started!

Kapalua is located on the northwest corner of Maui. It is home to the best beaches on the island and also some of the most unique scenery. It is part of the Honokahau ahupua’a, or land division. Through mo’olelo, or stories, what I have learned about this area was it once hosted a small battle on D.T. Fleming beach where not a single person lived. Since this is a very sacred spot and because of this history, many eye witnesses talk about seeing supernatural beings or hearing strange things. Also, due to the makani on this part of the island, vegetation is thick and healthy, most people would have not lived here. Although it would be frequented for its abundance of fish and lo’i kalo or taro patches. It was dominated by mango trees and tall grasses that were perfect for cattle ranching. Later barons would plant pineapples and sugar cane in the nearby fields.

What really sets this area apart from the rest is preservation. Up the mauna, the Puu Kukui Watershed Preserve, is home to plant species protected by former horticulturist DT Fleming. Makai side, a Marine Life Conservation District was created to protect the many bays of Kapalua. These two elements of protection hopefully create a balance to the resorts, condos and golf courses that now reside in the 23,000 acre Kapalua.

In 1962, 1963 and 1964, the Royal Lahaina Resort, the Sheraton and the old Pineapple Hill restaurant all opened respectively, launching tourism on the west side of Maui. Because of these advances, real estate, timeshares, hotels and golf courses were developed throughout the 70s and 80s. For Kapalua itself, the Bay course opened in 1975 and the Bay Hotel opened in 1978, where golf gods like Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw, Bill Coore and Mark Rolfing took notice to Kapalua’s unique topography. This will give you a timeline of just how things became to be.

Current day Kapalua landmarks include the Montage, the Ritz Carlton, Merriman’s and the Plantation Course. Of course, Kapalua Bay, Slaughterhouse and Honolua Bay remain staples in the area. A perfect “#kapalualivin” day would probably consist of an early morning walk down the Kapalua Coastal Trail followed by a round of golf at the Troon managed Plantation Course. Next a possible brunch at the Plantation House or an oceanside lunch at the Burger Shack for some much needed nutrition. Depending on how quick your round of golf went, a cliff jump and snorkel at any of the bays and maybe a stop at Spa Montage for a refresh from the powerful Maui sun would round off the afternoon. Then get ready for a beautiful romantic sunset dinner on the point at Merriman’s. To cap off the night, a starry sky above you while soaking in the jacuzzi at the Ritz.