Home Front: Location: Eye on Maui, Hawaii
Formed from a chain of volcanoes.
June 1, 2008
Formed from a chain of volcanoes that erupted over the course of five million years, the Hawaiian Islands each carry a unique identity. Where the oldest island, Kauai, is known for its sandy beaches and lush landscape, the youngest island, the Big Island, is characterized by its arid atmosphere and the formations of lava rock that dominate the terrain.Maui, the second largest of the eight main islands in the chain, is formed from two volcanoes that overlapped during their eruptions. As the second youngest island, it offers both sandy beaches and rugged lava formations. The older towns of Lahaina and Kaanapali, on the northwest coast, claim some of the island’s better beaches, but the desirable topography has led to overdevelopment and a dense tourist population. The areas of Kapalua, on the northwestern tip, and Wailea, on the southwestern edge, offer more remote settings for vacation homes and resorts.
Because of its moderate climate, with temperatures consistently hovering in the 70- to 80-degree range, Maui has a year-round appeal. However, spring and early summer offer the opportunity to observe thousands of humpback whales migrating back to Alaska.
Resort: The last phase of the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s $160 million renovation
comes to fruition this June with the completion of its new 17,500-square-foot
spa, which offers treatments inspired by the healing waters of
Waihua.
Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, 808.669.6200,
www.ritzcarlton.com
Exhibit: Inspired by the Four Seasons Hualalai’s collection of indigenous art
that spans from Captain Cook’s arrival to Hawaii’s statehood in 1959, the Four
Seasons Wailea recently unveiled a new 2,600-piece collection that picks up
where the Hualalai’s leaves off. Docent-led tours are offered Fridays at 3
p.m.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, 800.819.5053,
www.fourseasons.com
Recreation: Eight ziplines, a four-station climbing tower, two suspension bridges,
and a ropes challenge course round out the first offerings from Kapalua
Adventures’ new Mountain Outpost at the Kapalua resort
community.
Kapalua Adventures, 808.665.4386,
www.kapaluaadventures.com
Shop:
A tasteful selection of regional cultural art—free of whale and dolphin
motifs—distinguishes the Hana Coast Gallery from the tourist traps of Lahaina.
Handmade koa tables and rockers are among the unique finds.
Hana Coast Gallery, 808.248.8636, www.hanacoast.com
Dine:
The 27th annual Kapalua Wine and Food Festival, held from June 26 to 29, brings
together celebrated chefs and sommeliers from across the country for cooking
demonstrations, wine tastings, and culinary seminars.
Kapalua Wine and Food Festival, 866.669.2440, www.kapalua.com