Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea vs The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua [2024]

Hawaii is on most people’s bucket lists.

Out of the 137 island chains, one of the most visited is Maui, particularly the Wailea area. This stunning spot has 1,500 acres of gorgeous beaches and is filled with luxury resorts. 

If you find yourself here, there are two fantastic hotels to check out: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. As you will find out, these 2 resorts offer a completely different experience. Let’s get started with our Four Seasons Maui vs The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua comparison. 

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Quick Glance: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea vs The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

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The Details: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea vs The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Four Seasons Maui embodies luxury set in an island paradise. This beautiful hotel is one of the older properties in Wailea. However, while its bones may be dated, the property itself is accommodating and cheerful, perfect for a family or romantic destination. 

Location

The hotel is in the Wailea area of Maui. To reach it, you’ll need to drive 30-minutes from Kahului Airport. Four Seasons Maui is sandwiched between Fairmont Kea Lani and the Grand Wailea. What’s more, there’s a walking path by the coast which goes all the way to Andaz Maui towards the North and the Fairmont at the south. 

This location is a bit more crowded because of the number of hotels in the area. Expect to see people always people milling around the beach or at the hotel. If you’re after some solitude, just be warned you may be hard-pressed to find it here. 

Room

A huge chunk of the hotel received an overhaul in 2016. This included all 383 rooms and suites, spread out between several categories and all eight floors. 

The Four Seasons Maui features the biggest standard rooms on the island. Entry-level spaces start at 600 square feet, so it’s spacious with enough room to accommodate a family of four. Not only are the rooms large, but they’re also some of the most beautifully decorated. 

It features a neutral color palette composed of tan browns, light wood, patterned beiges, and white. Floors are made up of wood with patterned carpeting. The rooms include a signature Four Seasons King bed or a double queen. These are covered in comfortable white sheets with a wooden headboard that’s further set in an even bigger framed white leather piece. 

On the side is a comfortable chair with a footrest and at the opposite is a dining table with a tan bucket chair. For luxury amenities, the rooms include a 65-inch flatscreen TV, electronic safe, ironing equipment, beach bags, and umbrellas. 

In the room is an iPad tablet which you can use for ordering room service or checking out daily activities offered at the resort. You can also use this for ordering room service, booking an appointment at the Four Seasons Maui Spa, or asking for turndown service from housekeeping. 

Head to the bathroom and you’ll find stunning marble soaking tubs with private glass-enclosed shower spaces with a rainfall showerhead. On the vanity are twin sinks and there’s also a private water closet. Locally-crafted toiletries are provided for guests. 

Every single one of the guest rooms includes a furnished outdoor balcony or patio. The majority of them showcase an ocean view thanks to the unique shape of the building. There are cases though where entry-level balconies face the parking lot or the mountains. 

Amenities

With such a huge sprawling resort, guests are spoiled for amenities. One of the best spots to visit is the saltwater swimming pools. Each one of the three pools has a distinct vibe.

The main Fountain Pool is the hub of the hotel. It’s Instagrammable and features a giant water fountain perfect for kids and adults alike. Luxurious cabanas are also available here. These cabanas are for rent and come with a TV, coffeemaker, and personalized service. 

The next pool is the Waterfall Pool. It’s a spot where you’ll hear kids frolicking and having a great time. The waterfall has a lava rock feature as well as a two-tiered waterfall and a small water slide to entertain the kids. A wading area also has a ton of beach toys. There are private cabanas in the area perfect for naps. 

Finally, the third pool is the nicest one and makes guests feel like they’re in a secluded oasis. It’s accessible via a gated staircase and designated for adults only. This one comes with an infinity edge that looks out to the views of Wailea Beach. It also has a swim-up bar and hot tubs.

All the pools are manned by staff. They’ll hand you towels, offer fruit cups, snacks, drinks, or even sunscreen. 

Another great amenity at the resort is the beach. This has a beautiful tan, powdery sand and is great for paddle-boarding or body surfing. On the southern edge, you can swim and snorkel with turtles or check out the reefs. 

Guests can also enjoy the other facilities like the tennis court, game room, a putting green, and the 24-hour business center. There’s also a large fitness center filled with Matrix cardio machines, weights, and Peloton bikes. Classes like HIIT and yoga are also available. 

Another must-visit is the spa. It offers a range of massages and facials but they also have guided meditation, acupuncture, and chiropractor sessions if you need them. Other non-surgical options are also offered like fillers, PRP hair restoration, even Botox injections. It’s also in this area where you’ll find a salon and barbershop for extra pampering. 

Finally, there’s a beautiful event space ideal for destination weddings or private gatherings.

Food and Dining

Four Seasons Resort Maui – Ferraro’s Bar and Restaurant. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort Maui – Ferraro’s Bar and Restaurant

Dine at any of the three restaurants at the Four Seasons Resort Maui. Spago, headed by Wolfgang Puck, is the hotel’s signature restaurant. It’s open during dinnertime only. This restaurant has mostly indoor seating with large windows so you can check out the view outside.

Ferraro’s Bar E Ristorante serves Italian food outdoors. It’s open for lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, breakfast is served at Duo Steak & Seafood. This is the only all-day restaurant on the property. They serve an amazing breakfast buffet but you can also order from the menu. 

Also, make sure to drop by the lobby lounge for some live local music as well as pre-dinner cocktails. If you want more convenience, the hotel also has in-room dining. 

Staff and Guest Services

While there’s no butler service here, the staff are amazing. They are friendly, attentive, and well-trained. The service is personalized dispute the large facility. They’re also proactive, ensuring you will enjoy your stay. 

Price

For prices, the Four Seasons Maui is one of the pricier resorts in the area. During the low season, a standard room costs $750 per night. However, visit in the peak months, and you’ll find the same room go as high as $2,650 per night. For the average season, the rate per room is $1,440 per night. 

Points Redemption

Four Seasons Maui currently doesn’t have any rewards program available. 

Who Is It For?

With amazing facilities and a large resort footprint, the Four Seasons Resort Maui is the perfect choice for families looking for a fun vacation. Their kid’s club, coupled with all the activities and the facilities available, is ideal if you want to have an active, fun-filled getaway. 

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Four Seasons Maui Gallery

Four Seasons Resort Maui – Club Ocean View Room. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort Maui

Four Seasons Resort Maui – Wailea Beach. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort Maui

Four Seasons Resort Maui – Spago Maui. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort Maui

Four Seasons Resort Maui – Elite Two-Bedroom Suite. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort Maui

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Image Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

One of the most exclusive luxury resorts you’ll find in Maui, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is a favorite retreat for honeymooners or families who prefer a place that’s a bit further away from the touristy spots.

Not only is it surrounded by greenery, but it’s considered one of the best resorts in Hawaii you can book using points. 

Location

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is set right on the interior of Kapalua. This huge resort complex occupies 23,000 acres of land. Within it, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua occupies 54 acres of it. From Kahului Airport, it takes a 60-minute drive to reach the hotel. It’s considered one of the most remote luxury destinations in Maui. Even the nearby hotels and resorts are more peaceful compared to those you would find in Wailea. 

There is one downside to staying in this part of Maui, the weather is a bit unpredictable. It experiences more wind and rain compared to other places. Plus, there’s also the chance that a storm might hit the area. 

Room

The Ritz-Carlton is known for offering refined elegance. It’s no different with the rooms here. Each one of the 466 rooms is considered the most luxurious in all of Maui. While these rooms aren’t as spacious as those you would find in the Four Seasons Resort Maui, it is well-appointed and beautifully furnished. 

All standard rooms start at 400 square feet. These contain a balcony with a chair and table while showcasing a view of the ocean. Inside the room, the decor is kept minimal and neutral without being boring. 

There’s wood flooring accentuated by modern furniture. Also, there’s tan wallpaper with pops of bright green on the cushions and pillows to add a bit of color. On the walls are authentic Hawaiian art, giving the room a lovely local vibe.

In-room basics like a flatscreen TV, coffeemaker, and a fridge are also provided. There’s also a dining table with chairs and plenty of seating space. 

Walk into the bathroom and it’s lined with marble. There’s a private shower area fitted with rainfall showers and a dedicated water closet. On the other side is a gigantic bathtub perfect for soaking away the stresses. Asprey toiletries, along with robes and a hairdryer also come with the room. 

Amenities

Unlike the Four Seasons Resort Maui, the amenities at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua are a little more tempered. They emphasize quality over quantity, ensuring every facility is designed for function, comfort, and style.

For instance, the resort features a 17,500 square foot spa. It’s one of the biggest spas in all of Maui and comes with private rooms for men and women including a steam room, a whirlpool tub, and a lounge space.

There are also 15 treatment areas along with co-ed spaces for relaxing. Guests can also relish traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massages as well as non-surgical treatments like microdermabrasion. 

Those who want to spend time by the pool can enjoy the three-tiered 10,000 square foot swimming pool. it has a kids section as well as a whirlpool. There’s a poolside deck available with a view of the D.T. Fleming Beach as well as much of the Kapalua coast. 

If you want to enjoy water sports, you can head to the beach and go snorkeling, kayaking, or even sailing. For nature-centered activities, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has an amazing Jean-Michael Cousteau Ambassadors Center. Kids can go on guided nature hikes or snorkeling tours. They won’t get bored here.

In addition, there’s a 24-hour fitness center you can access with your room key. It’s filled with contemporary machines and weights. For those who want programs, taichi, yoga, and spin classes are also on offer. 

Finally, there are the two golf courses located in the larger Kapalua complex. The resort’s proximity to these amazing courses makes them one of the best golf resorts you can book with points. The Plantation Course and The Bay Course are both championship courses, with 18-holes each. One is designed by Arnold Palmer while the other is by Francis Duane. 

In addition, those who are still learning to play golf can head to the Kapalua Golf Academy. This is a 23-acre practice area with golf programs. Other amenities include an event space perfect for weddings. 

Food and Dining

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – Ulana Lounge. Image Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

There are six restaurants here. Banyan Tree Restaurant serves as the signature high-end dining space. They serve Hawaiian-influenced fare using organic and locally-grown ingredients. To match the food, they have an impressive list of organic wines. 

For breakfast, Ulana is the place to be. It serves buffet meals while showcasing exquisite views. The Alaloa Lounge is ideal for live music at night while the Olu Cafe is fantastic for lunch and drinks. You can also grab cocktails and salads here. 

Meanwhile, the Burger Shack is right by the beach. It’s the place to visit if you’re craving milkshakes or burgers. Finally, for coffee and pastries to go, Kai Cafe has a good array of items to choose from. There’s also 24-hour room service available for guests to enjoy. 

Staff and Guest Services

Starting with the front desk down to the housekeeping, the service at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is impeccable. The staff make an effort to know each guest and address them by name as much as possible. What’s more, the manager is regularly chatting up guests, making sure their stay is comfortable and enjoyable. 

Price

This property is known for being a high-end hotel. The prices reflect this too but it’s quite close to that of the Four Seasons Resort Maui as well. During the low season, a standard room costs $1,170 per night. However, during peak season, the same room costs $2,512 per night. The average season rate is $1,467 per night. 

Points Redemption

Yes! You can redeem a free rewards night here since this is a Category 8 Marriott property. In fact, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is one of the best hotels and resorts in the world to book with points!

You can redeem 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points during off-peak dates or 100,000 points on peak dates. Meanwhile, if you’re visiting during the average season, it’s 85,000 points per night.

Who Is It For?

With its secluded, private location, fantastic amenities, and great service, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is the perfect luxury hotel for couples or any family who wants a more subdued, relaxed vacation. Golf enthusiasts would also love this resort for its proximity to two amazing golf courses. 

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The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Gallery

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – Swimming Pool. Image Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – Plantation Course. Image Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua- Spa. Image Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – Banyan Tree. Image Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Best For: Which Resort Should You Go For?

Wrapping Up

Whether you dream of a quiet and romantic luxury escape with your partner or a fun-filled adventure with the entire family, the Four Seasons Resort Maui and The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua are two of the best resorts in Maui to consider. 

What are you waiting for? Start packing your bags and have a safe travel!