Land Adventures

One of the perks of staying at The Ridge Villas is the easy access to the Kapalua® Coastal Trail. This 3.5 mile trail winds its way along some of the most stunning coastline in all Maui.

The trail can be accessed from several different locations. However, we suggest beginning at either the Oneloa Beach access at Kapalua Bay, or, at Fleming beach. There is free parking at both locations; however, it is a pretty easy walk from your front door.

From either access, you will see a path and signs that will direct you along the Kapalua® coastline. The trail changes from pavement to lava rock, and from time to time, a boardwalk. Along the trail you will see some of the most beautiful vistas of the island of Molokai and Lanai, of Fleming beach, and of the Oneloa and Kapaula® beaches. You will also see our Honus (sea turtles) floating in the inlets along the pathway. During whale season you are in for a special treat! Looking out from the trail, it is not unusual to see the great humpback whales at play!

The Kapalua® Ziplines are an adventure that will get the `ol heart to pumping! This course is conveniently located in the Kapalua® Resort, and features over two miles of parallel ziplines! The course offers adventurers the chance to fly over water falls and forests, and also features breathtaking views of all three islands along the way!

Guests start their zip line tour at the Kapalua® Zipline office, located near the Honolua Store in Kapalua®. After check-in, you will board a 4-wheel drive Polaris, and begin your exciting twenty-minute drive up the Maui Mountains.

The course features three different thrilling tours: a 4-line tour, 7-line tour or their 3-line full moon tour. Whichever tour you take, be assured that the experience will be the memory of a lifetime.

The Kapalua Labyrinth is one of the resorts best kept secrets. Many of the most seasoned Maui visitors don’t even know it exists!

The Kapalua Labyrinth is located on Makaluapuna Point just off of the Bay Course, which overlooks both Oneloa Bay and D.T. Fleming Beach. To get to the labyrinth, follow the dirt path by the small parking lot at the end of Office Road and across from the little white chapel.

A labyrinth is a tool for walking meditation and is used to promote spiritual peace and growth. Some might also call a labyrinth a very beautiful maze!

An anonymous builder built the coral labyrinth years back and is a beautiful place to take in the gorgeous views and serenity that only Kapalua can offer.  

The Maui Ocean Center was named as one of the top twenty-five aquariums in the United States. One visit to this extraordinary underwater world, and you will quickly discover just why.

Be sure to put some time aside to visit the Maui Ocean Center. The center has over sixty outdoor and indoor exhibits designed to educate visitors about our Pacific waters, as well as about the Hawaiian culture.

This beautiful aquarium features a 750,000 galleon tank with a walk-through tunnel; it is filled with sharks, sting rays, and a large assortment of tropical fish. The aquarium also features a turtle lagoon and a surge zone, a shallow reef and open ocean exhibits.

After a relaxing day exploring the Maui Ocean Center, stop by the award winning Seascape Restaurant. Enjoy a refreshing Mai Tai or Cucumber Watermelon-Rita as you take in the ocean views and reflect on your exciting day!

Guided tours are available, as well as shark dives in the aquarium`s tank (for certified divers only).

Take part in such activities as a guided coastal hike and tide pool excursion to learn about Kapalua’s rich history and marine life.

Children’s programs are offered as well for ages 5-14. Environmental exploration and cultural discovery are at the forefront of these kid-friendly, expert-led activities. Staff is friendly, highly trained, CPR-/first aid-certified and has undergone complete background checks to ensure the safety and comfort of participants and their parents.

Some activities include Turtle Tracks where children will learn about Hawaiian turtles, where they nest and their importance in local culture on this naturalist-guided search that goes into the wild. Or, Survivor- Imagine finding yourself on a deserted island with no computers, TVs or video games. Here, children learn the basics of island survival and what life was like for Hawaiians in the past.

With many other fun and informative classes available, you are sure to find something just right for you and your family.

The name Haleakala translated into Hawaiian means, "house of the rising sun." A trip to the summit of Haleakala National Park will give you a deep understanding of the power this sacred place evokes over those who visit.

At 10,023 feet in elevation, Haleakala towers over the island of Maui. During winter, it is not unusual for the summit to receive a blanket of snow! It is a tad discombobulating to be sure, to stand with wet and frozen feet on the snowy summit, while gazing down at the warm Pacific, palm trees and white sandy beaches lining its shores.

Those who dare to rise in the early am to begin their journey to the summit, will experience a sunrise like no other. It is captivating to be sure, to see the sun come up over Maui, as the crater`s colors, and the vistas below, change with the rising sun.

The only event which may rival a sunrise from the summit, is a sunset! Any annoyance with the long drive up disappears instantly, once you have arrived for the show. Bring dinner and some hot chocolate to be ready for that soon-to-appear galaxy of lights, that starry canopy just overhead. There is a reason why Haleakala is home to some of the most powerful telescopes in the world. The clarity of the night sky is one that is perfect for astronomers to explore the depths of our universe.

When visiting Haleakala National Park, you will find two visitor centers, hiking trails, cabins and camp grounds.

Be sure to take a jacket and warm clothes when visiting Haleakala. The temperature can drop, and quickly! Also, be sure your gas tank is filled before heading up to the summit.

Iao Valley State Monument is a historical site for Hawaii. It was here that King Kamehameha defeated the Maui army, which eventually lead to his success in uniting the Hawaiian Islands. It is said the the stream running through this valley, Iao Stream, ran red with the blood of the fallen warriors.

When visiting Iao Valley, you will immediately notice its focal point, Iao Needle. This tall piece of land stands high above the valley and is one of Maui`s most famous landmarks.

Two trails are available for hiking. One trail will take you to Iao Needle lookout; the other trail is used to instruct visitors about the flora and fauna of the plants that were brought to Maui.

Parking is $5 but free for those holding a Hawaii ID.

Bathrooms are available.

No visit to Maui is complete without a road trip to Hana. This lovely jaunt will take you along the coastline, and, some of most stunning views you will ever see in your lifetime. This winding, narrow road takes you around 620 curves and fifty-nine beautiful bridges. Cascading waterfalls and a lush tropical rainforest will have you feeling like you are in another world.

When beginning your trip, know that the objective is not to just get to the town of Hana, it is about the experience of the whole drive!

You will find endless opportunities to explore. One of the most popular attractions are the quaint stands on the side of the road that employ the honor system to sell their goods. Here you can find some of the best banana bread in the world, plus fresh floral leis, tropical fruits and other varieties of goodies.

It may be best to obtain a guide book, considering the variety of opportunities on this trip. Black and red sand beaches, gorgeous hiking trails, historic sites and tropical waterfalls are just a small sample of some of the adventures waiting for you.

We recommend taking a break from your day and having lunch at the Travaasa Hotel. Here you will find a most tranquil space to enjoy a quiet lunch, just outside on the patio.

Before you begin your journey to Hana, be sure you have a full tank of gas, a change of clothes, a towel, bathing suit, sunscreen, food, water, camera and medicine if you get car sick. This is a whole day adventure, so plan on making this your only activity for the day.

Most people turn around once they reach Hana. However, the road continues all the way around the island and offers a complete change in scenery. Car companies usually do not allow you to take their cars on this route, as it can be dangerous and in some places it is not paved. Use caution if you decide to go all the way around and know that cell phone service is nonexistent in some areas.

For those who may wish to explore Maui by foot, there are an abundance of trails at your disposal.

Hikes on Maui can range from easy walks along the coastline, to more advanced hikes that require more experience and stamina. Whatever experience you may be in search of, Maui has it!

In addition to the Coastal Trail in Kapalua®, we also remind our guests about the Village Walking Trail. This trail will take you along the golf cart path of the old Village Golf Course in Kapalua®. There are two options, either a 1.5 mile cardio loop, or a 3.6 mile lake loop. Once you reach the lake, you can feed the birds and the fish if you thought to bring a bit of bread along.

To access the Village Trail, simply walk or park to the Kapalua® Village Center, and walk on the paved path to the underpass. There you will find trail signs that will lead you in the correct direction.

Ironwood Ranch is nestled within the West Maui Mountains, and offers riders a variety of different tours that will take you through lush forests and offer spectacular views! The ranch has beautiful and well trained horses. And the experienced guides are not only passionate about their animals, but they are passionate about providing guests with a memorable adventure. Their rides include the "West Maui journey,`" the "Sunset Ride," the "Hawaiian Excursion," the "Maile Pai Ride" and private rides.

The Hyatt on Maui was recently named World’s Best Hotel for Stargazing, and offers visitors an opportunity to see the heavens above like never before!

Experience Maui’s crystal-clear skies with a night of stargazing and rooftop astronomy program! Gaze into their 16-inch reflector, the “Great White” HD telescope, and take a close up look at stars, planets, galaxies, nebulas and more.  

Nighty shows take place at 8:00pm and 9:00pm, and a special Romance Tour begins at 10:00pm. This tour is complete with sparkling wine and chocolate strawberries. Reservations are required.

The Nakalele Blowhole is a beautiful sight to be seen and very close to Kapalua. The drive is gorgeous, as you are presented with some spectacular, rugged views! From Kapalua head northeast on Highway 30. You will drive for around 15 to 20 minutes until you see a dirt pullout between mile marker 38 and 39. Park here and walk down the open area until you see a large rocky area surrounding the blowhole next to the ocean.

DO NOT get near the blowhole. Stay away at a safe distance as it is very dangerous to get too close. Many people have lost their lives getting too close to the blowhole and the water’s edge. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes. We recommend turning around shortly after the blowhole and returning back to Kapalua the way you came. Driving clear around the island can be a little hairy on this road as there are sharp drop-offs and not a lot of places to turn out.

In Hawaiian, Malama means "to take care of, preserve and to protect." That is just what the Pacific Whale Foundation aims to do for Hawaii. The Pacific Whale Foundation is not just about whales. The Foundation offers their program known as Volunteers on Vacation, “to help conservation-minded people engage in meaningful service projects” we are informed from their site, those activities that may benefit Maui’s environment. 

We have always encouraged our guests to set aside at least one day to participate, and there are a splendid variety of activities in which to take part. 

Participate in many of their programs, including “Coastal Debris Monitoring Program,” which is featured on their site under “Current Opportunities.” Our guests can check in either at the Foundation’s store at 612 Front Street in Lahaina, or, their shop at Maalaea Harbor. Both are open 365 days a year. Once there, you will be given a beach-trash collection kit. Then pick a beach and have at it!

Once finished, return the collected items to either of the Foundation’s stores, where you will fill out a data sheet regarding items collected. From the Foundation’s site: “Participate in Pacific Whale Foundation’s marine debris citizen science research by selecting a beach of your choosing, cleaning up the debris and filling out a datasheet, recording the items collected for proper disposal or recycling. This allows our researchers to expand their data set and analyze the trends and patterns of debris on Maui’s beaches and shores.”

A perfect feel-good day! No better way to give back.

Maui Luxe Picnics offers unique and intimate picnics that are anything but ordinary. These luxury picnics are the perfect settings for a romantic proposal, a special date, or celebration for any occasion.

Choose from their many picnic packages, or, collaborate with the owners, Paula and Christine, to create a custom experience all your own.

Maui Luxe Picnics offers options such as low picnic tables, vintage beach umbrellas, tents, pillow cushions, food, drinks, photography, videography, live music, hula dancers, flower leis and more. All you need to do is show up and they will take care of the rest.

Maui Luxe Picnics service the whole island of Maui, so picnic on Kapalua Bay, or anywhere your heart desires!