The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua Offers a Unique Hawaiian Cultural Experience

The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua creates unique Hawaiian cultural experiences and engaging environmental programs for the entire family. Classic Vacations and Luxury Cruise Experts recommends this resort for couples, families and all travelers wishing to learn and experience firsthand the history and culture of Hawaii. For guests seeking to experience Hawaii beyond the surf, sand and sun, The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua offers a variety of weekly, monthly and annual cultural programs providing a forum to gain a greater understanding of the rich Hawaiian culture and heritage that pervades the Aloha state. Cultural Advisor Clifford Nae'ole created this offering of activities encompassing history, music, crafts, artisans, and most importantly, sharing the story of the hotel's location adjacent to the sacred Honokahua Preservation Site. As Cultural Advisor, Mr. Nae'ole conducts twice weekly historical "Sense of Place" discussions and tours to the border of the Honokahua Preservation Site. He also hosts the monthly "talk story" series Mai Ka Pu'uwai (Storytelling from the Heart). He is chairman of Celebration of the Arts, the annual three-day festival tribute to the people, art and culture of Hawaii, which he created 20 years ago. A Hawaiian chanter and hula dancer, he has performed official ceremonies and traditional blessings throughout Hawaii, French Polynesia and the mainland U.S. The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua also proudly features Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program, which includes an environmental and cultural education center with excursions led by expert naturalists. This program seeks to inspire guests to live a more sustainable life and to gain a greater understanding of the relationships between land to sea, humans to nature, people to people, and present to future. According to Jean-Michel Cousteau,"We expect everyone, by learning more about our natural world and their places within it, to return to their communities as environmental stewards - ambassadors of the environment. Guests hike through the Hawaiian rainforest, snorkel among Maui's beautiful coral reefs and participate in underwater photography sessions, always exploring the relevance of Hawaiian culture. The Ambassadors of the Environment is an educational program dedicated to engaging people of all ages with the natural and cultural environment and at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, it has created opportunities for each participant to learn about Hawaii's unique ecosystems and nurture exploration of alternatives for a sustainable future. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is located on the western edge of Maui, embraced by white beaches and two dramatic surrounding lava peninsulas. There are 463 richly appointed guestrooms, including 107 residential suites with partial kitchen and dining areas. Coupled with The Ritz-Carlton Spa, delicious gourmet cuisine and the Ambassadors of the Environment program, guests are guaranteed a fabulous vacation.

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