Hawaii: Familiar but Different

Families can choose between grand suites and rustic tentalows

Producers in Hollywood have a way of driving screenwriters crazy with a perplexing request that is usually linked to a current hit: “Give me something like Juno—but different.”

While solving this conundrum isn’t a cinch for screenwriters, travel agents have an easier time coming up with an answer when family clients ask the vacation version of the same question: “Give me something familiar, but different.” Agents can’t go wrong suggesting Hawaii for their clients’ next family vacation. Hawaii’s great beaches and dramatic scenery are huge draws, while activities ideal for families are numerous, including submarine excursions, whale watching, kayaking, hiking and horseback riding.

While each of the Hawaiian islands has its own unique appeal, all share in common the “aloha spirit” and reverence for children, or keiki as they are called throughout the Islands.

Earlier this year, Kapalua Resort on Maui opened the Kapalua Adventures Mountain Outpost. The complex, located in the mountains 1,500 feet above the resort, has eight ziplines traversing deep gorges, a ropes-challenge course, a climbing wall and a 3,000-square-foot lookout deck. Two suspension bridges will be added at a later date. Guests can visit the Kapalua Adventure Center on the resort grounds and consult with an adventure-activity concierge to schedule activities or craft their own custom adventure, with options for helicopter tours, private zipline tours or dinners at the Kapalua Adventures Mountain Outpost lookout.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is part of the Kapalua Resort, making it an ideal choice for families who are intent on experiencing the physical challenges at the Kapalua Adventures Mountain Outpost. Last January, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua completed an extensive $130 million renovation that included an expanded fitness center and movement studio with panoramic ocean views; specially created late-departure facilities with lockers and showers; a new pool bar and grill; and major enhancements and additions to the resort’s pools. Updated amenities include miles of new hiking and biking trails as well as horseback riding.

Another major change at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is the addition of 107 one- and two-bedroom, full-ownership Residential Suites. These come with fully equipped kitchens and spacious living rooms, making them a good recommendation for families. Residence Suites owners will have privileged access to all of the resort’s services.

Heidi Denecke, senior sales manager, travel industry, is the travel agent liaison and can be reached at 808-665-7200 or heidi.denecke@ritzcarlton.com.

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