Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Vs Andaz Maui

West Maui and South Maui are the two most popular destinations on the island, but the Ritz-Carlton and Andaz Maui may not be the most obvious resort choices.

Slightly away from the main action, these resorts share a similar elegance and mature style.

This guide explores the rooms, pools, and amenities that attract guests to these hotels.

Aerial view of a resort in Maui.

Where To Find The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua And Andaz Maui

The location is key to the experience you can expect at both the Ritz-Carlton and Andaz Maui. Although both Maui destinations, these resorts call two contrasting strips of coast home.

The Ritz-Carlton is in Kapalua, a West Maui town that sits close to the top of the island.

Up from the bustling town of Lahaina and family-friendly Ka’anapali, Kapalua is a serene destination to relax in luxury.

The Ritz-Carlton builds on this destination, creating a private getaway on a secluded Maui corner.

Andaz Maui, on the other hand, is almost at the heart of the action. Found in Wailea on South Maui, this is a busy resort town.

Andaz Maui is slightly out of the way, giving a more laid-back vibe than other Wailea resorts, but guests are still close to the beaches, restaurants, and shops that make Wailea so popular.

How Do The Rooms At Andaz Maui Compare To Ritz-Carlton Kapalua?

The rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua have been designed and decorated in a way intended to ooze elegance.

Island-inspired dark wood and local artworks are enhanced by an impressive amount of natural light let in through large windows.

Classically simple furnishings, marble bathrooms, and a spacious lanai help make these rooms suitably comfortable.

Guests at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua have the choice between standard rooms and suites.

Andaz Maui rooms and suites use a beach house chic style of décor, which lends the resort a boutique atmosphere. A stand-out feature is the dark stone bathrooms, which build on the intimate styling.

Private lanais offer guests the chance to soak up the vibrant Wailea atmosphere. Like the Ritz-Carlton, guests can choose between suites and standard rooms. There are also villas on-site at Andaz Maui.

Both Andaz Maui and Ritz-Carlton offer decent sized rooms and suites, but they’re far from the biggest on Maui. A room at the Ritz-Carlton has slightly more space than Andaz.

What Can You Expect From The Pool At Ritz-Carlton Kapalua And Andaz Maui?

There are some surprising similarities between the pools at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and Andaz Maui. Both resorts have foregone slides and attractions in favor of a refined simplicity.

The pool at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua consists of three tiers, making up 10,000 square feet of swimming area. The top tier is reserved for adults, who will appreciate the lounge seating and spectacular panoramic views.

The middle tier is the main pool. The bottom level is the kid’s pool, with a play area and room to splash about.

Andaz Maui has also gone for a tiered pool consisting of four levels, with no access restrictions. That said, families tend to use the lower level pools at Andaz Maui, while adults tend to stick to the top (that’s where the bar is).

Andaz also has a designated adults-only pool.

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is fronted by D.T. Fleming Beach, a white sand beach that’s become popular with surfers. It’s also within easy distance of Kapalua’s other beaches.

Andaz Maui sits on Mokapu beach and is a short drive from famous Wailea beach.

Which Has Better Restaurants: Andaz Maui Or Ritz-Carlton Kapalua?

The star of the dining scene at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is The Banyan Tree. With a menu inspired by the coastal setting, The Banyan Tree serves the best that Maui has to offer from land and sea.

The Ritz-Carlton has six dining locations, including The Banyan Tree.

Head to Ulana for breakfast overlooking the ocean, Burger Shack for a Kapalua picnic, and the Olu café for sandwiches either on-site or delivered to the pool.

There’s also Alaloa Lounge for sunset snacks, and Kai Café for food on-the-go.

There’s no lack of options for restaurants at Andaz Maui, either. Ka’ana Kitchen is a Maui-inspired family style restaurant, serving fresh fare from local farms.

Morimoto Maui’s sushi menu is spectacular, and Lehua Lounge and Bumbye Beach bar offer a luxury take on poolside snacks.

Andaz Maui also hosts The Feast At Mokapu Luau on the resort lawns. Inspired by Maui tradition, this luau is notable for the amazing dining courses.

Is There A Spa Or Fitness Suite?

At the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Spa, therapies have been heavily inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions.

Local botanicals and herbs are integrated in the experience, which include indoor and outdoor treatment spaces.

Awili Spa and Salon at Andaz Maui has also been inspired by local traditions, but this spa focuses on personalization. A unique apothecary treatment customizes the spa experience for each guest.

The highlight of the fitness center at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is the extensive range of fitness classes on offer.

Private sessions and group classes can both be booked, should you tire of the fitness suite facilities.

The Andaz Maui fitness suite also pairs classes with high-end equipment, so guests can work out in comfort.

What’s Better At Ritz-Carlton Kapalua?

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a luxury resort that piles on the amenities. A spacious resort, guests will feel their every need is met in a tranquil and refreshing environment.

Tucked out-of-the-way in Kapalua, the Ritz-Carlton is a true retreat. And it also backs onto one of the best golf courses in the world, nestled at the edge of the West Maui mountains.

What’s Better At Andaz Maui?

In busy Wailea, Andaz Maui is a well-placed resort that doesn’t feel overwhelming.

The sleek and stylish design is welcoming and low-key, creating a charming atmosphere that’s particularly appealing to couples.

From Andaz Maui, there’s easy access for exploring Maui, and an exceptional Pacific Ocean view to return to at the end of a long day.

Serene Luxury Or Chic Comforts?

Both the Ritz-Carlton and Andaz Maui deal with subtle luxury.

Although the location is a key decider between these two resorts, there are enough similarities and differences to make the choice tricky!

 

Other Places To Stay In Maui

We’ve written quite a bit about all of Maui’s available lodging, and continue to do so, but we wanted to share a few more places to stay from our friends at Booking.com. 

A Resort Stay: The Four Seasons Resort in Wailea is the cream of the crop of resort stays, with restaurants, ocean views, an on-site spa, and the Shops at Wailea are just down the road. Couples particularly love The Four Seasons!

Bed and Breakfast: Sometimes, it’s all in a name, and Adventure in Paradise is exactly what it sounds like, located in Haiku on Maui’s north shore. Wake up to a 180 degree view of Haleakala summit every morning from your private patio.

Hotel: The highly rated Maui Sunset hotel combines laid-back atmosphere and the beach of Waipuilani Park. Also, it’s only 1.7 miles from the Elleair Maui Gold Club!

Vacation Home: Find your home away from home at Puu Koa Palms, six minutes from Hookipa Beach, and near the Hana Highway. Also particularly great for couples!

Villas: If you’re looking to vacation in style with your own villa try the Andaz Maui, which include all the expected amenities along with grills and plunge pools.

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