Hawai’i’s cultural renaissance began back in the 1970s, but it is only in the last three decades that we’ve seen local culture truly begin to intertwine with tourism.

One could argue the starting point was in 1994, when a man named George Kanahele published a piece entitled “Restoring Hawaiianness to Waikiki.” In 1997, he founded the Native Hawaiian Tourism and Hospitality Association, which aimed to make visiting Hawai’i more like visiting Hawai’i, and less like a corporate theme park.

Since then, others have carried on Kanahele’s efforts to make sure that true Hawaiian culture is integrated into more aspects of tourism. One specific example we see all across the islands today is the introduction of the Cultural Ambassador position at hotels, who ensure that the property’s programming, design, and messaging is truly Hawaiian.

Compared to fifty years ago, hotels are more authentic today, offering guests a true sense of place in the Hawaiian Islands; that is, their core values acknowledge the local customs and landscapes with renewed energy and pride.

All properties in Hawai’i should be commended for this growth. But there are some who deserve extra recognition for lighting the way.

The Ritz Carlton Maui in Kapalua might seem like just another upscale beach resort. But take a closer look and one finds much more depth. In fact, the hotel has one of (if not the) most extensive commitments to Hawaiian culture in all its forms.

Through its programming, which includes on and off-property experiences, it promises the continuation of Hawaiian customs, heritage, and art, as well as connecting guests to the culture’s spiritual and earthly components.

The ‘OG’ of Cultural Ambassadors

The history of the cultural ambassador is, as discussed, rather recent. So when you find one who has been in their exact position since the beginning, it’s likely that they have a unique and special bond with the property and surrounding communities.

The Ritz Carlton Maui, Kapalua, offers such an example. Clifford Nae’ole has been the hotel’s Cultural Ambassador for more than 30 years, leading to deeply established relationships and programming that, no doubt, inspire similar efforts island-wide.

“Our programs are designed to connect the ‘hosted’ to the ‘host,’ thus enhancing the overall experience of all involved,” said Mr. Nae’ole.

He conducts weekly historical “Sense of Place” discussions about the Honokahua Preservation Site, a sacred and ancient burial ground on the hotel’s property (see below). The hotel also offers cultural programs like native cordage weaving, lei po’o (flower crown) making, hula lessons, and a nightly sunset chant.

Sacrificing Itself For the Preservation of Culture

If you look up the Ritz Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and wonder why it’s set so far back from the beach, it’s because of a commitment the hotel made to the Native Hawaiian community.

The Honokahua Preservation Site is the resting place of more than 2,000 Hawaiian kupuna, or ancestors, dating as far back as the year 850, and as recently as the early 1800s. This burial ground was discovered in 1987 during the construction of the hotel.

Instead of working against the community, it was decided that the hotel would cede to this sacred space, and the entire hotel project was moved inland to allow Honokahua to remain undisturbed.

Today, although access is restricted to cultural practitioners, the site provides a beautiful, open green space for reflection and stands as a reminder of priorities and mutual respect between the hotel and local culture.

Hotel Design – Hawaiian Art and Customs

How many times have you stayed at a hotel, noticed the beautiful design and art selection, but were left wondering about its significance or meaning?

At the Ritz in Kapalua, most pieces are accompanied by a QR code. When scanned, you will receive details about how the artwork or artifact relates to Hawaiian culture and tradition from the Hawaiian Cultural Advisor, Clifford Nae’ole.

Off-Property, Adventurous Cultural Activities

Many hotels today will offer cultural activities on property. Typically, they include things like lei making, traditional canoe rides, or hula and ukulele lessons.

The Ritz takes it one step farther by offering adventurous activities off property that combine activities guests want to do anyway (hiking, snorkeling) with educational and cultural narration.

For example, you can join the resort’s naturalists for a hike along the Kapalua Coastal Trail to learn about the history and connection Hawaiians had with the land (sacred sites, how they lived/cared for the coast, etc). Or, take a guided snorkeling trip in a nearby bay to learn how naturalists survey local reefs and why they are important, now and then.

In general, Kapalua is a lesser-trafficked area than, say, Lahaina, Ka’anapali, or Kihei. It’s not hard to notice that, as a result, the area tends to be more community-focused, with a keen eye for cultural and environmental preservation. In this way, simply visiting the area gives one a different feeling, one where the health of the land and its people supersedes the interests of any individual business.

The Celebration of the Arts

Another way that the Hawaiian community celebrates its cultural rejuvenation is via the annual Celebration of the Arts, held each April at the Ritz Carlton Maui, Kapalua.

The weekend-long festival has been honored throughout the state, receiving awards as a cultural high point for local art, music, dance, and customs. 2023 marked the 31st year of the event.

On the ground, attending the Celebration of Arts is half like attending a conference or festival, and half like attending a family reunion.

Throughout the hotel, different venues – from the auditorium to the lobby bar to the beach – host a schedule of events, presentations, and performances, such as agricultural talks, traditional dance, cultural films, singing competitions, sunrise ceremonies, chanting, art markets, and more.

What makes the Celebration of the Arts so much more than a schedule of events can only be witnessed, felt, and embraced when in attendance.

Cultural practitioners from across the islands circle this date on their calendars, reuniting each year to acknowledge their accomplishments and progress as well as discuss hurdles, hardships, and areas of improvement. Mixers and dinners allow hotel guests, attendees, and practitioners to come together over a drink or meal, with infamous local musicians – such as Brother Noland – rocking the lobby bar well past midnight.

Activities also expand outside the hotel. For example, head out into a native forest for a tree-planting experience in the hillsides of Kapalua, or jump aboard a traditional Polynesian voyaging vessel, anchored in beautiful Kapalua Bay.

Any traveler interested in a total immersion and celebration of Hawaiian culture should circle the dates on their calendar.

What’s New?

Not only is the Ritz Carlton Maui, Kapalua, on the cusp of cultural progress, it’s also pretty dang good at being a 5-star hotel. Recently, the property underwent extensive renovations that saw its pools and restaurants get a refresh, as well as the introduction of 33 brand new guestrooms.

Known as the Fire Lanai Collection, the new rooms feature enlarged lanais with a private fire pit, unique outdoor lounge furniture, and a location that offers ocean views. The Ritz is the only resort in the Hawaiian Islands to offer guestrooms with private fire pits.