It’s easy to warm up this winter with a trip from Denver to Maui via a 6.5-hour direct flight that will have you living the island life in no time.
The Hawaiian island of Maui has been delivering sun and sea to sun-starved snowbirds for years as one of the most visited places in the Pacific. But for travelers seeking a more refined Hawaiian experience away from the busier tourist centers of Kaanapali and Lahaina, Kapalua Bay is the best choice. Nestled on Maui’s northwestern shore, Kapalua Bay stands as one of Hawaii’s most treasured coastlines on the island and a stay at the Montage Kapalua Bay puts you at the center of this beautiful destination. This is one resort where you’ll find both beauty and the bounty of Hawaiian culture and with direct flights from Denver to Maui, your tropical island getaway is just around the corner.
Experience the best of Maui with a stay at the Montage Kapalua Bay
Resting on the northwest shores of Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay captures the Aloha spirit with its inviting atmosphere that immediately immerses you into the beauty of Maui with lush tropical gardens, front-row ocean views, cultural experiences, and culinary delights that feed all the senses.
Unlike other Hawaiian resorts, Montage Kapalua Bay has incorporated Hawaiian maritime culture and the island spirit into its luxurious property. The art of arriving feels special with a traditional Hawaiian lei greeting as you enter under the giant triangular roof that’s meant to resemble a traditional Hawaiian Canoe house. At the same time, open-air walkways and lounge areas lead to backyard ocean views of the property. Even a simple walk back to your room feels like a treat with a canopy of trees and flowers guiding the way.
Upon arrival, you’ll feel immediately at home on your trip from Denver to Maui with their residential-style accommodations that extend well beyond basic hotel amenities. Choose from one, two, three and four-bedroom suites, but even a one-bedroom suite starting at 1,250 square feet is enough for anyone to stretch out and take in the views of Kapalua Bay.
Ocean views reach as far as the eye can see from the suite’s private balconies, but to fully appreciate this location on Maui’s northwest shores, follow the footpath from the property to the Kapalua Coastal Trail, a scenic pathway that winds along dramatic lava rock formations and connects several beaches in the area. The trail offers stunning views of neighboring islands Molokai and Lanai on clear days, while during winter months (December to April), it serves as an excellent vantage point for whale watching as the humpback whales breach the channel waters.
The paved path reveals the beauty of Maui’s coastline filled with tropical plants, palm trees, lava fields and tidepools. Guided hikes are offered weekly through the resort. Along the trail, you’ll find the Aqualani Beach Kiosk on Kapalua Bay Beach, offering rentals for recreational activities. Discover the crystal-clear waters of Maui with a snorkeling or kayaking excursion in Kapalua Bay where you’re pretty much guaranteed to spot a sea turtle and plenty of tropical fish to brag about when you return home.
Or stick to dry ground and follow the trail towards the tidepools and aquatic ecosystem of Kuʻunaʻakaiʻole, where you can search for sea urchins and curious crabs. Sand dunes sweep across the landscape as you inch further north where you’ll find the ground-burrowing wedge-tailed shearwaters, a protected bird species in the area. Continue even further and you’ll be rewarded with scenic views of the rocky Ironwood Ciffs.
Discover other experiences that you can enjoy at the property with the resort’s full line-up of activities, including lei-making classes, hula lessons and golf enthusiasts flock to Kapalua’s renowned courses, including the Plantation Course, home to the PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions.
Back at the resort, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the island flavors with their culinary concepts that feature locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood. At the center of the resort, or the hull of the canoe, dine under the stars and taste your way through the reimagined menu at Cane & Canoe from the resort’s new Executive Chef Purpura. Savor the best of Hawaiian cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Maui and beyond, all while taking in oceanfront views. Or opt for a casual hang at the Hideaway—a cozy vibe with firepits and an open-air bar with small bites and island-inspired cocktails.
Spend your days relaxing at the resort’s pool oasis. Reserve daybeds for lounging by the Sunset Pool, or quiet retreats for adults only at the Serenity Pool. Coastal bites and drinks are served poolside at the Hana Hou Bar or the Sunset Bar and Patio.
But for the ultimate in relaxation, book some much-needed spa time at the Montage Spa. Secluded within the property, the resort’s spa facilities offer a tranquil retreat all its own with its bamboo waterfall, cedar wood sauna, cascading whirlpool, fitness center, movement studio and infinity pool. Book a private Hawaiian-style massage inside your own private Hales for an indoor/outdoor massage treatment.
End your time in Maui by toasting to a beautiful day with one of the best seats on the island with Champagne Hale, Montage Kapalua Bay’s pop-up Veuve Clicquot lounge at the historic Cliff House. The Cliff House offers exceptional views for sunsets and sipping champagne with an open-air restaurant overlooking the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean while tiki torches light the way toward what feels like a private oasis along the French Riviera.
Sip on a glass of champagne and explore an enticing menu of petite lobster rolls, oysters, artisanal cheeses and more, available for purchase. In addition to their signature bubbles, a curated selection of fine wines and spirits is also available, making it the perfect setting for a sunset cocktail hour before dinner.
What are you waiting for? Warm yourself up this winter with a trip from Denver to Maui and stay at the Montage Kapalua Bay.
*all images are by Jessica Hughes