Relaxation and Luxury at Montage Kapalua Bay: A Tranquil Escape on Maui’s Northwest Coast

I am relaxing in a hammock, squinting up at the fronds of towering palm trees swaying in the breeze. Above me, the sun is shining, clouds are drifting across the sky, and the soothing sounds of waves lapping the shore are nearly lulling me to sleep. A waiter “interrupts” my reverie with a welcome mai tai. This, I think to myself, is heaven, or at least, what a vacation should be. 

My husband, Dwight, and I had checked into Montage Kapalua Bay, a 24-acre oceanfront resort on the northwest coast of Maui, offering views of both Lanai and Molokai. Spacious one-to-four-bedroom suites have living rooms, kitchens, and lanais. After a hectic season, this was our chance to relax and disconnect from busy lives. I immediately fell in love with this secluded resort because of its natural beauty and serenity.

Not that there wasn’t plenty to do, whether swimming and sunning on the beach or in the winding, multi-level pool with waterfalls and hot tubs. The pool has a large, shallow area perfect for families with children, as well as more serene areas for adults. We explored tidepools teeming with sea cucumbers and hermit crabs and hiked along the Kapalua Coastal Trail where we glimpsed wedge-tailed shearwaters, seabirds nesting in a protected area.

We lingered over leisurely breakfasts and romantic dinners at the lovely Cane & Canoe, which is open to the sun in the morning and the stars at night with views of the lush grounds stretching to the sea. Executive Chef Justin Purpura showcases Maui’s diverse culture with a menu of modern Hawaiian cuisine featuring lots of fresh fish, fruit, and other local fare. His signature dish is Kahuku Sweet Corn Agnolotti topped with Big Island lobster, and “truffle essence.” The beautiful and bountiful Lei Salad combines local greens and vegetables with macadamia nuts, mango, and a vinaigrette of liliko’i, Hawaiian for passion fruit. For breakfast, don’t miss the hearty Wagyu Loco Moco with fried egg, caramelized Maui onion, and jasmine rice topped with bordelaise. 

The Hideaway is perfect for a cocktail before dinner or for a more casual menu available both indoors and out, from Lobster Mac & Cheese to Warm Soba Noodle Salad. The poolside Hana Hou Bar & Sunset Patio is a convivial spot for libations and lunch including ceviche and seared ahi tuna burgers. Enjoy a glass of Champagne with light bites while watching sunsets from the seaside Cliff House, a historical building now used for private parties and pop-up events.

Montage Kapalua Bay also offers island culture and arts programs including hula lessons and ukulele classes. I chose lei-making with Silla, one of the resort’s  “cultural ambassadors,” who told me about the spiritual side of this long tradition. She patiently showed me how to make a lei-kui, stringing orchids together with a needle and thread to form the necklace given to visitors as a symbol of welcome. We laughed as I told her that I never learned to sew from my mother, an accomplished seamstress, because I was too impatient. “That’s the beauty of a lei,” she told me, “sharing the experience with someone.” 

The resort’s Paintbox children’s program includes arts and crafts, games, outdoor activities, movie screenings, and more. Montage guests can also tee off at two top-rated championship golf courses nearby including Kapalua Golf Bay Course, and based on availability, the Plantation Course, home to the PGA Tour’s The Sentry (formerly the Tournament of Champions) held each January.

Dwight and I borrowed a complimentary car to tour the northern tip of the island, driving along a narrow, winding road capped by canopies of thick greenery past stands selling fresh, cold coconut milk, still in the shell. Along the way, a must stop is the famous blowhole at Nakalele Point where we witnessed powerful jets of water shooting high into the air. We learned that the hole connects to an underground ocean cave. When waves crash into it, water is forced up and out in a spectacular display. Just don’t get too close! 

We also dropped in at Joey’s Kitchen, a popular local spot in Napili, featured in Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on Food Network. Chef-owner Joey Macadangdang serves up hearty helpings of Filipino-Asian food: Kalua pork sandwiches, teriyaki chicken, and garlic Kauai shrimp, to name just a few. 

But it was always wonderful to return to Montage Kapalua Bay, with its beautiful setting and many amenities. What sealed the deal for me was the resort’s traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi massage, one of many treatments at its expansive spa which also offers wellness and fitness programs. The soothing massage in a small hale (“house” in Hawaiian) was nothing short of magical, with gentle, flowing strokes designed to mimic the motion of ocean waves. Afterward, my body was relaxed and my mind at peace. I could see the sun peeking through the slats in the louvered doors and listen to the sound of foliage rustling in the breeze. This, I thought to myself, is what a vacation should be. 833.779.7951, montage.com/kapaluabay