The Kapalua Resort's Quarterly Coffee Hour for Resort Owners is well attended. After all, this is Maui, and any change is big change.
Over the past few years, the Kapalua Resort has undergone a spectacular transformation, with the additions of activities, such as the coastal trails and zip-lines, and new development, such as the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay and the Kapalua Spa.
In these Coffee Hours, management from Kapalua Land Company and their parent company, Maui Land and Pineapple, are on hand to provide updates on resort development and events, and to answer questions.
Today, it was announced that the resort is on track to open both the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences and the Kapalua Spa on May 31, 2009. This will also include the Beach Club at the Residences, which is open to Golf/Platinum Kapalua Club members. There had been some concern, as Lehman Brothers had been a lead lender on these projects. However, a New York Bankruptcy Court has approved approximately $120 million in funding to complete these projects.
The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences is currently the only new oceanfront luxury development proceeding on Maui (development is currently on hold for Maluaka, Baccarat Wailea, and the Royal Lahaina Villas). The Kapalua Spa will be the largest total area spa in Hawaii, and will feature incredible views. With all of this heavy construction, there has been some damage to the Lower Honoapiilani Road, which is scheduled to be fixed in March/April. Additionally, there are plans to widen the sidewalk along that stretch of road, which will be a great improvement for all of the walkers that are out and about each morning and throughout the day.
Coastal Trails have been completed from Kapalua Bay to the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. They are pursuing easements with the Department of Transportation, and hope to continue with further extension of the coastal trail in 2010.
Kapalua Security announced a new operating location at the old Art School on Office Road. Staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Security has begun the installation of security cameras which will help them monitor public beach parking areas. They are also working with HOA's and AOAO's to improve security in their communities. In addition, 185 employees in the Kapalua Resort are CPR Certified, and there are 9 AED (Automated External Defibrillator) units throughout the Kapalua Resort and 3 at the Mountain Outpost.
The Kapalua Realty building at 700 Office Road will be renovated this year, to make room for a few more retail outlets, including The Kapalua Logo Shop. The Kapalua Villas check in will move to the old Village Clubhouse, adjacent to the Cafe at the Adventure Center. There will be a 24 hour sundry store and a range of Kapalua Logo wear available there as well.
Resort Occupancy has been down island wide. Kapalua Resort continues to have higher occupancy than neighboring resorts, in part due to large conferences and group events held at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. It is hoped that the drop in airfare will help bolster the resort's occupancy over the next few months, as mainlanders escape their harsh winter.
Kapalua Golf Operations is working on renovating the greens at four holes of the Bay Course. Additionally, the Golf Academy has opened a three-hole walking course. This is a great option for you if you want to get in a short game after practicing at the driving range. Lessons are also available. Finally, Morgan Pressel, our LPGA touring professional and winner of the 2008 Kapalua Classic will be in the resort next week. Along with Kapalua Realty, Morgan will be hosting a 9 hole tournament for our clients and owners, which promises to be great fun.
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