A Surfer-Inspired Packing List for The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Our annual Readers' Choice Awards winners have been announced! We loved poring over the results to find out what’s sticking with readers and spinning the data into a snapshot of the current moment in travel. Ahead: your manual for planning that next adventure. View the complete list of Readers’ Choice Award winners here.If you're embarking on a trip to this Maui resort, chances are you're also entertaining the idea of a surf lesson—or, at the very least, aspiring to look the part while watching from the beachside bar. Either way, Louis Vuitton men's spring-summer 2027 collection is a great place to start: Along with palm-patterned shirts and shorts, it includes full wetsuits, customized boards, and monogrammed diving gear. Alternatively, don a pair of classic Vilebrequin swim trunks and make for D.T. Fleming Beach, accessible from the property, to see professional body surfers become one with the waves before you head back to the resort for a dip in its sprawling multitiered pool.The Ritz-Carlton Maui, KapaluaSet along Maui’s rugged northwestern coastline, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, blends luxury with a deep commitment to Hawaiian culture. Ideal for groups, active travelers, and foodies, the resort offers a wide range of accommodations, from guest rooms with private lanais to spacious residential suites. Dining is a standout, with six on-property options, including the elevated Banyan Tree restaurant and casual oceanfront Burger Shack. Beyond the table, the resort hosts renowned events like the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival and offers more than 70 weekly activities, from yoga and sound healing to cultural programming. Guests can unwind at the spa or one of the multi-tiered pools, or get active by playing golf, tennis, or pickleball. Just steps from D.T. Fleming Beach and scenic coastal trails, the property balances relaxation with exploration—all while honoring the sacred land it calls home.Read Full ReviewIWC SchaffhausenPilot's Watch chronograph 41VilbrequinEmbroidered swim shortsRimowaReversible bucket hatLouis VuittonHeritage square sunglassesJaque Marie MageSunglassesLouis VuittonShortboard foliageOrlebar BrownSwim shorts in Automobili Lamborghini printMr. PorterManaaki cotton tshirtRalph LaurenNylon Oxford outdoor duffelThis article appeared in the November 2026 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.