In what ways has Montage Kapalua Bay met the growing demand for experiential, eco-conscious, adventure and/or slow travel?
There is no shortage of experiential activities on Maui. What stands out about Montage Kapalua Bay is our personal approach to coordinating these experiences.

Through our extensive pre-arrival planning, our concierge team is equipped with recommendations on what to do, where to go and what to see before guests even arrive at the property. Fluent on all things happening on Maui, our concierge carefully listens to our guests’ needs and requests and provides thoughtful recommendations on what to experience while on the island. We also have one of three cultural ambassadors on the island, and guests hungry for Hawaiian authenticity will find it at every turn.

How have these dynamics affected Hawai‘i’s tourism industry in recent years?
The experiential travel trend has allowed Hawai‘i’s tourism industry to expand dramatically. With the ongoing need to provide new and unique destinationspecific experiences, this has allowed local entrepreneurs and businesses to join Hawai‘i’s tourism market and bring new experiences to visitors that may never have existed before.

What other trends and industry dynamics have you observed over the course of your career in real estate and hotel management?
In this day and age of major brands and consolidated hotel companies, I feel people and travel organizations crave personal relationships now more than ever. There’s a great need to know that someone on the other end truly cares. There is a continued desire for a personal connection, which isn’t new, but it’s becoming rare to find. If you have it, leverage it to reach higher levels of better business.

Have alternative accommodation services like Airbnb affected business?
We have seen minimal impact on business in that our guests seek out a high level of intuitive service that cannot be replicated in an Airbnb setting. Our residential-style accommodations allow guests to have the space and amenities you’d find in a residential rental but with the programming of an expansive resort, which allows our guests to have the best of both worlds. A guest of Montage Kapalua Bay is looking for high-level service, the kind that cannot be matched with a rental program.

What are your strategies for reaching and appealing to the luxury traveler?
The luxury traveler is looking for a high level of service, unique locations to explore and visit, high-end design, innovative cuisine and experiences they will always remember. Montage Kapalua Bay, like all Montage properties, delivers in all of these areas, with comfortable elegance, a unique sense of place, impeccable hospitality and inspired culinary, spa and lifestyle experiences. Our guests are our ‘ohana, and they return to see their Montage Kapalua Bay family year after year.

In what ways has Montage Kapalua Bay met the growing demand for experiential, eco-conscious, adventure and/or slow travel?
We are able to coordinate horseback riding, private boat rides and snorkeling as well as hula dancing, ukulele lessons and leimaking led by a local “auntie” who gently reveals each tradition’s deeper meaning.