The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and Ka hale A Ke Ola Resource Center have joined this holiday season in an effort to raise funds for Maui's less fortunate children. The resort will host the 16th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 4. The festivities will begin at 5:30 and are complimentary. Resort and community guests are invited to gather at the Makai Lawn  to enjoy a variety of live entertainment, and family photos with Santa.

The Ritz-Carlton will present cookies, punch, and hot chocolate and other special holiday treats. Attendees are encouraged to bring low backed beach chairs and picnic blankets.

The event will benefit the children of Ka Hale A Ke Ola, Maui's homeless resource center through the sale of tree ornaments. Rebecca Woods, CEO says" Working on this annual project with Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, is always the highlight of the year. It is the time when children work hard to perfect their hula, and show their talents. The Ritz-Carlton's General Manger, Tom Donovan added, " Now more than ever this partnership is important to help our community endure these tough times."

The tree lighting event is a fantastic time to show how much we care about others that share this island.

With a flick of the switch, 250,000 holiday lights will illuminate the pool courtyard and official holiday tree. The bright lights will serve as a beacon to encourage Santa, our holiday super star to touch down at Kapalua, a winter wonderland in a tropical paradise. Call 808-669-6200 for more information.

I have been utilizing the Kapalua Spa and all its amenities. I am an avid exerciser now, and really having the opportunity to really mix it up and obtain a fabulous workout regime.

Every morning at the spa, there are fabulous classes in which to choose. They range from Yoga, to Pilates, and even a relaxation class. Yes, even in Maui, you can learn to be MORE relaxed. the water aerobics is a workout! It's not your grandmother's water class.The instructors are fabulous. They gear each class to each classes level.

I am hoping they add evening classes once more people catch on to this fabulous amenity of the resort.

I also enjoy the weight room, and all the machines. They have treadmills, bicycles and the latest in kinesis machines, to add strength and flexability to your body. The exercises are endless.

The view is priceless. The classes are held in a room with a huge view of Kapalua Bay and Molokai. One wall completely opens to the elements, if you so choose, and of course there is A/C and soothing music.

The workout space below also has views, and throughout the spa, there is the sound of the central waterfall fallying from the open air lobby.

It is magnificant.

What a great, healthy invigorating way to start of end the day.

Don't forget the steam, sauna, jacuzzi and saline infinity pool.

The Kapalua experience just keeps getting better.

Aloha, off to the spa!

Kapalua Resort is please to welcome SBS, the Seoul Broadcasting System as the new title sponsor of the PGA's Tour's season opening winners only event on January4-10,2010 at the Plantation Course. Approximately 34 PGA professionals will be competing for the first title of the 2010 season. The Pro-Am costs $11,000 and features these tournament week highlights:

• One entry in the 36 hole SBS Championship All-Amateur Tournament, Sunday, January 3, 2010, at the Plantation Course, Monday January 4, 2010 at the Bay Course.
• One entry in the 18 hole SBS Championship Pro-AM , Wednesday , January 6, 2010.
• Up to 2 complimentary rounds at the Bay Course, January 2-10, 2010.
• Invitation for 2 to the Pro-Am Draw party on Monday, January 4.
• Invitation for 2 to the Gala Party on Friday, January 8.
• Invitation for 2 to the Champions Reception immediately following the awards presentation on Sunday, January 10.
• Admittance for 2 to the exclusive SBS Champion Hospitality tent in the Plantation House Restaurant, January6-10.
• Exclusive tee package.

Call 808-665-9160 for more information and to reserve your spot.