Courtney Brown

Kapalua Logo Sale: It's that time of year again!

For two decards, the Kapalua Logo has been one of the Kapalua Resort's best attended events. Some Kapalua fans even plan visits to the island around it. Stock up on logo wear, golf and tennis items, and more-discounts range from 50-70% on apparel and 30-50% off on golf hardware. It's a great place to do your holiday shopping!

Where:
Hale Hokulani, aka "the cart barn" across from Kapalua Realty on Office Road.

When:
Friday, November 13th, 9-5
Saturday, November 14th, 9-3

Kapalua Resort and Maui Land and Pineapple: A New Direction for Maui

Today Maui Land and Pineapple announced a new direction for both Maui Pineapple Company and Kapalua Land Company, operator of the Kapalua Resort:

Pineapple:
After 97 years of business here on Maui, Maui Pineapple Company will cease pineapple operations. In spite of initiatives to focus on hybrid fruit, improved facilities and operational efficiency, MPC has lost $115 million in agriculture since 2002. Most recently, the company had cultivated pineapple on nearly 2000 acres around the island. The impact of this announcement is heart-felt: MPC has a rich history-it has employed generations of Maui residents, and has provided a beautiful backdrop for our island.

Kapalua Resort Operations:
Kapalua Land Company will also make adjustments by creating partnerships in the many segments of resort operations it currently self-manages. As a world class resort, Kapalua offers golf, retail, adventures, organic farms, dining, and accommodations. The partnerships are with operators that are considered the best in their respective fields, who are being selected on their ability to reinforce the Kapalua Resort's reputation as a top destination. It is expected that these new partnerships will be finalized on or before December 31, 2009.

Today's announcement comes on the heels of ML&P's third quarter reports, which can be viewed online at the company's investor relations page at www.mauiland.com. In addition to losses in pineapple operations, losses of $22.8 million were reported. These losses are attributable to the company's investment in the Kapalua Bay Holdings, LLC, the joint venture which built the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay. This effectively writes down the company's equity in the luxury condominium project.

Company History:
To understand the impact of today's announcements and the history of this company, a brief overview may be helpful:

The company ML&P dates back to 1962, but its history in West Maui and the island dates back even further. What was eventually to become the Kapalua Resort, was known as the Honolua Ranch at the turn of the century. Originally it was home to cattle ranching and food crops. When ranch manager, D. T. Flemming, added pineapple farming to the ranching operations in 1912, he effectively changed the future of West Maui for years to come. Nearly half a century later, ML&P's first President and CEO, Colin Cameron, would change the face of West Maui even further, with his vision of the Kapalua Resort and his focus on conservation.

In 1978, the Kapalua Resort welcomed it's first guests when the Bay Hotel opened it's doors. Over the next few years condominium communities such as the Bay Villas, Ridge Villas, Golf Villas, and Ironwoods would bring more visitors and guests. Nestled along the Bay Course, these condominium communities blended in with the natural surroundings. The historic Honolua Store, which served the Plantation Community since 1929, remained at the heart of the resort. In the late 80's early 90's, the resort saw the addition of residential communities at Pineapple Hill, the building of the famed Plantation Course and the surrounding Plantation Estates, and the addition of the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua hotel. The resort continued to grow and evolve: a decade later, the Coconut Grove was added, lots were sold at Pineapple Hill Estates and Honolua Ridge. Over the last few years, we saw a $180 million renovation at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, the transformation of the Bay Hotel to the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, renovations to the Honolua Store, the addition of ziplines and mountain hiking trails, and the opening of the Kapalua Spa.

Kapalua's butterfly symbol pays tribute to the resort's beginnings in pineapple production. If you look closely, you will see that the heart of the butterfly is a pineapple, representing a resort and island community whose metamorphosis began in the Pineapple fields that were cultivated around it.

Maui Named Best Island in the World...Again!

The Readers of Conde Naste Traveler once again named Maui the best island in the world in the 2009 Reader's Choice Awards poll.

Maui also was awarded the title of "Best Pacific Island", and several Maui resorts were among the favorites in the category of Top Hawaii Resorts, including the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua at #14.

Readers evaluate the activities, atmosphere/ambiance, beaches, friendliness, lodging, restaurants, and scenery that the islands have to offer when making their selections. Maui has long been referred to as "No Ka Oi" (or the best), by visitors and kama'aina alike for its incredible beaches, gorgeous resorts, charming towns, gourmet dining, and fabulous local residents. Maui's beaches often win accolades from other publications, such as Dr. Beach, www.drbeach.org, who names America's Best Beach each year. Kapalua is home to two of these award winning beaches: Kapalua Bay won this coveted award in 1991, and Flemming Beach (at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua) won in 2006.

Have you planned your visit to Maui yet?

Kapalua's Bay Course Offered for Sale

Kapalua Resort's much loved Bay Course is now formally offered through CB Richard Ellis' Golf and Resort Properties division (www.cbregolf.com).

Designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane, the Bay Course opened in 1972. Since that time, this trophy golf course has become one of Maui's most popular courses. Players enjoy the ease of play on the par 72 course, along with stunning views. In 2008, the course was home to Kapalua LPGA Classic. At the clubhouse, you'll find the Pineapple Grill, one of West Maui's most popular restaurants, and the Kapalua Tennis Gardens, operated by Peter Burwash International.

There are several resort communities nestled along the Bay Course, including the Golf Villas, the Ridge Villas, the Ironwoods, Pineapple Hill, and Pineapple Hill Estates.

Earlier this year, Maui Land and Pineapple, parent company of the Kapalua Resort, sold the Plantation Course for a reported $50 million. The Plantation Course is home to the 2010 SBS Championship (formerly the Mercedes-Benz Championship), and Kapalua Land Company continues in its management capacity.

For more information on the Kapalua Resort and its real estate offerings, or any other area of Maui, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Aloha
Courtney
www.LuxuryRealEstateMaui.com

Kapalua Maui: SBS Championship Tickets Now Available

Tickets are now on sale for the PGA Tour's Season Opening SBS Championship. Formerly the Mercedes-Benz Championship, this invitation only tournament will take place from January 4-10, 2010.

What makes the tournament so special is the accessibility-you can follow your favorite players, with a fantastic view of the Kapalua Resort as the backdrop.

Special savings are available if you purchase early: ask about the New Weekender Package, which includes 2 Saturday tickets, 2 Sunday tickets, 4 lunch coupons and a 15% merchandise discount. For more information on SBS Championship tickets, please visit: www.kapalua.com

For those of you that want to get into the mix, and play with a professional, a limited number of Pro-Am spots are available. Please contact me for information at cb@luxuryrealestatemaui.com