Maui is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for a reason. There is so much to do on this beautiful island and one activity that you should not miss is playing a round of golf. The island has some of the best golf courses in the country, and it is an experience that you will never forget. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best 10+ Maui golf courses and give you tips on how to choose the right one for you!
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The history of golf in Maui
Maui is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world. The history of golf in Maui is closely tied to the development of the game itself. In 1898, the first golf course in Hawaii was built on Maui, just two years after the first official golf tournament was held in St. Andrews, Scotland. Since then, Maui has become a popular destination for golfers from all over the world.
Many of Maui’s golf courses are located near the ocean, offering stunning views of the Pacific coastline while players test their skills on the challenging fairways and greens. Maui has become an ideal location for a golf vacation, and with more than 30 golf courses to choose from, there is something for everyone.
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The best Maui golf courses
If you want an unforgettable golfing experience, Maui is the vacation destination for you. We have compiled a list of the 10+ best courses on the island to ensure that your trip is everything you hoped it would be.
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Ka’anapali Golf Courses
Ka’anapali Golf Courses include: The Royal Ka’anapali and Ka’anapali Kai (formerly called Kaʻanapali North and South).
- The special thing: Located on gorgeous Maui’s west coast.
- Prices for all of the courses: Vary depending on the time of year, but you can expect to pay around $200 per person for a round of golf
- Player: Well suited to all levels of players, from beginners to professionals.
- Note: You can make reservations for the Ka’anapali courses 30 days ahead while the Kapalua courses up to 25 days in advance. And through many people’s reviews, Ka’anapali golf courses are not as challenging as the Kapalua courses below.
- Address: 2290 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
- Phone: main|local: 808.661.3691
- Open: Mon- Sat 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
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Ka’anapali Kai Golf Course
Robin Nelson, the most prolific golf course architect in Hawaii, redesigned the Ka’anapali Kai Course. This course emphasizes round strategy rather than length or strength, which is why it is enjoyed by both novice and experienced golfers.
The 6,400-yard par 70 layouts were originally built as an executive course before being rebuilt by Arthur Jack Snyder in 1976 – Thus, the course is shorter and more forgiving than most others. Additionally, it has unique greens that roll in different directions depending on your level of play.
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Royal Ka’anapali Golf Course
The Royal Kaanapali Golf Course is one of the island’s oldest and has been well-maintained throughout the years. Robert Trent Jones, Sr. created the course in 1962. There is a golf professional on-site as well as a hitting range, club rentals, and cart rentals available.
Because it reaches between the rugged coast and the edge of the West Maui Mountains, this course covers approximately 6,700 yards. You’ll be challenged by the elevation changes across many of the holes, as well as the palm trees, roughs, and bunkers dotting the undulated fairways.
The Royal Ka’anapali also was the first golf course in Hawaii to offer night golfing, and it’s one of only a handful of courses to offer this unique experience. Come and enjoy!
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Kapalua Golf Course
This is a premier championship golf course located on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui. The Golf Course is renowned for its challenging design, stunning views, and lush vegetation that make it one of the most popular courses in all of Hawaii. Kapalua Golf Course spans over two thousand seven hundred acres and offers two eighteen-hole championship courses: Plantation, Bay.
The Plantation Course
This golf course is the most iconic of the three courses, designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. It’s ranked as the number one golf course in Hawaii and the seventh best golf course in all of the United States, making it a gem of the island. Spanning seven thousand four hundred and eleven yards, this course has the most dramatic ocean views and stunning scenery, making it a favorite among golfers. The Plantation Course is also home to the PGA TOUR’s Tournament of Champions annually.
The Bay Course
Spanning over 6,600 yards with a par-72 rating, this 18-hole course is the original design of Kapalua. Blueprinted by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane in 1975, it has remained renowned throughout the years due to its excellent quality and numerous tournaments that have been held there with some of golf’s best players competing. Withstanding the test of time for more than four decades now – hosting over 20 major professional events – the Bay Course at Kapalua is still one of Hawaii’s premier championship courses today. The Bay Course is an oasis of beauty, with its carefully manicured greens and captivating views of the distant Island of Molokai.
- The special thing: The most difficult golf course in Maui HI is at the top.
- Price: The Plantation Course is $395 (plus tax) and comes with a shared cart fee. The Bay Course at Kapalua is $235 standard or $215 for resort guests.
- Player: Professional
- Booking: The Bay & Plantation Golf Courses are open daily with tee times available from 7:00 am – 12:30 pm. They currently have a 30-day booking window for standard tee times. Standard tee times can be booked online.
- Address: 2000 Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
- Phone: +1 877-527-2582
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The Bay Course
It was created in 1975 by Frances Duane and Arnold Palmer and right now is the oldest onsite course at the resort.
Kapalua Bay Golf Course, which features a par-72 layout, has an overall length of 6,600 yards and six tees. The Kapalua Bay Golf Course is more forgiving in many ways than the Plantation Golf Course, making it appropriate for most skill levels. It’s known for a particularly difficult hole that requires you to hit a par-3 target while crossing over Oneloa Bay.
The amazing information is that it has hosted almost two dozen major Professional Championships throughout the years, including the 1983 Kapalua International and the 2013 Kapalua LPGA Classic. The sport has seen some of its most unforgettable moments take place here; for example, Greg Norman achieved his first American win, and David Llewellyn and Ian Woosman won the World Cup of Golf for Wales.
The Bay Course shares some qualities with the Plantation- primarily unpredictable weather and windy conditions in the afternoon. However, you’ll also love the views of the Pacific Ocean, Ironwoods Beach, and Molokai Island in the distance.
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The Plantation Course (best golf in Maui)
The Plantation Course at Kapalua is an 18-hole course located on the West Maui Mountains slopes near Kapalua Bay. The course was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and renovation in 2018 included resurfacing of the course – this miraculous 7,411-yard long and a par-73 will challenge even the most skilled golfers. That’s why this course ranks as the #1 golf course in Hawaii. Each January, the PGA Tour held the Sentry Tournament of Champions here.
Through golfer’s reviews, this is the most challenging – – Not only the tall grasses and Norfolk Pines have added to the challenge, but also the gusty breezes which blow in from the ocean still make the player’s experience more amazing.
It’s worth noting that the greens are enormous, with many breaks and lag putting is a must to avoid three-putting. When you’re playing the huge, renowned 18th down the hill, you’ll have a sense of knowing you’ve just played a unique round of golf.
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Wailea Golf Club
Golf Course Wailea includes Blue Course, Gold Course, and Emerald Course:
- The special thing: Full advantage of the on-site golf pro
- Player: Beginner to Professional
- Note: Weather is one of the most important factors when it comes to selecting golf. There’s less rain in Wailea than in Kapalua or Kaanapali, so if the weather is too windy or rainy to play golf at the Kapalua courses, you may get better conditions by driving 60 minutes (from Kaanapali to Wailea).
- Designer: This 18-hole course which spreads over a whopping 7,000 yards, was designed in 1994 by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Address: Wailea-Makena, HI 96753
- Open: Sun-Sat 6:30 am – 6:30 pm.
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Gold Course
Located in Wailea, Maui, this golf course is one of the premier Maui golf courses. With its wide open fairways and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, it’s no wonder why this is a popular choice for golfers from around the world.
Robert Trent Jones Jr. crafted this 18-hole golf course in 1994, spanning a colossal 7,000 yards of expanse and beauty. Once hosting the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game, it is now known for its yearly championship events and is an idyllic setting to truly challenge your skills on the green!
Blue Course
The Blue Course stretches to a length of 6,765 yards and offers 18 holes – similar to the Royal Ka’anapali in size. The course winds through the rolling hills and tropical vegetation of Maui and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
This golf course is rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest, and is a favorite of both locals and visitors. It is a popular course for tournaments and has hosted such events as the PGA Champions Tour Mitsubishi Electric Championship.
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Emerald Course
The Wailea Emerald Course, like the Gold or Blue Course, offers a great balance between natural beauty and difficult holes. It’s an 18-hole, par-72 course with over 6,800 yards of rolling terrain.
You can take full advantage of the on-site golf pro, driving range, and rentals for carts and clubs while you enjoy your round of golf at the Wailea Golf Club. The Wailea Emerald Course has been impeccably designed with expansive fairways and up to six tee boxes, making it a great option for golfers of all skill levels.
The 10th and 17th holes feature a double green with a tree-lined lake set against the Pacific Ocean. You’ll be able to enjoy picturesque views of both the ocean and brightly colored plumeria and bougainvillea plants while you play.
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Kahili Golf Course
- The special thing: Natural Beauty
- Price: Starting at $79
- Player: Intermediate
- Address: 2500 HI-30, Wailuku, HI 96793
- Phone: +1 808-242-4653
- Open: Sun-Sat 6:00am 6:00pm
The Kahili Golf Course is one of Maui’s best-kept secrets. This 18-hole, par-72 course is situated on 6,560 yards of the green hillside with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Rated 4.5 stars out of 5 on Golf Digest, this course is definitely a must-play for any golf enthusiast. The course is open every day from 7 am to 6 pm.
The course winds its way through the natural beauty of the area with views of the Pacific Ocean and the island of Lanai in the distance.
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Manele Golf Course
- The special thing: Ocean and mountain view
- Player: Beginner to Professional
- Address: One Challenge Dr, Lanai City, HI 96763
- Phone: +1 808-565-4000
- Open: Sun-Sat 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Manele Golf Course is one of the most challenging golf courses in Hawaii. This 18-hole, par-72 course offers some of the most stunning views you will ever see while playing golf. With ocean views on one side and mountains on the other, this course is a must-play for any golf enthusiast.
The course winds its way through natural lava rock formations and offers challenges for golfers of all skill levels. The 10th hole is a true test of your skills, as it is a 460-yard Par 4 with an elevation change of over 100 feet. The 13th hole is a beautiful Par 3 with an island green that will make you stop and take in the view.
If you are looking for a challenging golf course with stunning views, then the Manele Golf Course is the perfect choice for you.
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Maui Country Clubs Golf Course
- The special thing: Pro shop, snack bar, and clubhouse
- Player: Beginner to Professional
- Price: $50
- Address: 48 Nonohe Pl, Paia, HI 96779
- Phone: +1 808-877-7893
- Open: Sun-Sat 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Maui Country Clubs is a beautiful 9-hole golf course located on the North Shore of Maui, just minutes away from world-famous beaches and resorts.
This Maui golf courses is open Mondays through Fridays, with exclusive access for members on the weekends. The club has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with plenty of amenities for golfers of all levels. The course is well-maintained and has a challenging layout, with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Facilities include a pro shop, snack bar, and clubhouse, which can be rented out for events. Services include golf lessons and tournaments.
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Maui Nui Golf Club
- The special thing: The classic design features of Hawaii’s Big Island
- Price: $20 or less
- Player: Beginner to Professional
- Address: 470 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753
- Phone: +1 808-874-0777
- Open: Sun-Sat 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Maui Nui Golf Club is the perfect place to play if you’re looking for a fair but challenging course. The classic design features of Hawaii’s Big Island are also found on Maui Nui. They include a welcoming entrance hole; holes that face each of the four cardinal points; and the prevalent trade winds testing the golfer and rewarding good judgment.
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Pukalani Country Club
- Price: $25- $63
- Address: 360 Pukalani St, Makawao, HI 96768
- Phone: +1 808-572-1314
- Open: Sun-Sat 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Pukalani Country Club is a prestigious golf course that is known for its challenging layout and cool playing conditions. The course’s 18 holes were designed by renowned golf course architect Bob Baldock and are located at the 1,100-foot elevation level, which results in cooler playing conditions. The biggest challenges come from the wind and elevation changes, which make this course a true test for any golfer.
The course is located in the town of Makawao, which is known for its cool, upcountry atmosphere. The course is open to the public seven days a week and offers a variety of services and amenities, including golf lessons, club rentals, and a pro shop. If you’re looking for a challenging and scenic golf course, then Pukalani Country Club is the perfect choice for you.
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The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course
- The special thing: Far removed from the hustle and bustle of busy tourist areas
- Price: $25 – $102
- Player: All skills level
- Address: 1333 Maui Lani Pkwy, Kahului, HI 96732
- Phone: +1 808-873-0422
- Open: Sun-Sat 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
There are many reasons why you should choose The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course.
First and foremost, it offers a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for a relaxing day of golf.
Additionally, the course is a par-72 that covers 6,841 yards, so it provides a good challenge for golfers of all levels. It was also designed by Robin Nelson and Mark Miller, two acclaimed golf course designers, so you can be sure that you’re in for an enjoyable experience. The course also utilizes both Bermuda and Tif-419 kinds of grass, which means that it offers a varied playing surface.
And finally, the course offers a full range of amenities and services, including an indoor practice area, a putting green, a driving range, an on-site golf pro, a golf academy, and even an on-site bar.
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The King Kamehameha Golf Club
- Price: $260 per round
- Player: All skills level
- Address: 2500 HI-30, Wailuku, HI 96793,
- Phone: 1 808-249-0033
- Note: Book The King Kamehameha Golf Club tours ahead of time to secure your spot.
- Open: Sun-Sat 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The King Kamehameha Golf Course in Wailuku is one of the best golf courses in Maui. With five sets of tees and strategic bunkers, it was created by Ted Robinson, Sr.
The King Kamehameha Golf Course is especially challenging because of its location; it’s situated on hilly slopes in the West Maui Mountains. With many holes featuring drastic elevation changes, playing here requires not only physical but also mental endurance. But the breathtaking views of the ocean from almost every hole make it all worth it.
So if you’re looking for a challenge and want to enjoy some of the best views Maui has to offer, then The King Kamehameha Golf Course is definitely the place for you.
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Waiehu Municipal Golf Course (cheap golf Maui)
- Price: $75
- Player: Beginner to Professional
- Address: 200 Halewaiu Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
- Phone: +1 808-270-7400
- Open: Mon-Fri 6:30 am – 5:00 pm / Sat-Sun 5:30 am – 5:00 pm
The Waiehu golf course has some great scenery and is quite forgiving for the average golfer. There are a few holes that can be challenging, but for the most part, it is a fairly easy course.
The Waiehu Muni golf course features some challenging holes but is also quite forgiving for the average golfer. The sixth hole is a difficult par four, with a narrow fairway that can be difficult to hit if you go too far to the right. The seventh hole is a par three with a steep slope in front of the green, and the eighth hole is a long par five with a pond in front of the green. The fifteenth hole is a downhill tee shot that can be quite tricky, as it looks as if you would hit it into the ocean. However, the course is enjoyable and provides great scenery for the budget golfer.
If you’re looking to hit the links during your stay on Maui, renting golf clubs is the way to go. And there’s no better place to rent than Maui Golf Shop or Jimmy’s Maui Golf Rentals. Both shops have an extensive selection of clubs for players of all abilities, and they offer great rates, too. So don’t lug your clubs all the way to Hawaii – let Maui Golf Shop and Jimmy’s Maui Golf Rentals take care of it for you!
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How to choose the best golf course in Maui for you?
We provide you with certain golfing conditions that fit the experience level you desire, based on expert opinions and reviews. Remember that arranges are subject to change depending on what others want, so they may not always be exactly as advertised.
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Best views from the golf course:
- Kapalua Plantation Course
- Wailea Emerald Course
- Kaanapali Royal Course
Most difficult to play:
- Plantation at Kapalua
- Gold at Wailea
- Royal at Kaanapali
Most enjoyable to play (handicap from 18 on up):
- Kaanapali Kai golf course
- Emerald at Wailea
- Maui Nui
Best value:
- Maui Nui (multi-round cards are a great value)
- Pukalani golf course
- Wailea Blue
- Dunes at Maui Lani
Best course conditions:
- Kapalua courses
- Wailea Courses
- Kaanapali courses
Best on site expensive restaurant:
- Plantation House in Kapalua
- Roy’s in Kaanapali
- Gannon’s in Wailea
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Best on-site value restaurant:
- Cafe O’Lei at the Dunes
- Mulligan’s at Wailea Blue Course
- Kahili Restaurant
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Tips for playing a round of golf on Maui
When playing a round of golf on Maui, it is important to keep a few things in mind. The following are some tips to help make your experience more enjoyable:
1. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. The weather on Maui can be unpredictable, so it is best to dress in layers.
2. Bring plenty of sunscreen and hats, as you will be exposed to the sun for long periods.
3. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
4. Pace yourself – remember that you will be walking 18 holes!
5. Take your time and enjoy the scenery – Maui is one of the most beautiful places in the world, so make sure to take it all in!
6. If you’re new to golf, consider taking a lesson from one of the on-site golf pros. Many of golf courses on Maui offer lessons for both beginners and experienced players.
We hope you enjoy your time playing golf on Maui!
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Map of golf courses in Maui
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a great golfing experience, Maui is definitely the place to be. With world-class courses like Kapalua and Wailea, you’ll never run out of places to play. And with so many different Maui golf courses to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your skill level. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Maui today!
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