Golfing has never been better than at Hawaii’s many destination courses. With beautiful weather and amazing views, it’s almost impossible to “strike out” on any course you choose. On Maui, you will be treated to views of the oceans, cliffs, lush greens and jungle, and much more. Here are some of the top-rated and most popular golf courses on Mauai.
The Dunes at Maui Lani
Named the “Best Kept Secret Golf Courses in America” by Golf Digest, the 18 course, par 72 offers the only lighted range with grass tees in central Maui. The 6,841 yard course is located in Kahului and was designed by architect Robin Nelson. Nelson left the topography of the unspoiled dunes alone when crafting the course, for a Slope Rating of 141. This method of design (utilizing the natural terrain) is very similar to the design of courses in the British Isles built centuries ago.
Maui Country Club
A private, 9 hole, 36 par course in Paia, the Maui Country Club boarders Bay Beach and offers a secluded, relaxing atmosphere. It is a fairly flat course and has wide fairways. It measures 3,225 yards and, like most courses on Maui, offers views of the ocean and surrounding island habitat while offering a gentle challenge to players with the trade winds at play.
Maui Nui Golf Club
Originally named Eileair Maui Golf Club and located in Kihei, Maui Nui Golf Club offers a classic design for its 18 hole, 71 par course. It is suitable for any skill-level, but prevailing winds test golfers for a fair, but challenging game each time. It offers exceptional views of the Pacific, Mt. Haleakala, Molokini, and the West Maui mountains.
Maui Nui was designed to reward golfers who play the fundamentals well – keeping the ball in play, putting, chipping, and playing within themselves. It’s considered the fairest test of golf on Maui and was designed by course architect Bill Newis.
Ka’anapali Resort
At 18 holes each, the tournament-tested Royal Ka’anapali and Ka’anapali Kai courses located in Lahaina feature breathtaking views of the neighboring islands, Molokai and Lanai. Royal stretches 6,700 yards and is a par 71 with a special 5th hole that goes right down to the ocean at Ka’anapali Beach and Black Rock. The Kai course is shorter at 6,388 yards and a par 70. Both are courses designed to reward smart players and offer skill challenges with the natural surroundings, course design, and trade winds off the ocean.
Pukalani Country Club
The Pukalani Country Club is located 1,100 feet above sea level, which results in cooler playing conditions. It also works up the side of the world-famous Mount Haleakala, which is an extinct volcano and offers stunning panoramic views of the Island of Maui and the ocean on different sides. The course itself is designed by architect Bob Baldock to be relaxing for all players, with the only challenges coming from the wind and changes in elevation.
Waiehu Golf Course
With a stunning view overlooking Waihe’e Reef just offshore, Waiehu Golf Course measures 6,330 yards and is a great course for beginners. The 18 hole, 72 par course is public and offers a restaurant, pro shop, and starter’s booth.
Wailea Golf Club
Waliea Golf Club offers three different courses. The oldest of the three, Wailea Old Blue, is a traditional resort course with a par 71 and 18 holes over 6,545 yards and was the first course ever built in Waliea. The course winds its way on a tour of the resort while serving up views of the neighboring islands on one side and 10,023-foot dormant volcano, Mount Haleakala on the other.
At 6,825 yards, Wailea Emerald Course is a par 72, 18 hole course considered the most woman-friendly of the three – an award it was won several times. It is located on the sunny, warmer end of Maui and delights delights players with colorful foliage, carpet-like greens, and numerous views of the Pacific Ocean and Mount Haleakala. It has less forced carries and kinder fairways than the “Gold Course”, making the conditions great for players who want a relaxing game more than a challenging test.
As the most challenging of the three, the Waile Gold Course covers 7,078 yards with 18 holes and a par 72. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and honored by both Golf Magazine and Golf Digest as one of the country’s ten best new resort courses in 1994. It is well-known as “thinking player’s course” and offers a true test of a player skills. As with the other two Wailea courses, players will enjoy spectacular views of the ocean, Molokini islet, ancient lava rock walls, and more.
Green Hawaiian Golf Course on Lava Ocean Shore of Kona Island
Kahili Golf Course
At the foothills of the West Maui Mountains, Kahili Golf Course stretches over 6,554 yards. With views of both the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Haleakala the 18 hole, par 72 course challenges golfers of all levels and also offers a restaurant and banquet room.
King Kamehameha Golf Club
As the only private, 18 hole course in Maui, King Kamehameha Golf Club is located on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains in Wailuku. Situated 750 feet above sea level, no surrounding homes and fewer golfers provides a quiet, scenic game on the par 72, 6,875 yard course.
No matter your choice, it’s clear that Maui offers some of the best golf experiences not only in Hawaii, but in the world. The most important things to keep in mind is what your own skill level is and what type of game you are looking to play. Do you want a relaxing experience with gorgeous views, or real challenge (also with gorgeous views)?
