Where to Golf on Maui: Unveiling Paradise's Finest Courses

Welcome to the Golfer's Paradise: Unveiling Maui's Finest Golf Courses

Welcome to the golfer's paradise on the stunning island of Maui! If you're seeking unforgettable golfing experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes, you've come to the right place. Join us as we unveil the finest golf courses across the island, including my personal favorite, Waiehu Municipal Golf Course. Plus, exciting news for golf enthusiasts—the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course now allows online reservations through their website, ensuring convenient access to this exceptional golfing destination. Let's dive into the unparalleled beauty and unique features of Maui's golf courses and discover the perfect course for your game. I'm Gray Marino, a Realtor at Real Broker LLC RS-86136, and I'm here to share my personal recommendations for golfing in Maui.

Waiehu Municipal Golf Course: Your Oceanside Gem

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Waiehu Point, the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course offers an extraordinary golfing experience at an affordable price. As an open-to-the-public course, it welcomes golfers of all skill levels to enjoy its 18 holes set right by the ocean. Immerse yourself in phenomenal views as you navigate this stunning course. And now, with the convenience of online reservations, securing your tee time at the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course is easier than ever. Visit their website at https://www.waiehugolf.com to book your tee time and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to play at one of Maui's hidden gems. For only $65, non-residents can indulge in a memorable round of golf at this oceanside paradise.

West Maui Golf Courses: Majestic Views and Unforgettable Rounds

1. Plantation Course: Located at Kapalua Resort

Probably the best-known course on Maui, the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort (home of the Sentry Tournament of Champions each January) has been ranked by Golfweek Magazine as #1 in the Hawaiian Islands for 15 consecutive years. The course originally opened in 1991, but the fairways, greens, tee boxes, bunkers, and approaches were completely revamped just before the 2020 Sentry. Nestled into the West Maui Mountains on what was once pineapple fields, it features major elevation changes, several downhill tee shots, wide fairways, expansive greens, and views of the ocean from every hole. This northernmost course on Maui, designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, is a 7,596-yard par 73.

2. Bay Course: Situated makai of the Plantation Course

Not to be outdone by its sister course at Kapalua Resort, the Bay Course has actually hosted more professional tournaments than any other location on the neighbor islands. In Hawaiian terminology, it is situated makai of the Plantation Course — meaning, closer to the ocean — which gives it the distinction of several extraordinary oceanfront holes. In fact, its infamous par-3 17th plays over the Pacific to a seacliff green on the opposite side of a bay. Totaling 6,600 yards, this par 72 was designed by Arnold Palmer and Frances Duane.

3. Royal Kā`anapali: Just south of Kapalua

Just south of Kapalua, the Kāanapali Golf Courses include the Royal Kāanapali and Kāanapali Kai, 36 holes that have hosted both LPGA events and the Tour of Champions. The Royal Kāanapali was the first championship course to open on Maui, and is one of only two courses in Hawaii designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. A par 71 of 6,700 yards, it starts at sea level and continues along the shoreline before moving mauka (toward the mountains) into former sugar plantation lands. Its generous greens and gently sloping fairways provide panoramic views of the ocean and the islands of Molokai and Lāna`i.

South Maui Golf Courses: Scenic Beauty and Championship Play

1. Gold Course: Wailea Golf Club's Highest Ranked Course

Golf Digest ranks the Gold Course highest among the three at Wailea Golf Club, on Maui’s south shore. Also the most demanding (because of strategically placed bunkers and natural ravines), it is the former home of the Champions Skins Game. Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s award-winning design, set within the foothills of the Haleakalā volcano, capitalizes on the natural undulations of the topography. This par 72 extends for 7,078 yards, hemmed in by centuries-old lava rock walls, with views of the Pacific, neighboring island Kaho`olawe, and the Molokini Crater.

2. Emerald Course: Fun for Every Level of Player

Also designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Wailea’s 6,825-yard par 72 Emerald Course is similar to the Gold when it comes to elevation changes and ocean views. But this one is intended to be fun for every level of player and a visual treat! It includes a number of downhill tee shots with gorgeous views toward the ocean, along with a beautiful lake, coconut palms swaying in the trade winds, and lava rock dotting an otherwise lush, tropical landscape.

3. Blue Course: Challenging Yet Distracting

Wailea Golf Club’s par 71 Blue Course winds its way through the scenic Wailea resort area for a total of 6,545 yards. Thanks to well-placed coral sand bunkers, Old Blue offers a challenging but fun experience. Fair warning, though: it may also present other hazards, like highly distracting views of whales breaching in the ocean and rainbows appearing over Haleakalā’s stunning slopes.

Central Maui Golf Courses: Unique Experiences in Stunning Surroundings

1. Dunes at Maui Lani: An Irish Links-Style Course

Looking for an Irish links-style course? Built on naturally occurring dune terrain in the valley between the two volcanoes that formed Maui, the Dunes at Maui Lani‘s 6,840 yards feature dramatic, natural sand dunes – inland, of all places! This par 72 was designed by Robin Nelson, the most prolific golf course architect in the Hawaiian Islands.

2. King Kamehameha Golf Club: A Legendary Course

Last but not least, the King Kamehameha Golf Club has a unique claim to fame: a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed clubhouse. Its 7,060-yard, par 72 course was originally designed by Ted Robinson Sr. and later refreshed by Ted Robinson Jr. Situated in the foothills of the West Maui Mountains, it boasts striking Pacific Ocean and Haleakalā views, along with tiered greens and tricky bunker placements.

Conclusion: Your Golfing Adventure in Paradise Awaits!

Maui is a golfer's paradise, and with an array of exceptional courses to choose from, your golfing adventure awaits. Whether you choose to indulge in the beauty and affordability of Waiehu Municipal Golf Course or explore the renowned courses of West, South, and Central Maui, each round will be filled with unforgettable moments and breathtaking scenery. Remember, you can now conveniently reserve your tee time at Waiehu Municipal Golf Course through their website at https://www.waiehugolf.com. For personalized assistance and expert guidance in exploring Maui's real estate and exceptional golf communities, feel free to reach out to me, Gray Marino, at Gray@GrayMarino.com or call 808-745-7445. Enjoy your golfing journey in paradise!

If you would like a partner on your golf trip, please reach out.  I love playing with new friends.  As a 12 handicap, I play an enjoyable game, but you won't be seeing me win any tournaments.  Let's connect on your trip to Maui to play some golf.