Maui Makes A Great Golf Vacation

The semi-tropical climate of Maui and the two close-by islands of Molokai and Lanai present golfers with perfect golf weather nearly 365 days a year.  These islands are a golfers paradise. 

 Together, these islands offer 16 beautiful and challenging courses that blend into the natural features of the Maui landscape.  Maui golf courses are more difficult than they first appear.  They feature different types of grass, unusual natural hazards, tradewind gusts and distractingly beautiful views.  Maui golf courses could be considered a golfer’s dream and nightmare all rolled into one. 

Overall, I would say that the South Maui courses offer the best golfing.  West Maui courses tend to have a little more wind.  Kapalua courses in West Maui nearly always present extremely high winds.  At both South Maui and West Maui courses, the greens break toward the ocean, even if they break uphill it is toward the ocean.

Tee times at Maui golf courses are usually easy to reserve and most courses accept tee time requests a few days in advance.  Shorts are considered acceptable golf attire on Maui courses but most prohibit denim.  Golfers should wear a collared shirt.  The collar will help prevent sunburn on the back of the neck and these shirts are often required attire.  In general t-shirts and tank tops are not acceptable.  Soft-spiked shoes are common.  Most green fees include a cart.  Late afternoon winds are more common so an early morning or evening tee time for golfing is preferred on Maui.

Kapalua Resort on Maui has been recognized as the Best Golf Resort in Hawaii by Travel + Leisure Golf Magazine.  The resort’s 1,500 acres are surrounded by a pineapple plantation and include three of the world’s most beautiful and challenging golf courses, The Bay, The Plantation and The Village.

Hole 6 on The Village course is one of the most scenic on Maui.  The Bay’s Hole 5 requires a 205-yard-long tee shot over Oneloa Bay.  The Plantation is host of the PGA Tour’s season opening Mercedes Benz Championship.  Kapalua Resort is located on the northwest coast of Maui.  A less desirable feature of golf at Kapalua Resort is the presence of pineapple bugs.

Kaanapali Golf Course at the Kaanapali Resort in West Maui features two excellent 18-hole courses.  The North course is considered one of Hawaii’s toughest finishing holes.  The annual Kaanapali Classic, a Senior PGA Tour event is held at the North course of this Maui favorite.

Golf for Women Magazine named Wailea Golf Club in South Maui one of the three most women-friendly golf facilities in the country.  The Wailea Golf Club features three courses, The Gold, The Emerald and The Blue.  All three courses offer stunning ocean and mountain views.  The Blue Course is the easiest of the three offerings.  The Gold Course is traditionally the host of the Senior PGA Tour’s Senior Skins game each January.

Golfers visiting Maui should keep in mind that many resorts offer package deals that include a room, car rental and a round of golf.  Courses located on Maui resorts generally offer lower fees and more readily available tee times to guests of their facility.

Maui’s many golf courses and beautiful scenery combine to make Maui a paradise for any golf fan.  I will see you there soon!