Maui > Activities > Golf
MAUI GOLF COURSES
South Maui Golf Courses
Maui Nui Golf Club
Maui Nui Golf Club is a new favorite among golfers, as it has undergone some great renovations, including the widening of fairways and new designs on several odd holes. Affordable and conveniently located in the heart of Kihei, it offers fantastic ocean and mountain views of both Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. Trade winds add to the challenge at this course, perfect for beginners and avid golfers. Reserve your game and cart by calling (808) 874-0777.
Makena North and South Golf Courses
PRIVATE – For Members of the Makena Golf & Beach Club
The original course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and was ranked in the “Top 10 Hawaiian Golf Courses” by Golf Digest. The 18-hole course encompassed 1,800 acres along Maui’s rugged lava-ridden southern coast. In addition to providing a challenging play, the panoramic views, gnarly kiawe forests, and original ancient Hawaiian rock walls spread throughout, made for a unique experience.
The Makena Golf Courses are located in South Maui, boasting 1,800 acres of golf perfection. Makena has two 18-hole courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The South Course is a par 72 and 6,739 yards of rolling fairways with incredible ocean and Haleakala views. This course has 2 oceanfront holes as well as one of Hawaii’s top driving holes, the Tenth Hole. With exception of views of the neighboring islands and breaching humpback whales, this peaceful course leaves you with very little distraction.
The North Course is a bit newer, opened in 1993. Built into the natural surroundings of Makena’s most beautiful landscape, the North Course offers the same unobstructed views as does the South. With fairways built to slope into themselves, you’ll have fewer lost balls, and more playing time. The cart paths are all hidden from view, and the original Hawaiian rock walls have been left untouched. These two considerations when building the North Course have made it seem more like a natural park than a structured course. Two of the holes are high above the ocean with incredible views. Some of these course’s largest attributes are its pure greens, consistently excellent weather, and well-managed tee times.
The Gold, Blue & Emerald Wailea Golf Club Courses
Wailea Gold Golf Course
Wailea Gold Course has been honored numerous times for its 1,078-yard course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.; and has been dubbed a “thinking player’s course,” as it demands a strategic and conditioned golfer. The course has also been honored for its preservation efforts of the centuries-old Hawaiian structural lava rock walls. It is the more challenging of the three Wailea courses and was home to The Champions Skins Game from 2001 to 2007. 808-875-7450
Wailea Emerald Golf Course
With carpet-like fairways, ocean views, and stunning natural Hawaiian foliage, this course has been called “Maui eye candy” by some. The course has also been dubbed as one of the “most friendly for ladies” by Golf Digest and was granted a “Top Fairways Award” by Golf for Women Magazine. Architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. created this 6,825-yard course to be fun for all skill levels. The clubhouse offers Gannon’s Restaurant by the famed Maui chef, Bev Gannon. 808-875-7450
Wailea Blue Golf Course
Situated on the leeward side of Mt. Haleakala, this classic golf course offers some of the best golf weather on the planet. The slightly higher elevation on some holes offers undeniably beautiful views of the surrounding islands of Kahoʻolawe, Lanaʻi, Molokaʻi, and the snorkel spot Molokini. It is the oldest of Wailea Golf Club’s trio of courses and is actually the very first thing ever built in Wailea Resort. The “Grand Lady of Wailea” has been a favorite of Maui visitors for years. Mulligans on the Blue is a lively restaurant and bar located alongside the course. 808-879-2530
West Maui Golf Courses
Kaʻanapali Royal Golf Course
This is a favorite for West Maui golfers and it is one of only two courses in Hawaii designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The course stretches 6,700 yards and is typical of a Jones course in that it challenges players’ club selection and putting skills. Often called the ‘Tournament Course’, the Royal once hosted the LPGA events and the original Seniors Tour. Arnold Palmer once called the 18th hole one of the best and most challenging finishing holes he had ever played.
Kaʻanapali Kai Golf Course
Kaʻanapali Kai is a relatively short, par-70 course, that plays only 6,388 yards. It is considered much easier than its West Maui counterpart, the Kaʻanapali Royal Golf Course. And, some golfers use it as a warm-up course to adjust to Maui trade winds. Originally designed in 1976 by Jack Snyder, it was later re-designed by Robin Nelson to allow for more expansive views and interesting shots. Some of these features include natural gulches, canals, Norfolk Pines, gorgeous plumeria, and lava rock boundaries.
Kapalua Bay Course
The older of the two Kapalua courses, this impressive spread offers everything that typifies a Hawaii Golf Course. There are two gorgeous seaside holes. One of which, No. 5, was created by lava pumping into the sea creating what appears to be ‘arms embracing the sea’, which in Hawaiian translates to Kapalua. The tee is positioned on one side of Oneloa Bay and using the trade winds, golfers launch the ball across the glistening ocean to the awaiting green. Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane did a superb job with this layout, bringing golfers back again and again.
Kapalua Plantation Golf Club
The Plantation Course at Kapalua is spread out across a former pineapple plantation and is spectacular in vistas and play. Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore designed this course and created arguably the most challenging on Maui. It is home to the PGA Tour’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions each January. (formerly the Mercedes Championship) Previous competitors and fans of the course include Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, and more. The well-known Plantation Restaurant is located at the clubhouse.
Central Maui Golf Courses
Kahili Golf Course
Nestled in the foothills of the West Maui Mountains, this centrally located golf course was designed by Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright. It is very similar to its next-door neighbor, the King Kamehameha Golf Club course. Upgrades include TifEagle greens, white sand bunkers, and golf carts equipped with GPS. The course hosts numerous local tournaments each year and is a popular choice for both visitors and locals. Be advised, that the par 4s are designed to make you work!
King Kamehameha Golf Club
Named in honor of one of Hawaii’s greatest kings, King Kamehameha Golf Club is a private 18-hole golf course. But, visitors should take advantage of their “Member for a Day” option to enjoy this course. Ted Robinson Sr designed the course, which was later redone by his son 14 years later. It can be challenging, and average golfers are advised to play the white tees. The club’s claim to fame, besides sweeping bi-coastal views, is their 74,000 sq. ft. clubhouse that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course
The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course is designed much like the courses in the British Isles or Scotland, as its holes take full advantage of Maui’s natural topography with rolling sand dune terrain. Located in the gusty central valley of Maui, near the main business district, some of the course is exposed to mischievous 15-25 mph trade winds, which make for a playful and interesting day on the green. Cafe O Lei at the Dunes is the current onsite restaurant (scheduled to move to a new location in 2022) and is a huge favorite among local Maui residents.
Waiehu Municipal Golf Course
Waiehu Golf Course is probably the most affordable of all of Maui’s courses and is great for riding or walking. The famous Waiheʻe Reef and the gorgeous white sand beach of Waiehu Beach Park are all visible from the course, and 3 holes play oceanside. Players meander through a series of bluffs on the back nine which makes for a nice finish.
Upcountry Golf Courses
Pukalani Country Club
The Pukalani Country Club has the unique distinction of being Maui’s only course located “Upcountry”. This charming course offers cooler temperatures, unique views, and a more local experience as it is set outside of the classic tourist areas. The course is positioned at 1,100 feet above sea level, on the side of 10,000 ft Mt. Haleakala (house of the sun), the world’s largest dormant volcano. The course also offers a unique double green option on the par-3 at hole No. 3. Here golfers are required to launch the ball over a large gulch. Playing this course is worth the drive!
Lana’i Golf Courses
Manele Golf Course
The Challenge is situated on the cliffs overlooking Hulopoʻe Bay and has three holes at the edge of the cliff, forcing players to use the crashing waves below as a natural hazard. Trade winds can pick up, but multiple tee boxes ensure a fun play for all. Jack Nicklaus unveiled his creation on Christmas Day, and during such winter months, whales can be seen frolicking in the waters below.
Moloka’i Golf Courses
Ironwood Hills Golf Club
Ironwood Hills Golf Club is currently Molokai’s only operational golf course. This 9-hole, par 34 course has all-around ocean views and you rarely have to wait for anyone. This uncrowded course is set at a low price and sits on acres of perfectly manicured Bermuda grass.
