Exploring the Top 11 Best Golf Courses in Maui, Hawaii

Maui, Hawaii, is home to some of the world’s best golf courses. From stunning ocean views and lush green fairways to challenging holes and luxurious amenities, these courses offer an unforgettable experience for avid golfers. Here are the top 11 best golf courses in Maui that you should explore when visiting this beautiful island.

 

The Plantation Course at Kapalua Bay

The Plantation Course at Kapalua Bay
The Plantation Course at Kapalua Bay

As the proud host of the PGA TOUR Sentry Tournament of Champions each January, The Plantation Course at Kapalua Bay offers a truly exceptional golfing experience. Situated on the slopes of the majestic West Maui Mountains, the course boasts breathtaking views of the ocean. Spanning an impressive 7,411 yards, this world-class golf course ranks as the number-one choice for golf enthusiasts in Hawaii.

One of the distinguishing features of The Plantation Course is its remarkable landscape, characterized by major elevation changes and deep ravines that add an exciting challenge to every fairway, green, and bunker. Golfers will encounter thrilling downhill tee shots and generously wide fairways, creating an engaging and rewarding game. Moreover, with its dramatic ocean backdrops, every swing becomes an unforgettable moment immersed in the beauty of nature. Prepare to be captivated by the brilliance of The Plantation Course at Kapalua Bay, where professional golf meets unparalleled engagement on one of Hawaii’s finest links.

Location: 2000 Plantation Club Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761

 

King Kamehameha Golf Club

King Kamehameha Golf Club
King Kamehameha Golf Club

King Kamehameha Golf Club, a private 18-hole course nestled on the slopes of the majestic West Maui Mountains, offers a truly magnificent golfing experience. With its challenging bunker placements, five sets of tees, and breathtaking bi-coastal ocean views, this par 72 course stands at an impressive elevation of 750 feet above sea level. The club’s name pays homage to the greatest king in the history of the Hawaiian Islands, King Kamehameha.

Not only does King Kamehameha Golf Club provide an extraordinary golfing destination, but it also welcomes non-playing visitors who can freely explore its beautiful grounds. Whether you are an avid golfer or simply an admirer of peaceful settings, this prestigious club offers a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas of the mountains and both nearby coasts as you immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance that defines King Kamehameha Golf Club.

Location: 2500 Honoapiilani Highway | Wailuku. Maui, HI 96793

 

Gold Course at Wailea Golf Club

Gold Course at Wailea Golf Club
Gold Course at Wailea Golf Club

The Gold Course at Wailea Golf Club is a true gem, offering an unforgettable golfing experience on the beautiful island of Maui. With its 18-hole layout stretching across 7,000 yards, this course is a favorite among both professional and amateur golfers. As the host of the prestigious Wendy’s Champions Skins Game, the Gold Course has earned its reputation as a challenging and engaging destination for players of all skill levels.

What sets the Gold Course apart is its remarkable blend of natural beauty and skillful design. Nestled amidst the rugged terrain, the course takes full advantage of the natural undulations, providing golfers with a visually stunning and strategically compelling experience. The views are truly breathtaking, with holes playing toward the sparkling ocean and the renowned snorkeling hotspot, Molokini Crater. Additionally, the course showcases the island’s rich history, featuring historic low lava rock walls and lush exotic floral greenery. 

Location: 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

 

Blue Course at Wailea Golf Club

Blue Course at Wailea Golf Club
Blue Course at Wailea Golf Club

The Blue Course at the Wailea Golf Club is one of three premier golf courses available at this quintessential island resort. With stunning vistas of Mt. Haleakala and the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, this course offers a breathtaking experience for golf enthusiasts. The bustling village of Wailea surrounds the club, providing a vibrant atmosphere that enhances overall enjoyment.

Designed with attention to detail, the Blue Course showcases the club’s commitment to excellence. From the scenic lakes and coral sand bunkers strategically placed throughout the course to provide protection from the famous Maui winds, every feature is designed to create an engaging and professional golfing experience. With its sloping fairways and lush tropical landscaping, the Blue Course offers a truly remarkable setting to challenge and delight players of all skill levels.

Location: 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

 

Kaanapali Kai at Kaanapali Golf Courses

Kaanapali Kai at Kaanapali Golf Course
Kaanapali Kai at Kaanapali Golf Course

Ka’anapali Kai at Ka’anapali Golf Courses offers a truly engaging golfing experience amidst its stunning natural surroundings. The course is strategically designed, with holes lying along natural canals, gulches, and lava rock boundaries. This unique layout brings an element of challenge and excitement to every round. As you navigate through the course, you’ll appreciate the subtlety and undulation of the greens, which require strategic play and careful consideration.

Not only does Ka’anapali Kai offer a remarkable golfing experience, but the staff is also known for their exceptional friendliness and courteousness. The course offers breathtaking views of both the magnificent beaches and the expansive green countryside of Maui, adding to the overall allure of playing at Ka’anapali Kai.

Location: 2290 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

 

The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course

The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course
The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course

The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course offers a captivating 18-hole, links-style layout spanning 6,423 yards of lush, verdant land. Nestled among picturesque mountain vistas, this visually stunning course showcases rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and a bold splash of natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance as you navigate the strategically placed dunes, complemented by the vibrant colors of Bermuda and Tif-419 grasses.

In addition to the scenic landscape, The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course is renowned for its warm and inviting atmosphere. Friendly staff members are ready to assist and ensure an enjoyable experience from start to finish. As you traverse this well-maintained course, you may encounter the occasional roaming roosters and hens, adding a touch of charm to your golfing adventure. Experience the perfect blend of challenging play and serene natural surroundings at The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course.

Location: 1333 Maui Lani Pkwy, Kahului, HI 96732

 

Emerald Course at Wailea Golf Club

Emerald Course at Wailea Golf Club
Emerald Course at Wailea Golf Club

The Wailea Emerald Course at the renowned Wailea Golf Club is designed with two primary objectives: beauty and fun for players of all skill levels. This meticulously crafted course offers a golfing experience that is anything but complicated, ensuring that players can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable round. With generous fairways and a variety of teeing grounds, golfers of different abilities can fully appreciate the challenge and excitement that this course has to offer.

Immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings as you navigate through carpet-like fairways and delight in the fragrant tropical foliage that lines the course. Admire the rugged lava rock features that add a touch of unique character to the landscape. Prepare to be awe-struck as you encounter a number of picturesque ocean views throughout your journey, with the spectacular 10th and 17th holes boasting a brackish pond that harmoniously blends with the captivating distant ocean. The course is beautifully enhanced with softer edges and vibrant blossoms that add a pop of color, creating an enchanting atmosphere that elevates your golfing experience to new heights.

Location: Wailea Golf Club Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

 

The Bay Course at Kapalua

The Bay Course at Kapalua
The Bay Course at Kapalua

The Bay Course at Kapalua, situated on the stunning Island of Molokai, has earned its renowned reputation as one of Hawaii’s premier golfing destinations. This scenic course has been the illustrious host of more than 20 major professional tournaments, captivating both spectators and players alike. With its unique layout that brings players closer to the water than the mountainside Plantation course, The Bay Course offers a truly engaging golfing experience.

Known for its breathtaking 17th hole, which stands as the only hole to play over the ocean on Maui, The Bay Course showcases the natural beauty of the island. Surrounded by lush and green landscapes, this course provides a more playable and enjoyable round compared to the challenging Plantation course. As players make their way through the course, they have the opportunity to catch glimpses of turtles, whales, and fish, creating an unforgettable ambiance. As the sun begins to set, there is no better time to experience a twilight round, particularly with the signature 17th hole over the ocean. 

Location: 2000 Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

 

Maui Nui Golf Club

Maui Nui Golf Club
Maui Nui Golf Club

Maui Nui Golf Club offers a great golfer-friendly layout complimented by breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Auau Channel, Mount Haleakala, Molokini, and the West Maui mountains. This premier golf destination caters to families as well, making it the perfect option for a memorable outing. Not only does Maui Nui Golf Club pride itself on its classic design, but it also stands out as the best-priced public golf course on Maui.

This esteemed golf course has undergone recent enhancements, including the widening of fairways and the reshaping and enlarging of greens. Such improvements have further elevated the playing experience at Maui Nui Golf Club. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the designed opening hole and the thoughtful placement of reachable holes, ensuring an immersive experience facing each cardinal point of the compass. As an added bonus, the prevailing trade winds create an engaging and dynamic challenge for players of all skill levels.

Location: 470 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753

 

Waiehu Golf Course

Waiehu Golf Course
Waiehu Golf Course

Waiehu Golf Course offers a breathtaking backdrop with its stunning tourmaline blue sea. Situated along the famous Waihe’e Reef, the course presents a captivating view of the reef just offshore. Nestled along the beachfront, Waiehu Golf Course boasts Waiehu Beach Park, providing a perfect blend of coastal charm and an outstanding golfing experience.

This remarkable course is conveniently located near the towns of Waihe’e and Waiehu, creating an ideal destination for both locals and visitors alike. The picturesque landscape features stretches of pristine white sand beaches, enhancing the allure of the sixth, seventh, and eighth holes on the makai side. With wide-open fairways, Waiehu Golf Course offers golfers of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy a memorable golfing experience surrounded by the natural beauty of Maui.

Location: 200 Halewaiu Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793

 

Pukalani Country Club

Pukalani Country Club
Pukalani Country Club. Image Source: pukalanigolf.com

The Pukalani Country Club, nestled in the serene and picturesque hillsides of “Up-Country” Maui, offers a captivating experience with stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Spread across 160 acres; this golf course takes you on a challenging yet enjoyable journey through its well-designed fairways and lush surroundings. As you navigate each hole, you’ll find yourself immersed in the beauty of the Valley Isle of Maui, surrounded by tree-lined fairways that demand focus and precision from the tee.

At Pukalani Country Club, golfers of all skill levels can indulge in affordable rounds of golf without compromising on quality. With its local and low-key atmosphere, this club provides a welcoming environment for golf enthusiasts. The cool climate adds to the comfort of the game, ensuring a pleasant experience. However, be prepared for the tests that lie ahead, as the fairways may tempt you to stray off course. Nevertheless, the engaging layout of the course keeps both seasoned players and newcomers intrigued, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your time at Pukalani Country Club.

Location: 360 Pukalani St, Makawao, HI 96768

 

Conclusion

Maui, Hawaii, is a golfer’s paradise, boasting numerous courses that provide an idyllic setting for an unforgettable golfing experience. Whether you are aiming to challenge yourself with the top-notch competition at Kapalua or looking for a more relaxed round at Pukalani Country Club, there is something for everyone in Maui. With its amazing landscapes, unbeatable climate conditions and a variety of courses suiting different levels of expertise, Maui is definitely the perfect destination for an unforgettable golf holiday.

Author

  • Alvin Daniel

    Hello everyone, I'm Alvin Daniel. I was born in the Philippines and came to the United States when I was 16 years old. I started playing golf at that age and have loved it ever since. I turned professional when I was 21 and have been working as a golf instructor and guide ever since. My goal is to help everyone know more about this great game of golf. And, hopefully, through my instruction, they can improve their skills and enjoy the game even more.

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