Maui & Lanai Course Reviews
 By Clif Council, PGA

With 17 fabulous courses, Maui and Lana'i are premier locations for golfers of every ability. And, each course has it's own special qualities. With so many choices, and a limited stay and/or budget, which courses to play can become a difficult decision.

Every day we receive phone calls and e-mails asking for our recommendations. So, we've written reviews of each course with rates, pictures and layout maps to help you decide which courses are best for you. Click on the link under Rates to book your tee times online up to 30 days in advance. Then, when you arrive on Maui, stop by the Maui Golf Shop to pick up your Discount Golf Vouchers.

COURSE MENU

MAUI • The Dunes • Elleair • Kaanapali North • Kaanapali South •
• Kapalua Bay • Kapalua Plantation•
• Makena North • Makena South • Maui Country Club •
• Pukalani Country Club • Kahili Golf Club • Waiehu Municipal •
• Wailea Blue • Wailea Emerald • Wailea Gold •
LANAI • The Challenge • The Experience •

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Best Junior Rate
The Dunes

For information on how Maui's weather effects
your choice of courses and times of play, see
Where & When to Play Golf on Maui & Lanai

Top Tip: Spend the Day Golfing Lanai
The Challenge at Manele was designed by Jack Nicklaus and The Experience at Koele is a Greg Norman signature course. Both offer unforgettable experiences for the avid golfer. The Experience, located at the top of Lanai City, offers a unique Hawaiian forest atmosphere with multiple lakes and pure putting surfaces. The Challenge could be one of the best ocean front courses in Hawaii, played along ocean cliffs 200 ft. high.

Make this an all-day golfing adventure.
Take the first ferry from Lahaina Harbor at 6:45 am and enjoy the short ocean trip as the sun rises over Haleakala and the dolphins dance around the boat. Maybe a whale will pop up as you enter Manele Bay. This 45 minute boat trip from Maui to Lanai is on a modern air-conditioned ferry with wonderful views of four islands with dolphins and whales leading the way, topped only by the great golf offered on Lanai.

Upon arrival you are greeted by trams that will take you to your desired course or hotel within 20 minutes. The $10 shuttle fee is good for the entire day and allows you to ride to both courses and back to the boat. The shuttle first takes you to The Experience at Koele in Lanai City for an early 18 holes on the mountain.

After lunch go on to The Challenge for another 18 on the cliffs which at the package rate of $309, is only $50. Catch the 4:30 or 6:45 ferry back to Maui and watch the sunset with a Mai Tai at your favorite Lahaina restaurant. We highly recommend that you book this once in a lifetime all day golfing experience.

NEW Lower Rates from Maui Golf Shop!
Book your Lanai Golfing Day (including the ferry) with Maui Golf Shop and SAVE.

Pro' s Recommendation: The ferry to Lanai leaves at 6:45 am, with check in at 6:30 am. The ferry arrives in plenty of time to get up to Koele for a 8:30 round.
It is best to play The Experience at Koele in the morning around 8:30-9:00. And thenThe Challenge at Manele around 1:00 pm to give you the best weather conditions and easy access to the return ferry when you're finished with your rounds. (From The Challenge, you are only five minutes to the Lanai Harbor to catch the Expedition return boat to Maui at 6:45 pm.)
I feel this will be one of your best golfing experiences in Hawaii and the highlight of your vacation. Cost of playing both courses is just $309 (plus tax) which includes ferry.

And remember, you can rent your clubs at the Maui Golf Shop for as little as $25/ day or hand pick a deluxe brand name set for up to $49. See our rates on Rentals HERE.
For the best golf deals and prices come to Maui Golf Shop before you play.
WE CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

The Dunes at Maui Lani
1333 Maui Lani Pkwy, Kahului
Director of Golf: Dave Gleason, PGA

Maui's newest course and already one of our must-plays! This interesting test of golf offers spectacular mountain and valley views of West Maui Mountains and Halelakala Volcano. The first couple of holes and the final ones are on the open plains exposed to the 15-25 mph tradewinds, but most are in the sandy dunes forest. These are some of the most interesting golfing holes in Hawaii.
This popular links course offers lots of options to the player as it has lots of pot bunkers in key positions on each hole and around the greens, giving it a "Scottish feel" without the chill.
You'll enjoy this challenging new course and the reasonable rates. The Dunes also offers one of Maui's best target practice facilities with large greens.

Our favorite holes: 3, 4, 10, 18
SEE
How to play every hole at The Dunes. Diagrams, yardage and pictures of every hole, plus The Pro's recommendations and comments on playing each.

Book Tee Time at Discount Rate (up to 30 days in advance)

AMENITIES
Pro Shop • Lighted Target Driving Range • The Dunes Restaurant
Showers & Lockers • Snack Cart • Valet Service

AERATION SCHEDULE 2009
April 9 & May 21

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How to Play The Dunes

Elleair Golf Club
1345 Pi'ilani Highway, Kihei
Golf Operations Mgr.: Elliot Gouveia, PGA

Most improved course on Maui! One of Maui's best resort/public values and still improving. Lots of good things happening at Elleair (formally Silversword). New owners have improved the golf course with new designs on several formally awkward holes. They have also added GPS for quick yardage and fastest play. The driving range is much improved also and on grass. There are new carts and a friendly staff. The course is located in the heart of Kihei close to South Maui's condos. Great for average golfers but challenging from the back tees for better players. Is best played in the morning before the afternoon trades spring up.
Our favorite holes: 4, 9, 15, 18

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Kaanapali Royal -
North Course
Honoapi'ilani Highway, Kaanapali
Head Pro: Scott Ashworth, PGA

A long time favorite for West Side golfers, it has one of Maui's few oceanfront holes, #14. This Robert Trent Jones classic design was Maui's first resort golf course opening back in 1962. Kaanapali North hosted the World Cup in 1964 when Nicklaus and Palmer teamed up to win and shoot the course record 64. Surrounded by hotels and condos, this is a popular course for the Kaanapali visitors. Play early before the trades blow in and make the course more challenging. This course also hosted the Senior PGA event for 10 years. It's famous for its demanding finishing holes with lots of water to navigate.
This year, Kaanapali renamed the North Course "The Royal Course" as it was when it first opened.
Our Favorite holes: 1, 5, 17, 18

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Kaanapali Kai
South Course
Honoapi'ilani Highway, Kaanapali
Gen. Manager: Ed Kageyama, PGA

The South Course was redesigned in 2005 with new greens and tee boxes and reopened in November of that year. This shorter resort course offers lots of challenge as it's tight but fun. With its southern location in Kaanapali it can be windy on the North Course but calm on the South. One of the fun features is that it runs along the Kaanapali Sugar Cane Train route and the train riders wave as they go merrily along. The railroad trestle at hole #4 is a great photo op. Fun to play in the afternoon after a morning on Kaanapali's white sand beach.
Our favorite holes: 4, 8, 12, 16

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Kahili Golf Club
(formerly Sandalwood )
2500 Honoapi'ilani Hwy, Waikapu
Head Pro: Brad Bowen, PGA

Uniquely positioned on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains facing Haleakala, each of the 18 holes received a makeover to improve conditions, enhance playability, and add to the magnificent views of the ocean and the mountains the location affords. New TifEagle greens, white sand bunkers, GPS equipped golf carts and a dramatic finish on the newly enhanced 18th hole are just part of Kahili's upgrades.

Kahili is a hillside course on the south slopes of the West Maui Mountains in the Waikapu area, near Maalaea Bay. Lots of interesting holes with lakes and views of the ocean and Haleakala. Short holes play into the tradewinds, which makes the course challenging, but keeps you cool. Affordable rates for golfers on a budget. Nice practice range.
Our favorite holes 3, 5, 10, 12

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Kapalua Bay Course
300 Kapalua Drive, Kapalua
Head Pro: Jerry Pang-Ching, PGA

The Bay is Kapalua's first course and was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Sean In 1975, and I was one of the first assistant pros. This course runs by the Ritz Carlton down to the ocean and offers some challenging golf on two short but tricky ocean holes when the trades are blowing. The back side is more sheltered from the wind and plays a little easier. The exception is the finishing holes... 16 with a stream winding down the middle of the fairway makes the tee shot a little more of a decision with the wind blowing 20 mph into your face. 17 is a tough well-bunkered par 3 with a lake on the left for a long iron shot. Most enjoy playing golf on the Bay because of the ocean holes. Lava flowing into the sea created Kapalua which means "Arms embracing the Sea."
Our favorite holes: 4, 5, 16, 18 NOTE: The Bay Course will be experiencing some construction and repair from March 23 to April 4. During that time only 9 holes will be in play. The rate will be $90. There will be temporary greens on 2, 4, 5 and 7 until mid-June.

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Kapalua Plantation Course
300 Kapalua Drive, Kapalua
Dir. of Golf: Mike Jones, PGA

This is probably the toughest and most spectacular golf course on Maui. It has the widest fairways and largest greens but plays tight due to the elevation changes and strong trades that challenge you on every hole. Bring extra balls as the waist high rough eats golf balls. Try to play with a partner experienced at Kapalua as local knowledge is a must to score well here. The par 73 should be 83 even for pros playing the first time! Remember to play safe whenever possible as most short and wild shots turn into lost balls.
The Mercedes Championship is played here in January with the opening of the PGA Tour season when the best in the world come to challenge one of Maui's best courses.
Our favorite holes: 1, 5, 13, 17, 18

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Makena North Course
5415 Makena Alanui, Makena
Head Pro: Kirk Nelson, PGA

Our favorite course. When you're on the 14th tee and can see 4 nearby islands and the whales breaching you'll know why Makena North is our most popular Maui course. What makes Makena stand out is its natural beauty, challenging course design and great putting greens.
Makena Big Beach below and Molokini Island in the distance provide a spectacular ocean setting for all your golf shots. It's a wonderful test of championship golf in Hawaii. The warm and calm weather and lava flow valleys with lots of elevated tee shots to fast smooth greens make for exciting golf on the North. The new holes 6 thru 14 are some of the best in Hawaii. Named a Golf Medal Resort by Golf Magazine. Golf Digest lists Makena consistently at the top of its resort rankings.
A must play! Nice friendly staff and good practice range also helps to make Makena special.Our favorite holes 6, 8, 14, 15
SEE
How to play every hole at Makena North. Diagrams, yardage and pictures of every hole, plus The Pro's recommendations and comments on playing each.

Makena requires reservations be secured by credit card.Please call: 800-981-5512 9am-5pm HST Strict 48 hr, cancellation Book Tee Time at Discount Rate (up to 30 days in advance)

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How to Play Makena North

Makena South Course
5415 Makena Alanui, Makena
Head Pro: Kirk Nelson, PGA

The South Course will be closed until 2010.With two ocean holes, the sister course to Makena North and just as exiting to play. It's been the site of many recent PGA events including the Maui Open and the State Open. The South is well known as a good test and player course. In natural beauty it's similar to the North. The course conditions are great as it was recently renovated with new greens and improved bunkers. This is one of the better resort courses on the ocean in Hawaii. Be sure to play this one. Topnotch practice range and putting areas too.

Our favorite holes 4, 7, 10, 16
SEE
How to play every hole at Makena South. Diagrams, yardage and pictures of every hole, plus The Pro's recommendations and comments on playing each.

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How to Play Makena South

Maui Country Club
48 Nohohe Pl., Spreckelsville

Maui's only private golf club. It's a fun short course in good condition. The easy to walk nine-hole course plays the white tees on the front and blue tees on the back. Maui Country Club was designed in the early 20's for the sugar workers. It's Maui's oldest golf course. In the 30s and 40s it drew all the golfing movie stars and celebrities including Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Only open on Mondays and Tuesday afternoon to non-members.
Our favorite holes 1, 4, 7, 9

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Pukalani Country Club
360 Pukalani St., Pukalani

Maui's only Upcountry course is 1,100 feet up the cool slopes of Haleakala, and one hour from the Crater. It's an enjoyable course for a budget golfer. The course is tree-lined with thick lush country grass in the fairways. Your ball sits up nice and high for easy approach shots. Only course in Hawaii with no fairway bunkers for easy driving, but lots of nice mature Norfolk pines. Cost is $68 and Maui Golf Shop has $5 off coupons and $20 club rentals to make this affordable for a family golf day. It's 5 degrees cooler up there and less humid than the coastal areas. A fun course, but best to play before 11am as the tradewinds blow in the afternoon. Pukalani means "Hole in the Sky."
Our favorite holes 2, 8, 13, 18

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Waiehu Municipal
P.O. Box 507, Wailuku

We call this course Maui's poor man's "Pebble Beach." Play on the Maui Pacific Coastline for just $40 weekdays and $45 weekends with a $16 cart fee for 2. Walking is permitted for the traditionalist. This county Muni Is busy and it's hard to get a starting time in peak season. Lower front nine is flat and three holes border the ocean with a tough long par three that is elevated. Back nine has several shorter par fours that are on the cliffs above. Unless you're in great shape, spend the 16 bucks for the cart. Fun short course that's finally in good shape and priced within most budgets at $48 per person with cart. Call ahead for tee times from County, 808 243-7400. Maui's best buy for budget golfers.
Our favorite holes 5, 7, 14, 17

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Wailea Blue Course
120 Kaukahi Street, Wailea
General Manager: Barry Helle

The Blue was the second resort course on Maui, built in 1972, and it's still one of Maui's most popular resort courses. It's close to the Wailea hotels and new Wailea Shops making this a favorite for visitors looking for a fun golf experience in Hawaii. Its wide green fairways and large greens make for enjoyable golfing for all. Most players have their best scores on the Blue as it's user friendly. The calm warm weather makes golf more enjoyable.
Our favorite holes 4, 8, 11, 13

All Wailea courses require reservations be secured by credit card. Please call: 800-981-5512 9am-5pm HST Wailea Hotel Guests Call Course Direct Book Tee Time at Discount Rate (up to 30 days in advance)

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Wailea Emerald Course
100 Wailea Golf Club Drive
Dir. of Golf: Rusty Hathaway, PGA

The pretty sister to the Gold Course. Voted by Golf Digest "most friendly for ladies" but the back tees are no pushover. The name Wailea Emerald describes the great course conditions and color of the course. The Emerald is a very nice tropical resort course for couples. Lots of short fun holes and reachable par 5's... birdies are probable for better players. Enjoy the amenities of Wailea's practice facilities with one of the better target ranges and chipping areas in Hawaii.
Our favorite holes 6, 9, 10, 18

All Wailea courses require reservations be secured by credit card. Please call: 800-981-5512 9am-5pm HST Wailea Hotel Guests Call Course Direct Book Tee Time at Discount Rate (up to 30 days in advance)

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Wailea Gold Course
100 Wailea Golf Club Drive
Dir. of Golf: Rusty Hathaway, PGA

The flagship of the Wailea resort courses. This is the new home of October's Senior Skins Game and the Ladies Skins in January. Wailea is known for this warm calm weather, great course conditions and ocean vistas. The Gold is the most demanding of the three courses and has lots of outstanding golf holes. One hundred and twenty eight white sand bunkers protect the lush fairways and fast greens. We would recommend the Gold as one of the best resort courses on Maui. A must play. Excellent practice facility with target range and three chipping and putting areas.
Our favorite holes 7, 8, 14, 18

All Wailea courses require reservations be secured by credit card. Please call: 800-981-5512 9am-5pm HST Wailea Hotel Guests Call Course Direct Book Tee Time at Discount Rate (up to 30 days in advance)

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LANAI
The Challenge at Manele
730 Lanai Avenue, Lanai City
Dir. of Golf: Doug Stevenson

Rated in the top 100 courses in the world, it is one of the best courses in Hawaii. This Jack Nicklaus signature course has an awesome location on the cliffs at Manele Bay. You can hear and see the ocean on every hole.
The rugged coastline has 200-foot cliffs for its holes #11, #12 and #17. Every hole is well designed with deep bunkers and perched greens like most Nicklaus signature designs. Well-placed tee shots and accurate irons provide opportunities for birdies and pars.
This is one of our must-play courses in Maui County and well worth the effort to ferry over to Lanai from Maui in the morning. Play some great golf and get a fun boat trip to boot.
Non-golfers who come for the ride can enjoy the beach and facilities of the Manele Bay Resort. If you're making a golfing day of it, play The Experience in the morning and The Challenge in the afternoon. The wind kicks up and it gets chilly on The Experience afternoons and The Challenge is a shorter ride to the ferry so you can linger longer at the 19th hole.
Take advantage of the special $309 for both couirses (includes Ferry).
Our favorite holes 2, 9, 12, 17

Maui Golf Shop requires a credit card to book the ferry and tee times for Lanai trips. Please call: 800-981-5512 9am-5pm HST Book Tee Time at Discount Rate (up to 30 days in advance)

LANAI
The Experience at Koele
Lanai Ave, Lanai City, Lanai
Head Pro: Brenden Moynahan, PGA

Designed by Greg Norman, The Experience is on top of Lanai and above Lanai City in a plantation style setting. The cozy hotel and upcountry course were built in the upper valleys of this pineapple island privately owned by Dole Co. Its signature hole is #17 (pictured right) that offers a 250-foot drop on a 390 yd. par 4 with a lake and large tree fronting the approach. "It's like hitting off the Empire State Building." Greens are bent grass and fast. The weather is cooler so bring a sweater for when the wind blows. Try the sister course, The Challenge in Manele, for a super oceanfront course in the afternoon (Special $309 rate for both courses, includes Ferry.) and go back to Maui on the ferry. A great day of golf!
Our favorite holes 16, 17, 18Note: The Experience will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays until further notice.

Maui Golf Shop requires a credit card to book the ferry and tee times for Lanai trips. Please call: 800-981-5512 9am-5pm HST Book Tee Time at Discount Rate (up to 30 days in advance)

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