Maui provides golf experiences that blend scenic beauty with well-designed courses for every skill level. The island offers championship layouts and relaxed coastal fairways, giving golfers variety and quality.
The best golf courses in Maui challenge players while offering views of the Pacific Ocean, lush mountains, and tropical landscapes.
Golf enthusiasts can tee off at iconic spots like the Plantation Course at Kapalua, home to PGA Tour events. Others may prefer the refined fairways of Wailea Golf Club, where each course has its own character.
Those seeking a quieter experience will find hidden gems in Maui’s rolling hills and coastal areas. Maui’s golf scene offers something for every preference.
Maui’s Most Iconic Golf Courses
Maui’s golf courses combine well-designed layouts with striking ocean and mountain views. Some host major tournaments; others are known for their scenic beauty or historical significance.
Each course provides distinct challenges and amenities for both casual and seasoned golfers.
Kapalua Plantation Course: Championship Golf and Sentry Tournament of Champions
The Kapalua Plantation Course stands out among Maui golf courses. It sits on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, offering wide fairways and dramatic elevation changes.
Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore designed this course, which measures over 7,500 yards from the championship tees. Trade winds and sloping terrain require careful club selection.
Every January, the course hosts the Sentry Tournament of Champions, a PGA Tour event for the previous season’s winners. This tournament brings top professionals and highlights the course’s challenging design.
Golfers often mention the panoramic Pacific Ocean views, especially from the par-4 18th hole, which plays downhill toward the clubhouse.
Wailea Gold Course: Challenging Play in Paradise
The Wailea Gold Course is the most challenging of Wailea’s three courses. Robert Trent Jones II designed it with deep bunkers, lava rock walls, and narrow landing areas.
It stretches over 7,000 yards and rewards accurate drives. The course has hosted events like the Champions Skins Game, attracting past PGA Tour legends.
Golfers enjoy both the challenge and the scenery. Ocean views appear on most holes, and the course’s dry, sunny climate makes it playable all year.
Water hazards are limited, but the wind can add difficulty. Many players find the back nine more demanding than the front.
Wailea Emerald Course: Scenic Beauty and Playability
The Wailea Emerald Course is more forgiving and scenic than the Gold Course. It measures about 6,800 yards and offers wide fairways, which suit mid- to high-handicap players.
Bright landscaping, including bougainvillea and plumeria, lines many holes. Several greens and tees provide clear views of the ocean and nearby islands.
The layout allows for a relaxed pace of play but still includes enough bunkers and doglegs to keep it interesting.
It’s a popular choice for couples and mixed-skill groups who want both beauty and playability without the pressure of a championship-level setup.
Royal Ka’anapali Course: Classic Resort Golf
The Royal Ka’anapali Course is part of the Ka’anapali Beach Resort and has welcomed golfers since the 1960s. Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed it, and it measures about 6,700 yards from the championship tees.
The course features gently rolling fairways, large greens, and a mix of palm-lined and oceanfront holes.
It has hosted LPGA and Champions Tour events, adding to its reputation. The par-4 18th hole runs along the shoreline, offering one of Maui’s most scenic finishes.
Golfers appreciate its walkable layout and proximity to resort amenities, making it a convenient choice for visitors.
Discovering Wailea: A Premier Golf Destination
Wailea in South Maui features three resort golf courses, each with its own style, scenery, and level of challenge. Players can choose between a championship test, a scenic and forgiving layout, or a balanced course that blends both.
Wailea Golf Club Overview
The Wailea Golf Club offers the Gold, Emerald, and Blue courses along Maui’s southwest coast. Each course provides ocean views, well-maintained greens, and layouts from respected architects.
The Gold Course is the most challenging, with narrow fairways and strategic bunkers. The Emerald Course is more forgiving, with lush landscaping and wide landing areas.
The Blue Course is the most relaxed, offering a traditional design and gentle pace. Facilities include a pro shop, practice range, and on-site dining.
Golfers can book lessons or clinics. The warm, dry climate allows for comfortable play year-round.
Wailea Blue Course: Relaxed Rounds and Ocean Views
The Wailea Blue Course is the original layout at Wailea. It offers a traditional design with broad fairways, making it a good choice for casual rounds.
Players enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from several holes. The course also features gentle elevation changes for added variety.
Its location near hotels and beaches makes it convenient for visitors. Tee times are often easier to secure than at the Gold or Emerald courses.
The Blue Course is popular with golfers who want a scenic, low-stress experience while still enjoying quality conditions at a Wailea course.
Wailea Courses: Comparing Gold, Emerald, and Blue
| Course Name | Difficulty | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Course | High | Narrow fairways, strategic bunkers, championship design | Skilled players |
| Emerald Course | Medium | Wide fairways, lush landscaping, ocean views | All skill levels |
| Blue Course | Low | Traditional layout, forgiving design, central location | Casual rounds |
The Gold Course ranks as the most demanding, ideal for golfers seeking a true test. The Emerald Course offers a balance of challenge and beauty, with wide fairways and colorful tropical plants.
The Blue Course focuses on comfort and accessibility, making it a favorite for vacation golfers. The three Wailea courses give visitors a range of options without leaving the resort area.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Maui features more than its famous resort courses. Some spots provide great value, relaxed play, and unique layouts for both locals and visitors.
These courses often combine scenic views with approachable designs or distinctive challenges.
Kaanapali Kai: Enjoyable Play for All Levels
Kaanapali Kai sits near the coastline in West Maui and offers a shorter, more forgiving layout than its sister course, the Royal Kaanapali.
The course measures just over 6,400 yards from the back tees, making it approachable for beginners but still offering enough challenge for experienced golfers.
Fairways are generous, and the greens stay well-kept year-round. Many holes feature views of the Pacific Ocean and the West Maui Mountains.
The setting makes it a pleasant walk or ride, especially in the late afternoon. Located close to hotels and beaches, it’s convenient for travelers who want a quick round.
Players can learn more about this course through the Kaanapali golf guide.
Maui Nui: Best Value for Visitors
Maui Nui Golf Club in Kihei offers affordable green fees and a friendly atmosphere. The layout blends wide fairways with some narrow approach shots that require accuracy.
Trade winds can add extra challenge, especially on the back nine. The course conditions remain reliable, and it offers a good pace of play.
Maui Nui also provides twilight rates and rental clubs, making it easy for travelers who may not have brought their own gear. More details are available from the best golf courses in Maui list.
Pukalani Country Club: Upcountry Golf Experience
Pukalani Country Club sits about 1,100 feet above sea level in Maui’s Upcountry region. The higher elevation brings cooler temperatures and sweeping views of the island, including the central valley and the ocean on both sides.
The 18-hole layout stretches over 6,900 yards and features large, sloping greens. The design mixes elevation changes with open fairways, giving players a variety of shot-making opportunities.
Locals appreciate the relaxed pace and welcoming staff. Pukalani often has less crowded tee times compared to coastal courses.
Visitors can find it featured in Maui golf course guides.
Dunes at Maui Lani: Unique Links-Style Challenge
The Dunes at Maui Lani offers a true links-style course built on natural sand dunes. Its design uses the rolling terrain to create uneven lies, deep bunkers, and firm, fast fairways.
Wind often plays a major role here, adding to the challenge. The course measures about 6,800 yards and rewards strategic play over pure distance.
Native grasses and minimal water hazards keep the layout authentic to links traditions. Located in central Maui, it’s easy to reach from both the airport and major resort areas.
Planning Your Maui Golf Vacation
Golfers visiting Maui enjoy warm weather, scenic courses, and a variety of playing conditions. Understanding seasonal weather patterns and booking strategies can help make the trip smoother.
Best Times of Year to Play
Maui golf courses stay open year-round, but weather and crowds change with the seasons. The driest months are April through October, with less rain and more sunshine.
Winter months can bring stronger winds, especially on coastal courses like Kapalua Plantation. Peak tourist seasons, such as late December to March, often mean higher green fees and busier tee sheets.
Players looking for quieter fairways may prefer mid-April to early June or September to mid-November. Those visiting during winter can still enjoy excellent play but should plan for occasional showers and brisk trade winds.
Morning tee times generally offer calmer conditions.
Tee Time Tips and Club Rentals
Book tee times in advance, especially at popular spots like the Wailea Golf Club or Kapalua. Many courses let you reserve online weeks or months ahead.
Most Maui golf courses rent out high-quality clubs to visitors. Rental fees usually range from $50 to $80 per round and often include premium brands.
Some hotels work with local courses to offer discounted rates and rental packages.
If you have a group, call the course directly to book consecutive tee times more easily. Afternoon rounds often cost less, but winds may be stronger.
Course Scenery and Landscape
Maui’s golf courses offer a range of landscapes, from oceanfront holes to fairways with mountain views. Courses like Kapalua Plantation provide wide views of the Pacific and nearby islands.
Wailea’s Gold Course displays lava rock outcroppings and tropical flowers. Upcountry layouts, such as Pukalani Country Club, sit at higher elevations with cooler temperatures and sweeping island views.
Coastal courses often have palm-lined fairways and holes that run along the shoreline. Bring a camera or phone, because many tee boxes and greens make great photo spots.
Additional Activities for Golfers
Golfers can explore Maui’s beaches, snorkeling spots, and scenic drives. Popular options for non-golf days include the Road to Hana and Haleakalā National Park.
Local farmers markets offer unique shopping experiences. Many resorts near Maui golf courses provide spas and pools.
You can enjoy dining with ocean views at these resorts. Couples or families traveling with golfers can join whale-watching tours in winter.
Sunset cruises are available year-round. Some courses in Wailea and Kaʻanapali are close to shopping areas and restaurants.
You can easily plan a full day without extra travel.
