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Swing Away on Our Top Five Maui Golf Courses
Where volcanoes, whales and pineapples may distract your putting
By Heather Whipps
There are over 15 golf courses on Maui, from public to PGA favorites, carpeting the island from Kapalua in the north to Wailea's southern edge. With holes that snake along the ocean's edge and slice through fields of ancient lava rock, they frequently rank high on "world's best" lists.
For our avid golfer guests out there, we've compiled this list of our five favorite courses on Maui and a few villa recommendations suited to each. Our concierge department will be sure to book tee times at your favorite well in advance of your holiday.
Kapalua's Plantation & Bay Courses
This is a Kapalua two for one. First, Plantation is the Big Bertha of Maui's top courses, a spectacular 7,411 yard stretch designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. It hosts the PGA's Mercedes Championship every year but, when Tiger Woods isn't there, you can take a turn testing out its 18-holes, which weave through fields of pineapple. The second of three courses in the Kapalua community to make our list, the Bay Course is Arnold Palmer-designed and hugs the ocean, its signature 5th hole even demanding a Hail Mary swing over the bay to reach the green.
Avalon by the Sea, a four-bedroom home sitting on the 18th hole of Plantation; Pineapple Plantation hugs the fairway of Bay.
Wailea Gold
Gold is the most challenging of a trio of courses in Wailea's Golf Resort area, with lots of sand (in bunkers, not beaches) lining the holes. Together with Emerald and Blue—considered more suited to female golfers—it's often labeled the most scenic in Maui.
South Beach, a new beachfront villa in the town of Kihei. Wailea is just a few minute's drive.
Kaanapali North Course
Formerly a PGA Senior Tour host, Kaanapali North boasts two beachfront holes and one of the toughest 18s around. It is a classic Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, Maui's first resort course and where Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer both shot a record 64 during the 1964 World Cup.
Kaanapali Sun Villa, with 180-degree ocean views and lava stone features.
Makena North
This southernmost course in Maui is a unanimous favorite. Golfers can see four neighboring islands while they're swinging on various holes here and may even spot a breaching whale.
Hidden Surf , 5000 square feet of luxury right on the ocean.
The Dunes at Maui Lani
Maui's newest course, The Dunes' staggering mountains views and unique links-style quickly put it among visitors' favorites. It can get a bit windy in the open-plain final holes, but a backdrop of Haleakala volcano is well worth the stroke or two sacrifice.
Villa Pacifica, just seven minutes from the cultural hot spot of Paia.
A Fore Warning
Maui's seasoned golf pros will tell you to watch out for the island's famous late-morning winds. Many book tee times after 2pm to avoid the powerful ocean breezes and inflated scorecards or alter their club choice to compensate. |
For more information on these or other villas in Maui and Hawaii, please contact us:
Call 1-877-953-7400 or E-mail
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