The "must play" is Kapalua Plantation, host of the PGA Tournament of Champions, first PGA event of the calendar year. The Bay course is also nice. Wailea Gold is the next best public with two other good ones on property. Kaanapali Royal is not bad and you can usually get a reasonably priced tee time. There really isn't a bad place to play in Maui. Have a great trip.

Maui is epic, and I've been fortunate enough to play a decent amount of golf there. Depending on what you're looking for, and what side of the island you're on, there's great courses for everyone.

Kapalua Plantation comes with a hefty price tag, but it's well worth the experience. In years past they offered a twilight tee time - which is ideal for watching the ridiculous sunset they enjoy there. Unless you're staying next to it, I'd skip the Bay. There's really only two or three "wow" holes.

I'd also skip Kaanapali (unless you're staying next to it and are short on time). There's a couple good holes, but it's bisected by a highway and weaves through a massive resort/shopping complex road, plus there's a ton of pedestrian traffic.

If you're looking for something more local Pukalani is a super fun track perched on the side of a volcano. It's reasonably priced, in good shape, offers great views and is a wonderful place if you'd rather get off the beaten path and don't need a bag tag to take home.

There's also The King Kamehameha Golf Club and Kahili Golf Course. Kahili is more affordable, and offers stunning views and interesting holes. King K is a nicer and more expensive Kahili.

On the west side, Wailea has three tracks. Gold and Emerald are supposed to be the best, but they're all good.

Lastly if you're well connected and can score a tee time at Makena - DO IT!

Got to go to the the Kapalua Plantation course. It's not cheap, but what a scenic view. That's the 18th tee in the background of my pic. Amazing place.

My wife and I played Wailea Blue on our honeymoon. I recommend it.

Let's hope the craziness ends by January. The Hawaii Governor just extended the quarantine through at least October. We were scheduled to get our COVID tests and fly out there September 3rd. Now we have been forced to cancel so still no shot for me on the Plantation course for the second year in a row. Sad part is Maui COVID is low. It's Oahu that is causing all the problems but they won't differentiate the travel policy for each island. Best of luck Norman, hope you trip goes well. I too will get back out there eventually.

Dale, my wife and I were supposed be out on the islands back in July but like every big trip this year, COVID and whatnot. We are booked for July 2021. Let's hope we get our trips!

Chuck, I also stayed at the Hyatt Regency when I went in 2017. Loved the property! Didn't play golf at Ka'nnapali as I chose to spend my golf day on Maui at Kapalua. Its was a neat experience but I doubt I go back. I flew my clubs out, it was cheaper to fly them out and check them (three inter-island flights included) than it was to rent clubs (played three times.)

From the Kahili website:

Kahili Golf Course will be closing to play on Sunday, September 6, 2020. This is a temporary closure as we hope to reopen at some point in 2021 once local economic conditions significantly improve. The continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and forecasted slow recovery have forced us to make this difficult business decision.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our entire 'ohana and truly appreciate the dedication of our associates and loyal guest who have continued to support Kahili during these challenging times. We will provide updates periodically through the website and social media.

Mahalo nui loa as we all work through this time together.

My wife and I played here a few years ago. It's inland and elevated so the views are nice and the vegetation and layout make for a enjoyable day. Sad to read of it's temporary closing.

Well, we have rebooked the trip for early May 2021. I am determined to get that elusive Plantation Course off the bucket list. I feel like Nicolas Cage trying to steal Eleanor in “Gone In 60 Seconds”. In the mean time, I also booked Hilton Head for November so I am hoping the October and November golf trips can help make up for my disappointment for not getting to Maui this year.

If you make it to the Plantation Course, you will enjoy it. It's a beautiful place ! I took my wife with me to take pictures, and they charged an extra $45.00. It was worth it, just to get some great pics.

I guess if you need a photographer its a small price!

Yep, the Bay course was still fun and staying in the Ritz was awesome but I will not rest until the Plantation course has been played.

Man sorry about your plans getting cancelled. We are traveling at the end of January, so hopefully we'll be ok. I went on the Kapalua website but they aren't offering tee times for more than 3 days out right now which is odd. I'm going to call out there to see if I can reserve a time. We're staying in Wailea at the Four Seasons, so I sure I'll play at least 18 on the Emerald. Thanks everyone for the awesome responses.

They had been booking to 15 days out but limited number of Tee times per day. They are about to shut Plantation down for aerification so that’s probably why you don’t see the full 15 days. I would wait until the restrictions are lifted or early December, whichever comes first. Have fun! Aloha.

I went to Hawaii in 2019 before I got back into golf. I will definitely be bringing my clubs with if I ever go back. I really like all the course suggestions. Maui was my favorite island to visit.

If the Plantation is in your price range, and if Four Seasons on Lanai allows non-hotel guests to play, you can take a day trip ferry from Lahaina and have a spectacular course at Manele Bay. Views are amazing, it is a good Nicklaus designed course, maintenance is immaculate and it is very lightly played.

Maui is our favorite island and when we head back over, it will be our only destination. Plan on staying will stay in the Ka'nnapali Resort area. Love the location and the listening to the whales in the early morning. Have never played golf in Hawaii but hope to this visit. Last time we were there, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency and could walk to the golf across the street. Lahaina is a great little village to hang out a few miles away and we found a great place to have lunch. The Hyatt had a wonderful show and BBQ one evening which made up for not having my clubs. Last time on the Hana Road.

Well guys I am off to Maui this upcoming Saturday. I'm booked for 7 rounds in 10 days. Should be an awesome time.

Sunday- Kapalua Plantation
Monday - Wailea Gold
Tuesday - Kapalua Bay
Wednesday - Wailea Blue
Thursday - Wailea Emerald
Friday - Off
Saturday - Kapalua Bay
Sunday - Kapalua Plantation

It's going to be a ton of golf in a short window, but should be well worth the effort. I will be practicing my photography while I'm out there and will share some of my favorite photos with the group upon my return. Thank you guys for all the recommendations.

Nice itinerary. Hope you are taking lots of pics.

Sounds like a great trip and you have a nice line up of courses to play.

Here is a 19th hole recommendation, the Maui Brewing Company. great atmosphere with good beer and a solid menu.

Enjoy your trip.

7 rounds in 8 days? I would be physically and mentally burned out. Hopefully it's wasn't your first time to Maui as there is so much to see and do. I do hope you had a great time!

Heading to Maui in November this year. Staying at Kapalua so the course should be on the hit list from what everyone is saying! Cant wait!!

Cheers,
Chris

So my trip was absolutely amazing. Kapalua lived up to all the expectations. Believe it or not I enjoyed the Bay course more than the plantation course. The Plantation course is visually stunning, challenging, and is by far the most beautiful course I’ve ever been on. But the Bay course is definitely a more fun course in my opinion. The layout is great and it has a collection of holes that have some incredible views. Number 16 and 17 are some of the most beautiful vistas on this earth. I did check out Maui brewing company. We’ve been a couple times before. But the new upgrades really make it a nice place. I’ll upload more photos as well.