Golf is a popular sport all around the globe. It’s versatile, good for your health (swinging a golf club builds muscle and strengthens your core), and challenging – ensuring you are always competing with yourself.
Now the golfing experience varies in different parts of the world but golf in Maui is a different game altogether. The rules and the overall game don’t change but what does change is the complete experience of being at one of Maui’s top golf courses.
You are surrounded by the beautiful Pacific with refreshing trade winds lifting your mood every time you hit the course. However, Maui’s golf courses are some of the best in the world – they just happen to be on the world’s best island.
In fact, Maui’s weather is almost always perfect for you to go golfing all year round.
Maui also hosts world-class golf tournaments with the world’s best golfers like Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson making their way here on the PGA Tour.
It’s also easy for you to book your golf experience in Maui. Almost all Maui golf clubs offer multiple packages deals, and club rental. You can also hit a Maui golf shop to get some high-quality golf apparel and access to world-class equipment.
But best of all, you have access to a second-to-none infrastructure that supports and promotes golf in Maui.
In this article, we share with you the top 5 golf courses that make Maui a preferred choice for golfers worldwide. We also highlight what makes them the best, and what you should know before your Maui golf booking.
#1 Kapalua Plantation Course
Source: Kapalua Plantation Course
Maui is home to Kapalua Plantation Course: one of the most dramatic golf courses of any on the PGA Tour. It has been consistently ranked inside the top 100 in the United States and #1 in Hawaii for years.
It was designed by the famed architectural duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw – who ensured that the Plantation Course has something for all levels of golfers.
What this means is that the Kapalua Plantation Course can be challenging for the pros but is an equally competitive experience for the average golfer.
If you love golf, Kapalua Plantation Course should definitely be on your bucket list.
Imagine this: a location on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, surreal views of the ocean no matter where you are on the course, and a host to the PGA Tour. It doesn’t get better than this.
#2 Wailea Gold Course at Wailea Golf Club
Source: Wailea Golf
Offering an experience of Wailea’s rugged beauty, Wailea Gold Course is a 7,078 yard masterfully designed golf course. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones II in 1994 and boasts an 18-hole course.
It’s also a part of the Wailea Golf Club that consists of two other championship golf courses – Emerald, and Blue.
Made for the pros, the Wailea Gold Course was the former home course of The Champions Skins Game from 2001 to 2007.
Golfers spend hours on this course – enjoying some of the most peaceful golf settings imaginable along with the scenic views of the Pacific and the little Molokini crater.
#3 The Bay Course
Source: Golf at Kapalua
The Bay Course is a professional golf course located in Kapalua. Since it’s opening, it has hosted over 20 professional tournaments – more than any neighboring island in the state of Hawaii.
The site spans 6,600 yards while playing at a par-72 and has an 18-hole course.
The Bay Course has been a host to some of the world’s best golfers who compete in the most intense and exciting tournaments in the world.
Fun fact: Two of the most popular PGA players ever, Fred Couples and Davis Love III, have each earned victories here – twice.
It’s a must-play course for golfers worldwide – signified by its championship tag and a location that offers breathtaking views.
We highly recommend swinging a golf club or two or joining a golf event at The Bay Course whenever you are in Maui.
#4 Emerald Course at Wailea Golf Club
Source: Golf Advisor
Next to the Wailea Gold Course is the Emerald Course – an equally challenging and beautiful golf course that offers a unique game experience.
Of all the golf courses, Emerald Course is one of the most women-friendly courses in North America as highlighted by the Women & Golf Magazine.
It offers generous fairways, various teeing grounds, and only a few forced carries – making it an ideal time-tested setting for women golfers.
If you are looking for a pro-level game of play that comes with its own set of challenges while also having a really good time, head to the Emerald Course at Wailea Golf Club.
#5 The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course
Source: The Dunes at Maui Lani
Looking to escape the usual touristy surroundings and find a pro-level golf course that doesn’t compromise the beautiful Maui setting? Head to The Dunes.
Located near the Kahului Airport, The Dunes at Maui Lani spans vast greenery of 6,423 yards and offers an 18-hole links-style course.
The Dunes also maintains seasonal and special rates for its Dunes Legends Members. To know more, visit the official site of The Dunes at Maui Lani.
What are some of your top golf courses in Maui? We’d love to hear from you!
Part of why the golf courses are world-class has to do with the location: Maui. For decades, we have delivered Maui crafted hospitality to thousands across the globe. So while you pick your favorite golf course, let us take care of your visit with an equally magnificent, world-class, and peaceful stay in Maui. Book direct with us today.
