Trying to name the single best golf course in Maui is a fool's errand - like asking a local to pick their favorite beach. Every option is stunning, unique, and the best choice really comes down to what you’re looking for. Instead of naming one winner, this guide breaks down the top contenders across the island. We’ll look at what makes each one special, who it's best for, and I'll even throw in some coaching advice to help you tackle these incredible layouts.
On the northwest tip of Maui, Kapalua isn't just a golf resort, it's a golfing pilgrimage site. The wind here is a constant playing partner, and the views are so grand they can distract from the serious golf at hand. This is where legends are made and dreams of a low score can vanish into the trade winds.
Simply put, this is the main event. As the annual host of the PGA Tour's "Sentry" Tournament of Champions, the Plantation Course at Kapalua is a beast of a golf course designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. Everything here is oversized: the fairways, the greens, the elevation changes, and the scores if you're not careful.
If the Plantation Course is a breathtaking heavyweight fight, the Bay Course is a graceful dance along the coast. Designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane, it’s an older, more traditional layout that's more manageable but no less beautiful. It's hosted over 20 professional tournaments, so its pedigree is solid.
Nestled on the sunny, drier side of the island, Wailea is a sanctuary of perfectly manicured golf. With three sensational courses to choose from and more predictable weather, it’s a go-to destination for many visiting golfers.
Often considered the most challenging of the three Wailea courses, the Gold Course is a strategic masterpiece from Robert Trent Jones II. The design is brilliant, incorporating ancient lava rock walls (pukas) that guide you, penalize you, and define the brilliant aesthetic. It's a former home to Champions Tour events and it absolutely feels like a championship course from start to finish.
If happiness could be designed into a golf course, it would look like Wailea’s Emerald Course. Also an RTJII design, this one is pure joy. It’s more forgiving and generous than the Gold, with wider fairways, fewer punishing hazards, and a carpet of tropical flowers. Every single hole is a postcard.
Located right in the heart of the famous Ka'anapali beach resort area, these two courses offer convenience, history, and a classic vacation vibe. You can go from the beach right to the first tee, making for a truly seamless resort experience.
This layout has hosted the game’s greats since it opened in 1962. It combines holes that weave through the resort on flats with others that climb into the foothills of the West Maui Mountains, providing some superb views back toward the ocean. The routing is pure RTJ Sr. genius, with large, undulating greens that test your touch.
Shorter and a bit more strategic than its royal big brother, the Kai course is all about shot-making and requires a more thoughtful approach. It’s laid back and has a more subtle, clever design. A great option if you are warming up for your trip or looking for a more relaxed round.
Still not sure? Here’s a quick-hitter guide to help you decide based on your own game and goals.
The Pick: Kapalua Plantation Course. It's not even a debate. This is the ultimate test of every facet of your game, from power and precision to creativity and mental toughness.
The Pick: Wailea Emerald Course or Kapalua Bay Course. Both are stunningly beautiful and offer the "wow" factor without being overly punishing. The Emerald is arguably more playable from start to finish, while the Bay offers that iconic par-3 over a Pacific cove.
The Pick: Waiehu Municipal Golf Course. This is the island's hidden gem. Located on the windy North Shore, it won’t have the five-star conditioning of the resort courses, but the front nine plays right along the ocean at a fraction of the price. You’ll feel a million miles from the tourist hubs and get an authentic slice of Maui golf.
The Pick: Wailea Emerald or Ka'anapali Kai. Both of these layouts are built with enjoyment as the top priority. They allow you to swing freely, soak in the surroundings, and have a fantastic, low-stress day on the course.
The "best" golf course in Maui is really the one that fits your game, your budget, and your definition of a perfect Hawaiian day. Whether it's the epic scale and professional challenge of the Plantation Course or the sheer beauty and playability of the Wailea Emerald, you're guaranteed an unforgettable round of golf.
Speaking of fitting your game, trying to figure out the right strategy on these courses can feel like its own full-time job. At Caddie AI, we built our app to act as your personal course-management expert right in your pocket. If you're standing on a tee, unsure of the ideal line, or looking down at a complicated lie in the tangled Bermuda rough, our AI coach can give you a smart, simple plan. Just snap a photo, describe the situation, and get an instant recommendation that takes the doubt out of your decision, so you can swing with total commitment and enjoy this amazing island to its fullest.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
