How many golf courses are in Hawaii?

Hawaii has over 69 golf courses spread across six islands: Oahu, Maui, Big Island (Hawaii Island), Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai. These range from world-famous resort courses to affordable municipal layouts.

What is the best golf course in Hawaii?

Hawaii has many top-rated courses. Popular picks include Kapalua Plantation Course on Maui (home of the PGA Tournament of Champions), Poipu Bay Golf Course on Kauai (former PGA Grand Slam venue), Mauna Kea Golf Course on the Big Island, and Ko Olina Golf Club on Oahu.

How much does it cost to golf in Hawaii?

Golf in Hawaii ranges from $15-$30 at municipal courses to $200-$400+ at premium resort courses. Military courses offer rates around $20-$40. The best value courses include Ala Wai Golf Course on Oahu, Wailua Golf Course on Kauai, and Hilo Municipal on the Big Island.

Can I watch live cameras of Hawaii golf courses?

Yes! Hawaii Golf Time features live HD cameras at select partner courses, streaming 24/7. Visit any partner course page to watch real-time conditions, weather, and course views. More cameras are being added regularly.

What islands have golf courses in Hawaii?

All six major Hawaiian islands have golf courses: Oahu (33+ courses), Maui (9+ courses), Big Island/Hawaii Island (13+ courses), Kauai (8+ courses), Lanai (2 courses), and Molokai (1 course). Oahu has the most courses, while Lanai offers the most exclusive resort golf.

Ka'anapali Golf Courses — Hawaii Golf Time

About This Course

Overview: Your Gateway to Premier Maui Golf

Nestled along the pristine shores of West Maui, the Ka'anapali Golf Courses stand as a testament to Hawaii's allure as a world-class golf destination. Comprising two distinct 18-hole layouts – the championship Royal Ka'anapali Course and the scenic Ka'anapali Kai Course – this 36-hole complex offers an unparalleled golfing experience for players of all skill levels. From the moment you step onto the lush fairways, you'll be enveloped by the breathtaking beauty of Maui, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the islands of Lanai and Molokai, and the majestic West Maui Mountains serving as your backdrop. These Ka'anapali golf courses are more than just a place to play; they are an integral part of the Ka'anapali resort experience, seamlessly blending challenging play with luxurious relaxation. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual vacationer looking to enjoy a round amidst paradise, Ka'anapali offers an unforgettable journey through Hawaii's golfing heartland.

Hawaii Golf Time is proud to present this definitive guide to the Ka'anapali Golf Courses, providing you with all the insights needed to plan your perfect golf getaway to Maui. We delve into the courses' storied past, their unique designs, signature holes, and what makes them a must-play on any Hawaiian golf itinerary. Prepare to discover why Ka'anapali remains a beacon for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Course History & Heritage: A Legacy of Hawaiian Golf

The history of Ka'anapali Golf Courses is deeply intertwined with the development of modern tourism on Maui. Established in the early 1960s, Ka'anapali was one of Hawaii's pioneering planned resort communities, and golf was central to its vision. The creation of these courses marked a significant milestone, transforming a former sugarcane plantation into a golfing paradise that would attract visitors from across the globe.

The Royal Ka'anapali Course: A Championship Pedigree

The Royal Ka'anapali Course, originally opened in 1962, is the elder statesman of the two, designed by the legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. Known for his classic, strategic approach to course design, Jones crafted a layout that is both challenging and fair, demanding thoughtful shot-making while rewarding well-executed play. The Royal Course quickly garnered international acclaim, cementing its reputation as a championship venue. Its prestige was further elevated by hosting numerous professional tournaments, most notably the Champions Skins Game, which brought golf's biggest legends to its fairways. This rich tournament history underscores the Royal Ka'anapali Course's enduring quality and its ability to test the finest players, making it a cornerstone of Maui golf.

The Ka'anapali Kai Course: A Resort Gem

Following the success of the Royal Course, the Ka'anapali Kai Course (originally called the North Course and later redesigned by Arthur Jack Snyder) emerged to complement its championship counterpart. While perhaps less overtly demanding than the Royal, the Kai Course offers a wonderfully engaging and scenic round. Its design integrates more closely with the resort's natural contours, providing a slightly more intimate feel with strategic bunkering and greens that require precision. The Kai Course offers a fantastic resort golf experience, perfect for those seeking a challenging yet enjoyable round amidst breathtaking scenery, often with more dramatic elevation changes and unique perspectives of the ocean.

Together, these two Ka'anapali golf courses represent decades of golfing heritage, evolving with the landscape and continually offering a premier experience that honors their past while embracing the future of Hawaii golf.

Course Layout & Design: Two Distinct Experiences

The 36 holes at Ka'anapali offer a fascinating study in contrasting yet complementary golf course architecture. Each course presents its own unique set of challenges and aesthetic delights, ensuring that every round is a fresh adventure.

The Royal Ka'anapali Course: A Strategic Masterpiece

Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s design of the Royal Ka'anapali Course is a classic example of his philosophy:

Article generated with AI assistance and verified by the HGT editorial team.

Google Reviews

4.4

897 reviews

Based on Google Maps reviews. Ratings reflect golfer experiences at this course.

Backes Landscaping

I had a playing lesson with Jon Tempest today. I am new to this game and Jon did a fantastic job breaking down my mechanics by giving great visual cues. Jon in my opinion is the best pro teacher I have had since starting. I highly recommend him. Thanks Jon! I also had an opportunity to play the Royal course Friday Oct. 3. Check in at the clubhouse was smooth. The front desk employee was friendly. She gave me a small bucket to warm up with. Check in at the course was also smooth. I received my cart assignment. I love that the carts have a small iced cooler for your drinks and a screen overview of each hole with range etc. This helped me immensely with navigating the course. All in all I played as a solo and had an awesome experience. The Royal grounds are immaculate and the scenery is beyond words. Thank you for the experience! I will be back to play with family and friends! Michael Backes

Jonathan S

Beautiful golf course! It was in perfect conditions when I played earlier this month. Well worth the price. Everyone was very friendly. Carts were clean. Gorgeous views from every hole. We couldn't stop taking pictures. Would highly recommend if staying on the west side of Maui. FYI they do not sell alcohol on the golf course you must buy all bear in restaurant before going out on the course.

Thomas Hoffmann

Be prepared- If you need to rent clubs, know that they do not rent shoes or give you any balls. I have never been to a place that doesnt offer that, especially at the rate they charge. The range was not great either. Only about 6 mats or so. There are some decent views from the Royal course. Nice restaurant up stairs. We did get to check it off our ‘big break’ list though.