Your Maui Golf Questions Answered
While Kapalua Golf Course remains temporarily closed until at least November 2025 due to water restrictions, Maui still offers world-class golf experiences. Kaʻanapali Golf Courses continues operating normally with both Royal and Kai courses open, using recycled water systems unaffected by current restrictions. The island features 14 championship courses, including the acclaimed Wailea trio, The Dunes at Maui Lani, and Maui Nui Golf Club. Early morning tee times offer the best conditions with calm trade winds and postcard ocean views.
Bottom line: Your Maui golf vacation is still very much on – you just have more amazing course options to choose from beyond Kapalua.
What’s the Current Status of Kapalua Golf Course?
Kapalua’s Plantation and Bay courses closed September 2nd, 2025, for a minimum of 60 days to restore turf health after prolonged irrigation restrictions. Management will announce their reopening decision on October 15th, with the earliest possible reopening date of November 1st. This closure stems from ongoing water disputes in West Maui, where the golf course has been “damaged with no water for months,” according to General Manager Alex Nakajima.
The closure affects both championship courses that have hosted PGA Tour events, but the resort’s tennis facilities, driving range, golf shops, restaurants, including Taverna and Plantation House, remain fully operational.
Why Should I Still Choose Maui for My Golf Vacation?
Maui remains the premier Hawaiian golf destination with unmatched course diversity and year-round playability. Kaʻanapali Golf Courses operates without water restrictions, using recycled water systems that ensure consistent playing conditions. The island offers everything from championship resort courses to municipal gems, each showcasing different aspects of Maui’s dramatic landscape.
The island’s topography provides the perfect canvas for exceptional and unique golf courses that challenge various skill levels. From oceanfront holes with whale watching opportunities to mountain courses with panoramic vistas, Maui delivers golf experiences impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Popular alternatives include:
- Wailea Golf Club – Three award-winning courses (Gold, Emerald, Blue)
- The Dunes at Maui Lani – Links-style play with mountain views
- Maui Nui Golf Club – Excellent value with TopTracer technology
- Makena Golf Course – Dramatic ocean and Molokini Crater views
Which Kaʻanapali Courses Should I Play Instead?
Kaʻanapali Golf Courses offers 36 holes of legendary golf with the Royal Kaʻanapali Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., and the Kaʻanapali Kai Course, redesigned by Robin Nelson.
Royal Kaʻanapali Course stretches 6,700 yards along the coastline before winding into the West Maui Mountain foothills. Arnold Palmer called the 18th hole one of the best and most challenging finishing holes he’d ever played. The par-4, 449-yard finale hugs a brackish water canal the entire length, creating a memorable conclusion to your round.
Kaʻanapali Kai Course emphasizes strategic play over power, making it enjoyable for beginners and experienced golfers alike. The course features natural canals, gulches, and lava rock boundaries, landscaped with hibiscus, bougainvillea, and plumeria trees.
Both courses offer:
- Dynamic pricing with real-time booking
- Premium Callaway and Odyssey rental equipment
- Historical plaques sharing Kaʻanapali’s royal heritage
- Views of the Lanai and Molokai islands
What Are the Best Alternative Golf Courses on Maui?
Beyond Kaʻanapali, Maui features several world-class alternatives that showcase the island’s diverse golfing terrain.
Wailea Golf Club dominates South Maui with three championship courses. The Gold Course ranks as the most challenging, featuring elevation changes, ocean views, and well-placed fairway bunkers designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The Blue Course offers wide fairways and hazards suitable for all handicaps with unlimited ocean views.
The Dunes at Maui Lani provides exceptional value near Kahului Airport. This links-style course spans 6,423 yards of verdant land peppered with dunes, offering challenges at every hole. The course earned accolades and hosted qualifying for major tournaments.
Maui Nui Golf Club in Kihei delivers outstanding value with modern amenities, including TopTracer technology on the driving range. The public course offers player cards for additional savings and stays open until 8:30 PM most evenings.
How Do Current Conditions Affect My Golf Experience?
Current drought conditions affecting other Maui courses don’t impact Kaʻanapali Golf Courses, which use recycled water with no restrictions. This ensures consistent playing conditions regardless of weather patterns affecting other areas.
Most Maui courses maintain excellent conditions through advanced irrigation systems and careful course management. South Maui courses like Wailea enjoy the island’s best golfing conditions with sunny, calm mornings.
Timing recommendations:
- Early morning (6:30-8:00 AM): Calm conditions, cooler temperatures
- Late afternoon (after 2:00 PM): Often discounted rates, dramatic lighting
- Weekdays: Less crowded, better pace of play
- Winter months (December-March): Potential whale sightings from coastal holes
Ready to experience Maui’s incredible golf courses? Don’t let Kapalua’s temporary closure keep you from the golf vacation of a lifetime. With world-class alternatives like Ka’anapali, Wailea, and The Dunes offering spectacular ocean views and championship-quality play, your Maui golf adventure awaits.
Contact Maui Paradise Properties today to customize your perfect Hawaiian golf getaway and secure tee times at the island’s most sought-after courses.
FAQ
When will Kapalua Golf Course reopen?
Kapalua will announce its reopening decision on October 15th, 2025, with November 1st as the earliest possible date. The reopening depends on successful turf restoration efforts during the closure period.
Are there water restrictions affecting other Maui golf courses?
Kaʻanapali Golf Courses experiences no water restrictions and operates normally using recycled water systems. Most other resort courses have adequate water access and maintain good playing conditions.
What’s the best value golf course on Maui?
The Dunes at Maui Lani offers tremendous value, sitting just off the tourist track near Kahului airport, while Maui Nui Golf Club in Kihei provides excellent public course amenities at reasonable rates.
Can I still get the “Kapalua experience” elsewhere on Maui?
Yes! Kaʻanapali Royal Course offers similar championship-level golf with ocean views and mountain backdrops, while Wailea’s three courses provide even more variety and consistently excellent conditions.
Should I book tee times in advance?
Absolutely. Popular courses like Kaʻanapali and Wailea can fill up weeks in advance, especially during peak season (December–March). Early booking also secures better tee times and sometimes pricing.
