Oahu/Maui Golf Feb 2012

[Damo75]

First time visitor

Hi guys.

I'm heading over to Hawaii from Feb 1-11 next year and looking at getting in a couple of games while I'm there. I'll be on both Oahu and Maui for a few days and looking for any suggestions on where to play.

On Maui we'll be staying a Kaanapali, so Kapalua Plantation is the obvious choice, given that I'll most likely be relying on pubic transport, but any other suggestions are welcome.

On Oahu, we're most likely staying at Waikiki and I really don't have much idea on what's around, so again any suggestions are welcome.

Thought this would be the best place to start, but now I'm off to search the internet for Hawaii Golf!

Thanks - Damon

[yonghov]

+1 bump

Also visiting Oahu and Maui next month and would appreciate some ideas/suggestions

[865golf]

Just got back from Maui and played 6 rounds while there - 2 at the Plantation Course, Ka'anapali Royal, Wailea Gold, plus the course on Lanai (the Challenge and the Experience).

I highly recommend the Plantation Course just to say that you've done it - just figure out the greens really quick or you'll 3 and 4 putt more greens than you can imagine.

I can't recommend the Ka'anapali courses due to the pace of play, the relative ordinariness of the courses and the relatively high price.

On the other hand, I strongly recommend the trip over to Lanai to play the courses there - they are great courses, very good chance you'll be one of the few people on the course, great service and a great price - go through Eddie at Maui Golf Shop for the $309 special on 2 rounds and the ferry ride over ([url="http://www.golf-maui.com/index.html"]http://www.golf-maui.com/index.html[/url]). It was one of the greatest golf experiences I've ever had, though it will take your whole day.

Enjoy your trip!



[quote name='Damo75' timestamp='1323077423' post='3893649']
Hi guys.

I'm heading over to Hawaii from Feb 1-11 next year and looking at getting in a couple of games while I'm there. I'll be on both Oahu and Maui for a few days and looking for any suggestions on where to play.

On Maui we'll be staying a Kaanapali, so Kapalua Plantation is the obvious choice, given that I'll most likely be relying on pubic transport, but any other suggestions are welcome.

On Oahu, we're most likely staying at Waikiki and I really don't have much idea on what's around, so again any suggestions are welcome.

Thought this would be the best place to start, but now I'm off to search the internet for Hawaii Golf!

Thanks - Damon
[/quote]

[Golf31]

I lived on Oahu for a few years. My home course was Koolau and it is/was amazing. I also loved to play Luana Hills which is now call Royal Hawaiian CC. Both courses feel like Jurassic Park and they are fun to play. Prices were reasonable for visitors. I can't comment on Maui except to say the Kapalua is beautiful and fun to play when the wind is up. Enjoy every shot and minute while you are there as it will sustain you the rest of the year.

[Tom S.]

865Golf's comments about Maui golf are SPOT ON!

The Plantation course at Kapalua is a must-play and if you could get over to Lana'i, do it! It was one of the best golf experiences I've ever had and I only played The Challenge course, can't wait to get back and play the other course. $309 to play both courses including the ferry is a great deal.

Another great course is the Bay course at Kapalua. I'd play there before playing the Ka'anapali courses.

One question to the OP, when you say you'll be relying on public transport, does that mean you won't have a rental car? To take full advantage of Maui, I recommend having your own car.

I just came back from Maui a couple of weeks ago and will be there again the same time as you, I can't wait!

[DNice26]

I was in Maui for my Honeymoon this past October 2011 and I would suggest that you play Kapalua Plantation golf course, but skip on playing Ka'anipali. I think Kapalua was one of the best courses (scenery etc.) I've played in my life. Actually, my tag pic is me on one of the down hill par 3's. I played well at Kapalua- shot 75 from the blues (they wouldn't let me play the championship tees because of fear that someone might wing a ball off to the right onto the practice putting green). I will say this----- make sure you are very aware of where the wind is blowing....on the first hole I hit a three wood all the way down through the fairway and just shy of the junk (YES, there is junk down there on the first hole.....just can't really see it from the blue tee).

I did not like Ka'anipali at all really. Nothing special to play or really anything special to look at......I'd pass if I were you. The only other course I got to play was Poipu Bay in Kauai. Another incredible course!!

Good luck and enjoy EVERY SECOND OF IT!!!! Man do I wish I was there now.

[Damo75]

[quote name='Tom S.' timestamp='1323368042' post='3911515']
865Golf's comments about Maui golf are SPOT ON!

The Plantation course at Kapalua is a must-play and if you could get over to Lana'i, do it! It was one of the best golf experiences I've ever had and I only played The Challenge course, can't wait to get back and play the other course. $309 to play both courses including the ferry is a great deal.

Another great course is the Bay course at Kapalua. I'd play there before playing the Ka'anapali courses.

One question to the OP, when you say you'll be relying on public transport, does that mean you won't have a rental car? To take full advantage of Maui, I recommend having your own car.

I just came back from Maui a couple of weeks ago and will be there again the same time as you, I can't wait!
[/quote]
Thanks for the feedback guys...

I haven't got a rental car organised and the Lonely Planet said the public transport on Oahu is good, so was going to try and get by without one. I've had a look around a few websites and Ko'olau and Luana Hills both look pretty impressive. I think I read that they offer courtesy pickups from your hotel too, but I'm not sure if that's correct, so maybe I should email them and ask.

We are only going to be in Maui for 3 days and one of those we planned to do a 'Road to Hana' tour, so I didn't think I'd need a car just for the other 2 days. To be honest, being from Australia I was a bit hesitant to get a rental because I'm obviously not used to driving on the right hand side of the road like you do in the US. I imagine that traffic in Maui isn't as busy as Oahu though, so maybe it would be OK.

[nikegolfer1983]

We were in Maui last Christmas and our rental car company made us sign an agreement that we would not take our rental car on the road to Hana.

[Tom S.]

There are two roads to/from Hana - the famed "Road to Hana" is the road that tourists and tour buses take - it goes along the north coast.

There's another road that goes along the southern end of the island. This road is far less traveled and the terrain of the road can get bumpy although I've seen the most compact rental cars navigate this road without any problems.

It's the southern road that rental car companies ask that you not drive on. The famous "Road to Hana" is 80% rental cars and tour buses.

From my personal experience, I've rented cars 20-30 times on Maui and have never heard of them asking you not to take your car to Hana on the northern road.

To the OP - Maui is very different than Oahu, much less dense and populated. It's much easier to drive on Maui and it's almost necessary to have your own transportation.

[goheelswin]

Have been lucky enough to be visit Maui 3 years in a row.

Defintely...take the ferry to Lanai and play The Challenge @ Manele. Take the first ferry in the morning and have breakfast at the Fourseasons Resort prior to your tee time. They have shuttle vans. Defintely a Must Play. I played the Experience @ Koele this year. I enjoyed the Challenge more.

Have played the Plantation course @ Kapalua-awesome scenes. Fun to watch the PGA tournament on TV and know you have played the same holes....and playing hole 18 is so awesome.

Another course that does not get a lot of press is Makena Resort. A 30-40 minute drive from Kanapali resort but outstanding course with breaktaking views as well. Also no where as pricey.

Go and enjoy!

[nikegolfer1983]

Played Makenna beach resort last December and Alice Cooper was in the group behind us, very cool guy

[masamitsu]

Definitely play Plantation. Get there early and putt on the practice green next to #1 tee. You HAVE to know the grain or it's going to be a long day.

[Damo75]

Ok, the trip is getting closer...

I'm going to try and play the Plantation at Kapalua on Monday 6 Feb. Haven't booked yet, but unless things go awry, that's the plan.

Still haven't decided on where to play on Oahu yet. I've pretty much narrowed it down to Koolau or Royal Hawaiian CC. I think these look the better options since they are both like nothing I've ever played before.

Does anyone have any recommendations about either? I'll be looking at playing there sometime from 8-10 Feb.

Damon

[BENNYSUPREME]

They are both great courses. Hard, they can be hit or miss because of weather. O did I say hard. They will be worth it. Let me know when you have a tee time. If I'm off I might be able to join you, Thats if you don't mind a hack playing with you.

[jeff_d]

I just got back from Oahu yesterday. I would strongly recommend NOT playing Koolau this time of year. I'm going to write up a summary of the courses I played in the Hawaii section, but to be brief Koolau is beautiful, but it was completely unplayable on the back 9, and in parts of the front 9 as well due to the wet conditions, that is unless you want to play in a mud bowl. Luana Hills is amazing as well, but only 9 holes were open.

[avgjoe]

you can play all the resort courses on Maui (I usually play at the courses at Wailea and Makena), but you might also want to try the Dunes at Maui Lani... and btw, the best book is Maui Revealed

[tkproject]

For Oahu:
Some courses you should check out...

1. Royal Kunia Country Club
2. Hawaii Prince Golf Course
3. Fazio Course at Turtle Bay
Notable others: Coral Creek, Ewa Beach Golf Club, Waikele Country Club

[Damo75]

Thanks again for all the feedback...

That sucks about Luana Hills and Koolau both being unplayable due to the weather. I was pretty keen on one of those 2 as they look completely different to anything I've played before. Is it worth waiting until I get there and checking the weather then to see if they're OK, or can I pretty much guarantee they'll be a write-off?

Tkproject - thanks for the info. I had a look at Turtle Bay but it's probably a bit far away without transport. I'll check the others out now though.

Benny - I certainly don't mind if you wanted to meet up for a game wherever I end up getting to play. I'll be looking to play either 8, 9 or 10 Feb.

Cheers - Damon

[jnlx460]

[quote name='Damo75' timestamp='1326020228' post='4044891']
Thanks again for all the feedback...

That sucks about Luana Hills and Koolau both being unplayable due to the weather. I was pretty keen on one of those 2 as they look completely different to anything I've played before. Is it worth waiting until I get there and checking the weather then to see if they're OK, or can I pretty much guarantee they'll be a write-off?

Tkproject - thanks for the info. I had a look at Turtle Bay but it's probably a bit far away without transport. I'll check the others out now though.

Benny - I certainly don't mind if you wanted to meet up for a game wherever I end up getting to play. I'll be looking to play either 8, 9 or 10 Feb.

Cheers - Damon
[/quote]

Turtle Bay Fazio course. When I was there Dec of 2010 they offered a twilight special of $15 bucks after 3PM. $15!!!! I believe it was $110 during the day.

I know your transportation might not allow it but just an fyi

[Damo75]

Wow, what a trip!

I managed to fit in a couple of games around all the other tours/activities during the time we were there.

Played Kapalua Plantation on 6 Feb. Absolutely amazing golf course! Every bit as impressive as it looks on TV. If you haven't played it and are in Maui, it's got to be on the 'must-do' list. Just an incredible place.

Also played at Hawaii Prince on 10 Feb. Nowhere near the quality of Kapalua, but that is hardly a criticism. I thought the course itself (we played the A & B nines) was pretty comparable with my home club. And with the green fee of $129 including shuttle transfers to/from Waikiki plus a $20 voucher for use in the pro-shop or restaurant, I'd have to say it wasn't bad value.

Special thanks to fellow WRX'er BENNYSUPREME for coming out to join me at Hawaii Prince and for his help in suggesting a few holiday "to-do's" while we were in Hawaii. I'd also like to thank him for the ball-markers etc he gave me and particularly since I'm the proud new owner of a WRX Poker Chip!

Now I just have to start saving for my next trip to Hawaii!

Cheers - Damon

[Tom S.]

Thanks for the update, Damon.

Coincidentally, I played Plantation on February 6th as well. It truly is a special place.

[rockinar]

[quote name='nikegolfer1983' timestamp='1323435904' post='3915521']
We were in Maui last Christmas and our rental car company made us sign an agreement that we would not take our rental car on the road to Hana.
[/quote]

No. They are talking about driving around the back side. If you drive off the cliff or break down, get a flat, you're on your own or someone has to come find you. The don't want to constantly have to come rescue stranded tourists. That's why they say you're not allowed to go that way. It seems every time I'm on Maui some tourists who were told not to drive around the north side via Kapalua, and they drive off the edge at night and die. Last year when I was here, some idiot got sucked into the blow hole because he thought it woukd be cool to stand next to it. He got sucked in and they never found his body. People are just dumb and need to be protected from their stupidity.

On the golfing note. The Kaanapali courses are nothing spectacular, but they are within walking distance from all the hotels and condos there and the Kai course is only $112 after 1:00. Not a terrible deal if you just want to relax and play some golf and not worried about ocean views. Id rather be on Maui playing the Kaanapali courses than be on the mainland playing 99% of the courses there.