Kapalua Plantation Course

This is the course champions play every year.  One of the smallest fields, one of the most intimate settings, and one of the favorite venues for the beach, the food, and the beautiful views of Maui.

This course isn't on the top 100, but as resorts go there is no way that this isn't one of the best resorts in America.  It has two 18 hole courses that have each had a professional event held on them (Plantation Course for the PGA, Bay Course for the LPGA).  It has great packages to golf and stay here so take advantage of it and enjoy my favorite island in Hawaii.


The first hole is memorable, a hole that nearly any player has the chance to drive through the green as it plays dramatically downhill.  Then you have to negotiate a downhill lie to the green which is incredibly undulated and large in size as all the greens are here.  It is a fantastic resort course as well because of that feature: wide fairways and giant greens!

The second hole will remind some people from Northern California of the Tahoe/Truckee region of the state.  Surrounded by trees, wind off the ocean, and covered with bunkers, this par 3 can make things interesting quickly if you're not careful.  Luckily I made things exciting quickly!  This green is much more flat that the first hole.  with views of dream houses in the backround once you approach the green.

This course just offers some of the most scenic drives (with a golf club and a golf cart) in golf which is what draws people to this beautiful course every day.  The bermuda grasses that handle the tropical weather so well can cause a few problems if you stray from the fairway as it can sit up, and at times sit down.  But overall the course is typically in very good shape, greens rolling around a 9-10 max I would guess, mainly for pace of play for any tourists who may not be as accomplished a golfer as the tour professionals that play every January.

Number 8 at the Plantation Course is on my list of my Top 4 Favorite Par 3's.  Hitting over the valley of barranca  to a green that is 200 yards away and surrounded by bunkers from the tips can give any play a lot of different thoughts until it lands, and possibly the same amount after it lands. 

Possibly the widest fairway in America, nearly impossible to miss, this finishing hole is widely recognizable.  This par 5 is not reachable by nearly anybody, but enjoyed by everybody.  It's hard to leave this place with anything but a smile on your face after this hole.