Maui in January - can't play Plantation, so which one?

spud3 · July 26, 2017

I'm heading to Maui in January, the same week as the TOC. I will likely only get one round in while I'm there, so which is the next best option?

callawayjay · July 26, 2017

The ferry to lanai for manele.

Carl Spackler2 · July 28, 2017

Bay course

masamitsu · July 28, 2017

Agree with Jay on Manele Bay.

If you have to stay on island Wailea is nice as is King Kamehameha.

4Eyes · July 28, 2017

For over a year now the Manele golf course has been restricted to Four Seasons Lanai hotel guests only.

For one round on Maui I would suggest Wailea Emerald or Gold. I have not played the King Kamehameha course but i have heard it is very nice.

Carl Spackler2 · July 28, 2017

Manele bay is now back open to the public. $425

spud3 · July 28, 2017

Is Manele worth the roughly 2x price on the green fees, plus the time and expense of the ferry? I'm slipping this round into a vacation with the wife, so staying on the island carries a lot of value.

Carl Spackler2 · July 28, 2017

Hawaii Tee times has it bundled with the ferry ride. It's a pretty epic golf trip. I made it there and back (6am-3pm) Bring her along to ride. (Ferry 45$)

It was one of the nicest golf courses I've ever played. Amazing ocean views, good turf conditions, not much traffic. Bucket list course for sure.

4Eyes · July 28, 2017

Manele bay is now back open to the public. $425

Carl, you are correct. I called the Manele pro shop today and they confirmed that public play is again allowed.

benzenbe · August 9, 2017

Is Manele worth the roughly 2x price on the green fees, plus the time and expense of the ferry? I'm slipping this round into a vacation with the wife, so staying on the island carries a lot of value.

Manele looks incredible, and if I had more time I would've played there and/or Kapalua. But I was also with my fiance and she gave me the ok to play 3 rounds as long as it didn't destroy the whole day. I played once in Kauai at Makai (Princeville), and while we were in Maui I played the Emerald and Gold courses at Wailea Golf Club. Emerald is much more picturesque, while Gold is more difficult (over 7k yards from the tips, 74.5 rating with 138 slope). The course has a grass driving range and the carts are all equipped with GPS/electronic scorecard which also provides a hole flyover preview when it notices you've approached the next tee box.

That said, Kapalua and Manele are both on my short list for next Hawaii trip "must have's".

benzenbe · August 10, 2017

@spud3 and anyone else interested, here are some pics from the Wailea Emerald (1 through 3) and Gold (4 through 6) Courses

rockinar · August 11, 2017

My first choice is Plantation. Second pick would be Wailea Emerald or Gold (flip a coin). I want to try King K but it's always windy as hell in the valley. Plantation Bay is no better than the Kaanapali courses or Wailea Blue. Manele is nice. Not sure about $425 nice. That depends on how much you like golf. The ferry ride is about 45 minutes and it's nice. Great views of both islands and nice ride. I do think the wife would enjoy the ferry ride and the views on the course.

Since you are only playing ONE round and get one shot at this, I would probably spring for Manele. If that does not work I would go Wailiea Emerald probably. Gold is nice too. Cant go wrong with either.

aloha b. · August 11, 2017

@spud3 and anyone else interested, here are some pics from the Wailea Emerald (1 through 3) and Gold (4 through 6) Courses

I liked both courses and no wind like Kapalua!

spud3 · August 11, 2017

Thanks for all the opinions, guys!

Clambake · August 29, 2017

Where you're staying on the island could make a big difference too. Manele is going to be an all day affair no matter what - adding in time to check in and wait for the ferry, the ferry ride, catching the shuttle to the course, warm up, and revers everything to come back. If you're staying in the Wailea area you've got 45+ minutes each way to Lahaina too. And while I really liked Manele, I don't think it's really worth the green fee. I'd pay it if staying on Lanai, but not to make the trip just to play there.

King K is a fun layout but has been really windy every time I've been there. Not just breezy, but howling-hard-to-keep-a-hat-on kind of windy!

I agree with Rockinar regarding Bay and Kaanapali: I'd skip the Kaanapali courses unless you're staying right there and want something close. The courses just aren't that interesting. Kapalua Bay is OK but not that compelling either, and except for a few holes doesn't have much in the way of views.

Either Wailea Emerald or Gold would be my pick, and if you're staying on that part of the island it would be a no-brainer. Both are scenic, have interesting holes, and some great views. Wailea Blue is OK but not nearly as nice as Emerald or Gold. As I recall, Emerald was slightly more scenic and Gold was slightly more difficult, but you can't miss with either.