Kapalua

[Ryanak27]

Hi,

 

I'm heading to Hawaii at the end of the year and was wondering if anyone had played Kapalua before? If so, when did you book your tee time and what time of day was the best? Any help on this would be great!!

 

Ryan

[SilverBullets]

[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401810587' post='9421631']
Hi,

I'm heading to Hawaii at the end of the year and was wondering if anyone had played Kapalua before? If so, when did you book your tee time and what time of day was the best? Any help on this would be great!!

Ryan
[/quote]

I've played it a few times. I know the last time I went to Maui we played it twice. We booked the first tee time a few weeks in a advance. Then, after we played it, we booked another tee time for like 2 or 3 days later. We didn't have a issue either time with the course being overly packed so I'm not sure it really matters which day you play it. Though if you are worried about slow play, anytime mid week is probably your safest bet.

[Ryanak27]

That's great thanks!!! I was thinking that it would be packed and hard to get a tee time. I was going to call today or tomorrow but after hearing that I will just wait. My plan was to play mid week as well. Have you ever played in the winter months when the day light is minimal? Just wondering if I should play in the morning or mid afternoon.

[papichulosteve]

I played the Plantation course with my wife when we were on our honeymoon. We called like 2 days in advance and got the first twilight tee time, which i think is 1pm. Normally if you can snag that time, you can show up a little early and the starter can let you go early. either way, it'll give you plenty of time to finish. when we played it wasn't packed at all (mid-October). i think there are a few places that can get you a deal, but it won't be anything too much less than calling for the twilight rate.

[Mob]

We are headed to Maui this summer as well. Is Kapalua the best place to play? Do they have more than one course, and if so, which is the one to play?

Thanks

[SilverBullets]

[quote name='Mob' timestamp='1401814697' post='9422165']
We are headed to Maui this summer as well. Is Kapalua the best place to play? Do they have more than one course, and if so, which is the one to play?

Thanks
[/quote]

The Plantation Course at Kapalua is the place to play.

We also played Wailea Gold and really liked the course but it pailed in comparison to the Plantation Course. Years ago I played Kannapali and enjoyed it but it's not as good as Wailea and def. not as good as Kapalua.

[SilverBullets]

[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401814252' post='9422089']
That's great thanks!!! I was thinking that it would be packed and hard to get a tee time. I was going to call today or tomorrow but after hearing that I will just wait. My plan was to play mid week as well. Have you ever played in the winter months when the day light is minimal? Just wondering if I should play in the morning or mid afternoon.
[/quote]

Honestly, it's probably worth calling and getting time now just in case. That way, if for some reason all the times are gone, you will still have one.

[Ryanak27]

They have the Plantation which is the one that the tour plays on every January. Then they also have the Bay course. Not sure what that is like but the Plantation is the famous one.

[Mob]

OK, thanks. I will make a tee time.

[Ryanak27]

[quote name='SilverBullets' timestamp='1401814906' post='9422189']
[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401814252' post='9422089']
That's great thanks!!! I was thinking that it would be packed and hard to get a tee time. I was going to call today or tomorrow but after hearing that I will just wait. My plan was to play mid week as well. Have you ever played in the winter months when the day light is minimal? Just wondering if I should play in the morning or mid afternoon.
[/quote]

Honestly, it's probably worth calling and getting time now just in case. That way, if for some reason all the times are gone, you will still have one.
[/quote]

True enugh. I just did a little more research and the website won't let you book after this month. I will have to call.

[Ryanak27]

[quote name='SilverBullets' timestamp='1401814868' post='9422187']
[quote name='Mob' timestamp='1401814697' post='9422165']
We are headed to Maui this summer as well. Is Kapalua the best place to play? Do they have more than one course, and if so, which is the one to play?

Thanks
[/quote]

The Plantation Course at Kapalua is the place to play.

We also played Wailea Gold and really liked the course but it pailed in comparison to the Plantation Course. Years ago I played Kannapali and enjoyed it but it's not as good as Wailea and def. not as good as Kapalua.
[/quote]

Is Wailea the course that is the second stop on the PGA Tour on the main island?

[jumanji]

Kapalua plantation is awesome but extremely, extremely windy. After that, you *have* to go to Lanai and play both courses. Truly spectacular and an experience, it was golfing heaven. Lanai will blow the doors off of every course on Maui with the possible exception of Plantation. Check out the Maui Golf shop very near the airport and they can arrange everything. There is plenty of posts on here about Kapalua and Lanai but message me if you have questions.

[Pepperturbo]

I have been going to Kapalua every year, for years, and know all the courses on Maui, including the Plantation and Bay, which I play the most. Use to really enjoy the Village, but sadly its been left to go to grass. I typically setup tee times 2-3 weeks before my flight or the day I want to play and I usually tee off before 9am. Trade winds can be a serious test on the plantation; not so much on the Bay, except for #4 and #5, and watch out for #16. The Bay is a fun course; back tees are about 71/138ish. Lots of uphill and down hill holes with nice bunkers. Its easier than the Plantation tips, for sure.

Plantation greens tend to break towards the tip of Molokai, as many set on the side of a hill. Always pay close attention to how the trades are flowing though. They can be erratic at times and can truly mess up a hole score.

Some hole thoughts to consider: #1 Typically, trades are at your back, so too far high right you'll miss the downhill and end up in serious junk making a shot at the green near impossible. You want to reach the cress so the ball turns left and runs down to the flat area, and a short leave into the green.

The course has lots of uphill and down hill shots; some play long, others considerably short. #2, Par 3 plays short for me, but if the wind into you it can be trouble. #3 can have serious rough on the left of the fairway making next shot harder than it needs to be; best to pick a club that assures 210-220 in the fairway. People that attempt driving the green tend to loose balls OB right. On #5, target high left (fairway feeds the ball hard right). For example #6 green is reachable for me, even from the tournament tees (if open). #8, note if the trades are right to left. if so, aim at the right edge of the green, ball should end up on the left side. #15, Par 5, do your best to stay in the middle; fairway feels right, making subsequent shots longer than needed. #16, target the furthest left bunker out in the distance and playing the left fairway; better view into the green. One last thought, greens are reasonably large and seriously fast down green, seriously slow into the grain. One last thought, depending on your game, it's easy to 3-5 putt some greens.

[Ryanak27]

That's awesome. Thanks for that!! I will have to look into Lanai as well. Have you ever played, I believe it is Waialae CC which is the second stop on tour each year? I would love to play that course as well.

[Ryanak27]

[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1401818162' post='9422637']
I have been going to Kapalua every year, for years, and know all the courses on Maui, including the Plantation and Bay, which I play the most. Use to really enjoy the Village, but sadly its been left to go to grass. I typically setup tee times 2-3 weeks before my flight or the day I want to play and I usually tee off before 9am. Trade winds can be a serious test on the plantation; not so much on the Bay, except for #4 and #5, and watch out for #16. The Bay is a fun course; back tees are about 71/138ish. Lots of uphill and down hill holes with nice bunkers. Its easier than the Plantation tips, for sure.

Plantation greens tend to break towards the tip of Molokai, as many set on the side of a hill. Always pay close attention to how the trades are flowing though. They can be erratic at times and can truly mess up a hole score.

Some hole thoughts to consider: #1 Typically, trades are at your back, so too far high right you'll miss the downhill and end up in serious junk making a shot at the green near impossible. You want to reach the cress so the ball turns left and runs down to the flat area, and a short leave into the green.

The course has lots of uphill and down hill shots; some play long, others considerably short. #2, Par 3 plays short for me, but if the wind into you it can be trouble. #3 can have serious rough on the left of the fairway making next shot harder than it needs to be; best to pick a club that assures 210-220 in the fairway. People that attempt driving the green tend to loose balls OB right. On #5, target high left (fairway feeds the ball hard right). For example #6 green is reachable for me, even from the tournament tees (if open). #8, note if the trades are right to left. if so, aim at the right edge of the green, ball should end up on the left side. #15, Par 5, do your best to stay in the middle; fairway feels right, making subsequent shots longer than needed. #16, target the furthest left bunker out in the distance and playing the left fairway; better view into the green. One last thought, greens are reasonably large and seriously fast down green, seriously slow into the grain. One last thought, depending on your game, it's easy to 3-5 putt some greens.
[/quote]

Thanks for that information. I will make sure to study up before going that's for sure. It sounds like it will be lots of fun regardless.

[scratchswinger]

I always make my tee times times when I get to the island and I have never had an issue.

Here are some really good photos.

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/889498-review-kapalua-plantation-course-warning-lots-of-pics/

[studatnu]

On our honeymoon we stayed at the Ritz Carlton and my best man and ushers gifted me a round at the Plantation Course and the Bay Course and its 2 rounds of golf I'll never forget....I actually booked them the day before. This was during the 2009 economic downturn. At one point while I was on the bay course, the cart girl rode a couple holes with me and she asked what it was like to be the only person on PGA golf course....literally no one on the course but me.

[RJRJRJ]

[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401815359' post='9422273']
[quote name='SilverBullets' timestamp='1401814868' post='9422187']
[quote name='Mob' timestamp='1401814697' post='9422165']
We are headed to Maui this summer as well. Is Kapalua the best place to play? Do they have more than one course, and if so, which is the one to play?

Thanks
[/quote]

The Plantation Course at Kapalua is the place to play.

We also played Wailea Gold and really liked the course but it pailed in comparison to the Plantation Course. Years ago I played Kannapali and enjoyed it but it's not as good as Wailea and def. not as good as Kapalua.
[/quote]

Is Wailea the course that is the second stop on the PGA Tour on the main island?
[/quote]

No, I think Wailea holds some LPGA type event though.

I was in maui last summer and played Kapalua and Wailea Gold and Emerald. Kapalua is definitely the place to play. The price is a tough pill to swallow, but I can assure you that when I finished my round I felt like it was money well spent. The Wailea courses are absolutely immaculate, but they aren't particularly interesting compared to kapalua. I think I booked my tee time online the night before for like 9am or so.

[Pepperturbo]

[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401818882' post='9422721']
That's awesome. Thanks for that!! I will have to look into Lanai as well. Have you ever played, I believe it is Waialae CC which is the second stop on tour each year? I would love to play that course as well.
[/quote]

Yes, played Gold where the Skins game was played, and the LPGA has played there: along with Emerald (women friendly) and old Blue course. The later Blue is not owned by the same man that owns the former 2 courses, so conditions vary. Gold is a great test of golf, lots of bunkers. Emerald a bit easier, but both really well kept. Old Blue is the easiest of the three to me and friends. Also, Makena, at the south end of the island has been closed for over a year for course renovations. They took North and South courses and made "1" and added a resort. I will be playing there too, in a few months. Another inexpensive but fun course is Elleair; its Kihei area. Play early though, winds hit it later in the day. Also, if you want a good links test, check out Dunes at Maui Lani, near the Airport.

And "yes" to both courses on Lanai. For us it was a "1" time trip; takes too much time, even for just 18 holes. If you want to play both courses, the Ferry service has a deal for both and ferry service, to/from which leaves the harbor about 6am. They will take you from one course to the other course too, so its not problem. Check with the Koele course in the mountains to insure all greens are good. They have a history of losing them.

I see you're from CA... We stay in the same place all the time. All our neighbors are from CA. enjoy.

PS, I am not aware that the PGA tour played on Maui. I believe it was the LPGA on Emerald.

[Ryanak27]

[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1401820396' post='9422903']
[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401818882' post='9422721']
That's awesome. Thanks for that!! I will have to look into Lanai as well. Have you ever played, I believe it is Waialae CC which is the second stop on tour each year? I would love to play that course as well.
[/quote]

Yes, played Gold where the Skins game was played, and the LPGA has played there: along with Emerald (women friendly) and old Blue course. The later Blue is not owned by the same man that owns the former 2 courses, so conditions vary. Gold is a great test of golf, lots of bunkers. Emerald a bit easier, but both really well kept. Old Blue is the easiest of the three to me and friends. Also, Makena, at the south end of the island has been closed for over a year for course renovations. They took North and South courses and made "1" and added a resort. I will be playing there too, in a few months. Another inexpensive but fun course is Elleair; its Kihei area. Play early though, winds hit it later in the day. Also, if you want a good links test, check out Dunes at Maui Lani, near the Airport.

And "yes" to both courses on Lanai. For us it was a "1" time trip; takes too much time, even for just 18 holes. If you want to play both courses, the Ferry service has a deal for both and ferry service, to/from which leaves the harbor about 6am. They will take you from one course to the other course too, so its not problem. Check with the Koele course in the mountains to insure all greens are good. They have a history of losing them.

I see you're from CA... We stay in the same place all the time. All our neighbors are from CA. enjoy.

PS, I am not aware that the PGA tour played on Maui. I believe it was the LPGA on Emerald.
[/quote]

Thanks for the great info!!! I will be sure to do some more research on those courses you mentioned. I only have a week so I will be picking the best ones. Kapalua for sure!! Yes, I am Canadian and live very close to Toronto

[az2au]

Dissenting opinion on Lanai FWIW. None of my group thought it was worth the trip over and all agreed we'd just rather play at the Plantation course again. I mean, I thought they were very nice but not in the same league as Plantation. If they were a 20 min car ride then it would be worth it but having to deal with the ferry back and forth isn't for me. I haven't played the Bay so no opinion there.

[sharkiesj]

[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1401820396' post='9422903']
[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401818882' post='9422721']
That's awesome. Thanks for that!! I will have to look into Lanai as well. Have you ever played, I believe it is Waialae CC which is the second stop on tour each year? I would love to play that course as well.
[/quote]

Yes, played Gold where the Skins game was played, and the LPGA has played there: along with Emerald (women friendly) and old Blue course. The later Blue is not owned by the same man that owns the former 2 courses, so conditions vary. Gold is a great test of golf, lots of bunkers. Emerald a bit easier, but both really well kept. Old Blue is the easiest of the three to me and friends. Also, Makena, at the south end of the island has been closed for over a year for course renovations. They took North and South courses and made "1" and added a resort. I will be playing there too, in a few months. Another inexpensive but fun course is Elleair; its Kihei area. Play early though, winds hit it later in the day. Also, if you want a good links test, check out Dunes at Maui Lani, near the Airport.

And "yes" to both courses on Lanai. For us it was a "1" time trip; takes too much time, even for just 18 holes. If you want to play both courses, the Ferry service has a deal for both and ferry service, to/from which leaves the harbor about 6am. They will take you from one course to the other course too, so its not problem. Check with the Koele course in the mountains to insure all greens are good. They have a history of losing them.

I see you're from CA... We stay in the same place all the time. All our neighbors are from CA. enjoy.

PS, I am not aware that the PGA tour played on Maui. I believe it was the LPGA on Emerald.
[/quote]

Bruddah you da kine brah. He's talking about Waialae CC on Oahu not Wailea. And how could you not know the PGA Tour plays on Maui for the last billion years at Kapalua. You folk really something....

[Pepperturbo]

[quote name='sharkiesj' timestamp='1401828392' post='9423897']
[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1401820396' post='9422903']
[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401818882' post='9422721']
That's awesome. Thanks for that!! I will have to look into Lanai as well. Have you ever played, I believe it is Waialae CC which is the second stop on tour each year? I would love to play that course as well.
[/quote]

Yes, played Gold where the Skins game was played, and the LPGA has played there: along with Emerald (women friendly) and old Blue course. The later Blue is not owned by the same man that owns the former 2 courses, so conditions vary. Gold is a great test of golf, lots of bunkers. Emerald a bit easier, but both really well kept. Old Blue is the easiest of the three to me and friends. Also, Makena, at the south end of the island has been closed for over a year for course renovations. They took North and South courses and made "1" and added a resort. I will be playing there too, in a few months. Another inexpensive but fun course is Elleair; its Kihei area. Play early though, winds hit it later in the day. Also, if you want a good links test, check out Dunes at Maui Lani, near the Airport.

And "yes" to both courses on Lanai. For us it was a "1" time trip; takes too much time, even for just 18 holes. If you want to play both courses, the Ferry service has a deal for both and ferry service, to/from which leaves the harbor about 6am. They will take you from one course to the other course too, so its not problem. Check with the Koele course in the mountains to insure all greens are good. They have a history of losing them.

I see you're from CA... We stay in the same place all the time. All our neighbors are from CA. enjoy.

PS, I am not aware that the PGA tour played on Maui. I believe it was the LPGA on Emerald.
[/quote]

Bruddah you da kine brah. He's talking about Waialae CC on Oahu not Wailea. And how could you not know the PGA Tour plays on Maui for the last billion years at Kapalua. You folk really something....
[/quote]

OK - who'd a thunk, given this whole thread is about Maui. Thought it was a typo. And my saying no PGA tournament was a pure brain fart... I know, you never make mistakes. Hell, I have been to the event but was thinking about Wailea skins, the LPGA and then Senior tour tracks on the island... but if my mistake makes your day, have at it. My admin calls me on mistakes all the time.

[italianstallion]

I played last year, fantastic experience and well worth the $. I booked my round 2 days before, but plenty of open times available the day of.

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/889498-review-kapalua-plantation-course-warning-lots-of-pics/

[sharkiesj]

[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1401834776' post='9424421']
[quote name='sharkiesj' timestamp='1401828392' post='9423897']
[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1401820396' post='9422903']
[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401818882' post='9422721']
That's awesome. Thanks for that!! I will have to look into Lanai as well. Have you ever played, I believe it is Waialae CC which is the second stop on tour each year? I would love to play that course as well.
[/quote]

Yes, played Gold where the Skins game was played, and the LPGA has played there: along with Emerald (women friendly) and old Blue course. The later Blue is not owned by the same man that owns the former 2 courses, so conditions vary. Gold is a great test of golf, lots of bunkers. Emerald a bit easier, but both really well kept. Old Blue is the easiest of the three to me and friends. Also, Makena, at the south end of the island has been closed for over a year for course renovations. They took North and South courses and made "1" and added a resort. I will be playing there too, in a few months. Another inexpensive but fun course is Elleair; its Kihei area. Play early though, winds hit it later in the day. Also, if you want a good links test, check out Dunes at Maui Lani, near the Airport.

And "yes" to both courses on Lanai. For us it was a "1" time trip; takes too much time, even for just 18 holes. If you want to play both courses, the Ferry service has a deal for both and ferry service, to/from which leaves the harbor about 6am. They will take you from one course to the other course too, so its not problem. Check with the Koele course in the mountains to insure all greens are good. They have a history of losing them.

I see you're from CA... We stay in the same place all the time. All our neighbors are from CA. enjoy.

PS, I am not aware that the PGA tour played on Maui. I believe it was the LPGA on Emerald.
[/quote]

Bruddah you da kine brah. He's talking about Waialae CC on Oahu not Wailea. And how could you not know the PGA Tour plays on Maui for the last billion years at Kapalua. You folk really something....
[/quote]

OK - who'd a thunk, given this whole thread is about Maui. Thought it was a typo. And my saying no PGA tournament was a pure brain fart... I know, you never make mistakes. Hell, I have been to the event but was thinking about Wailea skins, the LPGA and then Senior tour tracks on the island... but if my mistake makes your day, have at it. My admin calls me on mistakes all the time.
[/quote]

You don't have to explain yourself to me. It's obvious.

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='sharkiesj' timestamp='1401828392' post='9423897']
[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401818882' post='9422721']
Have you ever played, I believe it is Waialae CC which is the second stop on tour each year? I would love to play that course as well.
[/quote]
He's talking about Waialae CC on Oahu not Wailea.
[/quote]

Wailea = Maui - resort course open to the public.
Waialae = Oahu - private club, home to the PGA Tour Sony Open

With only 13 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet, the names start to all sound the same!

[bmaas03]

[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401821691' post='9423051']
[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1401820396' post='9422903']
[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401818882' post='9422721']
That's awesome. Thanks for that!! I will have to look into Lanai as well. Have you ever played, I believe it is Waialae CC which is the second stop on tour each year? I would love to play that course as well.
[/quote]

Yes, played Gold where the Skins game was played, and the LPGA has played there: along with Emerald (women friendly) and old Blue course. The later Blue is not owned by the same man that owns the former 2 courses, so conditions vary. Gold is a great test of golf, lots of bunkers. Emerald a bit easier, but both really well kept. Old Blue is the easiest of the three to me and friends. Also, Makena, at the south end of the island has been closed for over a year for course renovations. They took North and South courses and made "1" and added a resort. I will be playing there too, in a few months. Another inexpensive but fun course is Elleair; its Kihei area. Play early though, winds hit it later in the day. Also, if you want a good links test, check out Dunes at Maui Lani, near the Airport.

And "yes" to both courses on Lanai. For us it was a "1" time trip; takes too much time, even for just 18 holes. If you want to play both courses, the Ferry service has a deal for both and ferry service, to/from which leaves the harbor about 6am. They will take you from one course to the other course too, so its not problem. Check with the Koele course in the mountains to insure all greens are good. They have a history of losing them.

I see you're from CA... We stay in the same place all the time. All our neighbors are from CA. enjoy.

PS, I am not aware that the PGA tour played on Maui. I believe it was the LPGA on Emerald.
[/quote]

Thanks for the great info!!! I will be sure to do some more research on those courses you mentioned. I only have a week so I will be picking the best ones. Kapalua for sure!! Yes, I am Canadian and live very close to Toronto
[/quote]

It may or may not influence your decision, but Koele on Lanai is currently under renovation. Unless they're ahead of schedule, it won't be open until December. Manele Bay, the ocean course, is beautiful, IMO. Many trees have been removed in the past year and most holes have ocean views. Always in great shape as well.

[rockinar]

I own a place there and go multiple times a year. I play after noon, and never once made a reservation before arriving. Maybe if you want to play mornings at a certain time, or only here for a couple days I would just to "make sure". If you have a group with you I also would. As a single, and flexible schedule, no need at all.

[rockinar]

[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1401820396' post='9422903']
[quote name='Ryanak27' timestamp='1401818882' post='9422721']
That's awesome. Thanks for that!! I will have to look into Lanai as well. Have you ever played, I believe it is Waialae CC which is the second stop on tour each year? I would love to play that course as well.
[/quote]

Yes, played Gold where the Skins game was played, and the LPGA has played there: along with Emerald (women friendly) and old Blue course. The later Blue is not owned by the same man that owns the former 2 courses, so conditions vary. Gold is a great test of golf, lots of bunkers. Emerald a bit easier, but both really well kept. Old Blue is the easiest of the three to me and friends. Also, Makena, at the south end of the island has been closed for over a year for course renovations. They took North and South courses and made "1" and added a resort. I will be playing there too, in a few months. Another inexpensive but fun course is Elleair; its Kihei area. Play early though, winds hit it later in the day. Also, if you want a good links test, check out Dunes at Maui Lani, near the Airport.

And "yes" to both courses on Lanai. For us it was a "1" time trip; takes too much time, even for just 18 holes. If you want to play both courses, the Ferry service has a deal for both and ferry service, to/from which leaves the harbor about 6am. They will take you from one course to the other course too, so its not problem. Check with the Koele course in the mountains to insure all greens are good. They have a history of losing them.

I see you're from CA... We stay in the same place all the time. All our neighbors are from CA. enjoy.

PS, I am not aware that the PGA tour played on Maui. I believe it was the LPGA on Emerald.
[/quote]


Wrong....wrong....wrong.....Skins game was not on the Gold course. It was in Kaanapali on the Royal. Was there forever. Also PGA Tour has been playing Kapalua forever. Do you even play golf or just read golf forums?

[Clambake]

Wow, such an indignant post and yet you're the one who is wrong. Champion skins game was played on Gold from 2001 to 2007. As you said, do you even play golf or just read golf forums? :-)