Lanai Golf - Koele

bmaas03 · July 25, 2014

Shot in the dark here, but does anyone have an update on the progress of the course renovations at Koele on Lanai? I'm anxious to get back and play both courses.

Thanks.

bmaas03 · December 3, 2014

In case anyone is interested in this info, I was on Lanai for the holiday weekend. Manele remains in fantastic shape and although ridiculously windy, it was fantastic to play. Koele remains closed and won't re-open for quite some time. In fact, nothing is happening there right now due to some sort of permitting issue. Quite disappointing, really, as that course is fun to play and a nice change of pace from Manele.

FourUnder · December 6, 2014

Thanks for the update. I was curious about the renovation progress. In your opinion, is Manele worth the cost and trip if I'm staying on Maui? How does it compare to courses on Maui?

bmaas03 · December 8, 2014

[quote name='FourUnder' timestamp='1417921525' post='10554887']
Thanks for the update. I was curious about the renovation progress. In your opinion, is Manele worth the cost and trip if I'm staying on Maui? How does it compare to courses on Maui?
[/quote]

Manele will be expensive if you're not staying at one of the hotels and you're not kamaaina, but it is the most spectacular course for scenery I've ever played. It has always been in great condition and has never been crowded. If you get there early enough, a replay is doable. The GF and I started at 8 am with 18, had lunch, and finished 36 holes by 3 pm. The new policy for rates is a one time fee for unlimited play, but it would be a wise idea to verify this before you commit.
I haven't played as many courses on Maui as I'd like, but you won't have the ocean views and cliffs on Maui that you'll see at Manele.

Clambake · December 8, 2014

Manele is a very nice course and some of the cliff side holes are spectacular. When Koele is open it makes a great all day golf trip - catch an early ferry, play Manele, have lunch, play Koele, and return on a late afternoon ferry. But unless you're chomping at the bit for a nice boat ride over and back, it will be an expensive day by the time you include round trip ferry and the shuttle on Lanai to only play Manele. I'd rather play Plantation instead, and it doesn't chew up your whole day.

hogans71 · January 5, 2015

I did not know there was some sort of renovation taking place at Koele- anyone have any info on that?

One of my all time favorites. So many good memories out there...

bmaas03 · January 6, 2015

[quote name='hogans71' timestamp='1420475100' post='10689009']
I did not know there was some sort of renovation taking place at Koele- anyone have any info on that?

One of my all time favorites. So many good memories out there...
[/quote]

Here is an article on it: [url="http://www.nicklaus.com/news/jack-nicklaus-redesigning-koele-gc-at-four-seasons-resort-lanai/"]http://www.nicklaus.com/news/jack-nicklaus-redesigning-koele-gc-at-four-seasons-resort-lanai/[/url]
I visited 3 weeks ago and took a walk around the clubhouse and the 17th hole and it was in poor shape - overgrown with weeds and the greens were a mess. There is currently no work being done to the course which is strange because they began some of the tree cutting around the course almost a year ago (the last time I was able to play it). It seems that the hotel renovations are the current priority with Manele first, then the Lodge. It will take some time before the course is up and running again. Word of mouth around the island for reopening was late 2015 or even 2016.

hogans71 · January 8, 2015

[quote name='bmaas03' timestamp='1420567276' post='10695551']
[quote name='hogans71' timestamp='1420475100' post='10689009']
I did not know there was some sort of renovation taking place at Koele- anyone have any info on that?

One of my all time favorites. So many good memories out there...
[/quote]

Here is an article on it: [url="http://www.nicklaus.com/news/jack-nicklaus-redesigning-koele-gc-at-four-seasons-resort-lanai/"]http://www.nicklaus....s-resort-lanai/[/url]
I visited 3 weeks ago and took a walk around the clubhouse and the 17th hole and it was in poor shape - overgrown with weeds and the greens were a mess. There is currently no work being done to the course which is strange because they began some of the tree cutting around the course almost a year ago (the last time I was able to play it). It seems that the hotel renovations are the current priority with Manele first, then the Lodge. It will take some time before the course is up and running again. Word of mouth around the island for reopening was late 2015 or even 2016.
[/quote]

Appreciate the info- hopefully I can make it out soon to see the revamp. Truly enjoyed the distinct contrasts in the two golf courses on the island. One of my favorite places on earth... :clapping:

teejaywhy · January 8, 2015

It seems that "under renovation" is code for "closed until further notice." As bmaas03 pointed out, there is no work going on at Koele. The recession has not been kind to tourisim on Lanai.