Best Golf Courses in Maui: 7 Scenic Places to Play

Maui is famous for its beaches, lush scenery, and rich culture, but it’s also a golfer’s paradise. The island has 14 top golf courses. Each one has beautiful views, giving players a great experience, no matter their skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual enthusiast, Maui golf courses are sure to impress. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven of the best golf courses in Maui to help you decide which course is the perfect fit for you!

Before You Book: Public, Resort, And Private Maui Golf Courses

Not every Maui golf course is bookable the same way. Some courses are public daily-fee courses, some are resort courses with visitor tee times, and others are private or members-only clubs. This matters when you’re planning a Maui golf day because a course may look like a great option online but still require membership, guest access, or special arrangements.

• Public/daily-fee courses: These are usually the easiest for visitors to book. Good examples include Maui Nui Golf Club in Kihei and The Dunes at Maui Lani in Kahului.
• Resort courses: These are visitor-friendly but often have higher rates, stronger dress-code expectations, and advance tee-time windows. Wailea Golf Club, Kā‘anapali Golf Courses, and Kapalua’s Plantation Course fit this category.
• Private or members-only clubs: These should not be treated as simple visitor tee-time options. Mākena Golf & Beach Club and The King Kamehameha Golf Club are better described as private or members-only experiences unless you have access through a member, club program, or approved guest arrangement.

For the best experience, decide what matters most before you book: location, ocean views, difficulty, rental clubs, price, and how much time you want to spend driving. South Maui visitors may prefer Wailea or Maui Nui; West Maui visitors may prefer Kā‘anapali or Kapalua; and travelers planning to be near Kahului Airport may find The Dunes at Maui Lani especially convenient.

1. Plantation Course At Kapalua - Best Championship Course

Best for: experienced golfers who want a bucket-list Maui round with dramatic elevation changes, wide fairways, big ocean views, and a championship-course setting.

The Plantation Course at Kapalua is one of Maui’s most famous golf experiences. Set on the slopes above West Maui, the course is known for panoramic views, downhill tee shots, generous greens, and a layout that feels much bigger and more dramatic than a typical resort course. It's a strong choice for confident golfers who want a memorable round rather than the easiest or quickest tee time on the island.

Current Kapalua update: Focus this section on the Plantation Course, not the Bay Course. The Plantation Course is open, but the Bay Course remains closed. Also, avoid saying that the Plantation Course “hosts The Sentry every January” without context. A better, more accurate phrasing is: “The Plantation Course is historically known as the longtime home of the PGA TOUR’s The Sentry, though the January 2026 event was not contested there after drought and irrigation restrictions affected course conditions.”

• Area: Kapalua, West Maui
• Access: Resort/visitor tee times
• Best time to play: Morning, especially if you want cooler temperatures, calmer conditions, and time for lunch or beach plans afterward
• Skill level: Best for intermediate to advanced golfers, though multiple tee boxes help make the course more playable
• Rental clubs: Check Kapalua Golf directly for current rental club options and rates before booking
• Nearby areas: Kapalua, Napili, Kāʻanapali, and Lahaina

Traveler tip: If you are staying in South Maui, plan extra drive time. Kapalua is a West Maui golf day, not a quick stop from Wailea or Kihei. Build in time for breakfast, the drive, check-in, warm-up, and post-round photos.

2. Wailea Golf Club - Best South Maui Resort Golf

Best for: visitors staying in Wailea or Kihei who want a polished resort-golf experience with ocean views, multiple course options, rental clubs, and easy access from South Maui resorts.

Wailea Golf Club is one of the best choices for South Maui visitors because it offers three different courses: Gold, Emerald, and Blue. This makes it easier to match the round to your group. The Gold Course is often the stronger pick for golfers who want a more demanding layout, while the Emerald and Blue courses can feel more approachable for vacation golfers, couples, and mixed-skill groups.

• Area: Wailea, South Maui
• Access: Resort/visitor tee times
• Best time to play: Morning for cooler weather and a more relaxed pace; afternoon can be a good option if you are looking for later tee-time availability
• Skill level: Good for a wide range of players, depending on the course selected
• Rental clubs: Rental clubs are available; check current models, pricing, and availability directly with Wailea Golf Club
• Nearby areas: Wailea, Mākena, and Kihei

Traveler tip: Wailea Golf Club is one of the easiest Maui golf options to pair with a South Maui beach day. If part of your group does not golf, they can enjoy Wailea’s beaches, restaurants, spas, and resort areas while golfers play.

3. The King Kamehameha Golf Club - Best Private Club Experience

Best for: golfers with private-club access, approved guest access, or reciprocal arrangements who want a Central Maui course with elevated views and a distinctive private-club setting.

The King Kamehameha Golf Club should be clearly described as a private golf club, not as a standard public visitor tee-time option. It sits in Central Maui, near Waikapū and Wailuku, and is known for its bicoastal views, a quiet setting without resort crowds, and its dramatic clubhouse. Because access is limited, most vacationers should not build a golf day around this course unless they have confirmed access in advance.

• Area: Wailuku/Waikapū, Central Maui
• Access: Private club
• Best time to play: Morning, especially because the elevated Central Maui location can become breezy
• Skill level: Best for intermediate and advanced golfers, though private-club tee options may help fit different players
• Rental clubs: Verify directly with the club or your host before arriving
• Nearby areas: Wailuku, Kahului, Waikapū, and ʻĪao Valley

Traveler tip: If you cannot confirm private-club access, choose The Dunes at Maui Lani or Maui Nui Golf Club instead. Both are easier visitor options and are better suited for straightforward vacation planning.

4. Kā‘anapali Golf Courses - Best West Maui Resort Golf

Best for: West Maui visitors who want convenient resort golf near Kā‘anapali Beach, Lahaina, Napili, and Kapalua.

Kā‘anapali Golf Courses are a strong fit for golfers staying in West Maui because they offer two main course experiences: Royal Kā‘anapali and Kā‘anapali Kai. Royal Kā‘anapali is the more classic championship-style resort course, while Kā‘anapali Kai is more forgiving and approachable for many vacation golfers. Both options offer the convenience of being close to Kā‘anapali resorts, beaches, restaurants, and shopping.

• Area: Kā‘anapali, West Maui
• Access: Resort/visitor tee times
• Best time to play: Morning for cooler conditions and easier beach or dinner plans afterward
• Skill level: Royal Kā‘anapali is better for stronger players; Kā‘anapali Kai is a better fit for beginners, casual golfers, and mixed-skill groups
• Rental clubs: Rental clubs are available through the pro shop, subject to current inventory
• Nearby areas: Kā‘anapali Beach, Lahaina, Napili, and Kapalua

Traveler tip: Kā‘anapali is one of the easiest places to combine golf with a classic West Maui resort day. Golfers can play in the morning while non-golfers enjoy the beach, Whalers Village, or a resort pool day nearby.

5. The Dunes At Maui Lani - Best Central Maui Public Course

Best for: golfers who want a public course near Kahului, a links-style layout, and a convenient round before or after a travel day.

The Dunes at Maui Lani is different from many resort-style Maui golf courses. Instead of a heavily manicured coastal-resort feel, it has a links-style layout built into natural dune terrain in Central Maui. The course can be especially interesting for golfers who enjoy strategy, wind, uneven lies, and a layout that feels less like a typical tropical resort course.

• Area: Kahului, Central Maui
• Access: Public / daily-fee course
• Best time to play: Morning, especially when Central Maui winds are lighter
• Skill level: Best for intermediate golfers and players who enjoy a links-style challenge; casual golfers can still enjoy it if they are comfortable with wind and uneven terrain
• Rental clubs: Rental clubs are available through the golf shop; confirm current availability before arrival
• Nearby areas: Kahului Airport, Wailuku, Waikapū, and Central Maui

Traveler tip: This is one of the more practical Maui golf choices if you are planning around airport logistics. If you have a late flight, The Dunes can be easier to fit into a travel day than a far West Maui or South Maui course.

6. Mākena Golf & Beach Club - Best Members-Only Luxury Course

Best for: members and invited guests seeking a private South Maui golf experience within a luxury residential community.

Mākena Golf & Beach Club should not be written about as if most visitors can simply book a tee time. It is better described as a members-only residential community with golf, beach, lifestyle, and recreation amenities. This distinction is important for trust and accuracy because many travelers searching for Maui golf courses are looking for courses they can actually book during a vacation.

• Area: Mākena, South Maui
• Access: Members-only/private community
• Best time to play: Access-dependent; members and guests should follow the club’s current tee-time policies
• Skill level: Best for golfers with private-club access who want a high-end golf setting
• Rental clubs: Verify directly with the club or your host
• Nearby areas: Mākena, Wailea, Big Beach, and South Maui resorts

Traveler tip: If you are a regular Maui visitor without member access, consider the Wailea Golf Club or the Maui Nui Golf Club instead. Both are South Maui options that are much easier to book.

7. Maui Nui Golf Club - Best Casual Public Course In Kihei

Best for: visitors who want a convenient, public, casual golf option in Kihei with rental clubs, a driving range, and easy access from South Maui.

Maui Nui Golf Club is one of the most practical public golf courses for visitors staying in Kihei or Wailea. It has a more relaxed feel than many resort courses, making it a good option for casual golfers, beginners, mixed-skill groups, and travelers who want to play without turning the entire day into a luxury golf outing.

• Area: Kihei, South Maui
• Access: Public/daily-fee course
• Best time to play: Morning for a full round; late afternoon can be good for range practice or a more casual golf stop
• Skill level: Beginner-friendly to moderate, with a layout designed for a wide range of players
• Rental clubs: Callaway rental sets are available, including options for men, women, left-handed players, and juniors; reserve in advance because quantities can be limited
• Nearby areas: Kihei, Wailea, and Māʻalaea

Traveler tip: Maui Nui is a good choice if you want flexibility. You can book a round, hit the Toptracer range, grab food, or fit in golf before or after other South Maui plans without driving across the island.

Final Thoughts: Best Golf Courses in Maui

Maui golf courses offer something for every golfer, from the luxurious and exclusive to the friendly and affordable. Each course provides a unique experience, with stunning views, challenging layouts, and top-notch facilities. If you want to practice your skills on a championship course or have a fun round with friends, check out these golf resorts in Maui. 

So, pack your clubs, book your tee time, and get ready to tee off in paradise. With its perfect weather, breathtaking scenery, and world-class courses, Maui is a golfer's dream destination. We hope this guide inspires you to explore the best golf courses on the island and create unforgettable memories on the greens. Mahalo for joining us on this golfing journey through Maui!