Kaanapali, Hawaii

Acclaimed for its warm hospitality, beautiful beaches and an adventurous spirit, America’s 50th state is also “golf heaven” – a plethora of diverse courses featuring jaw-dropping views and fun at every turn.

Situated on 300 acres of sacred lands once home to the Royal Chiefs of Maui, Ka‘anapali Golf Courses offers 36 holes of panoramic views of Lana‘i, Molokai and the West Maui Mountains. As part of the Ka‘anapali Beach Resort Association, guests can stay at one of 13 beautiful hotels and resorts. The community is anchored by Whalers Village, a beachside shopping center with boutiques, restaurants, a whaling museum, hula lessons and other entertaining activities.

Three miles south lies the historic town of Lahaina, which translates to “relentless sun” in Hawaiian. The bustling area is filled with shops and plays host to the annual Thanksgivingweek college basketball tournament, the Maui Jim Invitational.

Opened in 1962 by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the par-71, 6,700-yard Royal Ka‘anapali is renowned for its forgiving fairways, quick undulating greens and trade winds. Beginning at sea level, the course hugs the shoreline before rising into the foothills, where bird’s-eye views are abundant. Arnold Palmer remarked, “The 18th hole is one of the best and most challenging finishing holes that I have ever played.”

Royal Ka‘anapali gained international notoriety by hosting high-profile events, including Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf (1964), Canada Cup (1964), LPGA Women’s Kemper Open (198285), PGA TOUR Champions’ Ka‘anapali Classic (1987-2000) and SKINS Game (200811) and Ka’anapali Collegiate Invitational (2014-2019, 2021, 2022).

Debuting in 1976 by Arthur Jack Snyder and renovated in 2005 by Hawaii’s most prolific golf course architect, Robin Nelson, Ka‘anapali Kai is an 18-hole, family-friendly complement to Royal Ka‘anapali. The 6,400-yard, par-70 layout boasts an array of strategically placed bunkers, contoured fairways and native flora and fauna. Ka‘anapali Kai famously hosted Golf Channel’s “Big Break Ka‘anapali” in 2008.

Fueling soccer fan’s enthusiasm from the World Cup, Ka‘anapali is also home to Maui’s only FootGolf Course. This outdoor activity offers a fun combo of golf and soccer. The 9-hole, par 34 layout stretches 1,165 yards along the fairways of Ka‘anapali Kai. The FootGolf Course is open seven days a week from 4 – 6 p.m. Guests can play for just $15. Ball rentals are $5.

For those who enjoy grooving to good music while simultaneously groov-ing nice golf swings, Ka‘anapali is the place for you.

“Rock ‘N Range is an activity for golfers and non-golfers to come together in a fun, relaxed and lounge-style atmosphere. Paired with happy hour-style Hawaiian food, drinks, music and games, individuals and private groups are treated to a memorable event,” said Susan Havens, Director of Sales and Marketing for Ka‘anapali Golf Courses.

Hawaiian culture is celebrated for its familystyle (‘Ohana) sense of inclusion. Ka‘anapali is no exception. Over the last nine months, more than half of Ka‘anapali’s new hires have been women and minorities. Anchored by females serving as the Regional Operations Director and Head Golf Professional, Ka‘anapali is a leading club with diversity, equity and inclusion in golf, with a focus on Aloha for all.

Ka‘anapali can be reached via Kahului Airport (OGG) or Kapalua Airport (JHM).

With three miles of white sand beaches and scenic Pacific Ocean views, Ka‘anapali is ready to “E Komo Mai” (welcome) you to paradise in 2023! To learn more, visit www.KaanapaliGolfCourses.com

Boasting the longest stretch of ocean front holes in all of Hawaii, the Ocean Course Hokuala will test your golf and your photography skills as you maneuver through the mango groves of the rainforest terrain and play along the cliffside of the beautiful Pacific on this Jack Nicklaus signature layout. 3351 Ho’Olaulea Way Lihue, HI 96766 www.golfhokuala.com