Hawaii could outlaw golf and it would still be a top 5 state to visit in the world. But luckily it hasn’t so it remains numero uno. Kapalua Plantation Course is the crown jewel of Maui golf, a Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore masterpiece perched on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, offering dramatic elevation changes, sweeping ocean vistas from nearly every hole, and that unbeatable Hawaiian aloha spirit. Home to the PGA TOUR’s season-opening The Sentry (formerly Tournament of Champions), it’s consistently ranked as Hawaii’s #1 course (Golfweek for years) and a top public layout nationally. Think massive fairways, generous greens, trade winds, and the chance to bomb drives like the pros on the epic downhill 18th.

Quick Facts

  • Championship links-style: 7,596 yards from the tips (par 73), but playable with wide fairways and multiple tees (down to 6,077 yards)
  • Bucket-list drama: Huge elevation drops, downhill tee shots, panoramic Pacific views, and wind that adds real challenge
  • Year-round paradise: Mild temps (70s-80s°F), best in winter/spring for calmer conditions and The Sentry event (January)
  • Premium access: Public resort course with stay-and-play packages; greens fees $300–$500+ peak, twilight deals available
  • Elite status: #1 in Hawaii (Golfweek), top 25 America’s Best Public (Golf Digest), host to PGA TOUR winners’ showcase

Not even Captain Cook regretted going to Hawaii and he was killed there by natives. There’s no recording of his last words but I’m sure it was something along the lines of “My only regret is that I didn’t get to play a cool 18 holes with the sun on my face and ocean spray in my hair.”

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Playing where the pros start the season, chasing long drives on 18, post-round Mai Tais with sunset views, and pairing with Lahaina nightlife or beach hangs
  • Families: Resort luxury with pools, spas, beaches; forgiving layout for varying skill levels; non-golfers enjoy snorkeling, hiking, or Kapalua Bay vibes

Top Standout Courses

Plantation Course (Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore)

The undisputed star, grand-scale design with ocean views from virtually every hole, massive elevation (downhill bombs galore), and that famous par-5 18th (150-foot drop for monster drives, site of Tiger’s 498-yard record blast). Wide fairways make it approachable, but the scale and wind keep it pro-level tough. Bucket-list essential with PGA TOUR pedigree.

(Note: Kapalua also has the Bay Course, rolling fairways, tropical gardens, iconic ocean par-3 17th for variety, but Plantation is the headliner.)

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua: Luxury oceanfront with direct access, pools, spa, kids’ programs
  • Montage Kapalua Bay: Upscale villas steps from the bay, exclusive Plantation rates
  • Kapalua Villas: One- to three-bedroom options with golf/ocean views, private feel
  • Packages via Troon Golf Vacations or resort sites, include tee times, lodging, perks like practice access

All Key Kapalua Plantation Courses at a Glance

  • Plantation Course (Crenshaw/Coore, Hawaii’s #1, PGA host)
  • Bay Course (complementary resort track,  tropical & scenic)
  • Practice facilities, top-tier range, short game areas
  • Nearby: Other Maui gems like Wailea or Kaanapali for multi-course trips

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times & stay-and-play packages early via golfatkapalua.com or Troon, 60-day window online, but peak fills fast (especially January post-Sentry)
  • Fly into Kahului (OGG) 45-minute drive to Kapalua
  • Pair golf with Maui musts: fresh poke, shave ice, Road to Hana, snorkeling at Kapalua Bay, or whale watching (winter)
  • Play mornings to beat winds; use forward tees for fun; rent premium clubs if flying light; embrace the scale, it’s big!

Time to tee it up where the TOUR begins, bomb drives into the Pacific breeze, and reset in Maui’s ultimate golf paradise. Kapalua Plantation is calling your escape.