COMMUNITY

Hey Pappy. I would strongly recommend you play The Dunes at Maui Lani and Kahili. Both are daily fee public courses that are as reasonably priced as you'll find on the island and offer really quality golf with quality hospitality. Both are two of the best courses I've ever played, and The Dunes is my #2 favorite course of those I've ever played. It's got a special place in my heart and I want to buy a house on the course's residential community one day. As close as you'll ever come to playing links golf in Hawaii. Course was in great shape the 7 times I played it between '08 and '12 with some of the hardest holes I've ever come across. Not really any ocean views, but some great views of the mountains and some really cool forestation at parts of the course. Friendliest staff ever, I swear. Those people are so freaking nice it's hard to describe.

Kahili is a course you'd think of when thinking Hawaiian golf. Solid course that has a really good mix of holes, some of which being brutally difficult. The thing that separates Kahili from other courses on Maui is how much the wind hits it. The wind will hit every course in Hawaii, but here especially because of its location. There are a few holes you play straight into the trade winds that would be hard to play going downwind. If you can tolerate it, there is no reason for you not to play here as its fees are probably the best value in all of Hawaii, not just Maui. Not only is it "cheap", but the quality of the course is about as strong as that of Kaanapali's.

Like I said, I would recommend with all my heart that you play these 2 tracks. Love 'em.

Here's a collection of my favorite pictures of The Dunes.

...And photos of Kahili.

Pappy I was there last May and followed Cog's recommendations, all are terrific courses. Depending upon where you are staying, Wailea, with three courses (expensive) are fantastic courses with great views. You can check with Golfnow or Maui Golf as to finding some deals on green fees.

I was there in 2010 and played Wailea Gold and Blue courses. You will of course be there in their peak season so prices for Gold are probably $225+ and Blue about $150 if not staying there. We did a 3 day unlimited package for around $450 and got in more than 100 holes so it cost less than $100 per 18. Wailea Gold is easily one of the most beautiful courses on earth and worth every cent. The first time playing it was hard to concentrate on golf with all the views around. Blue is also top notch conditions but the layout is softer with all the views. Blue gets much more play so pace was much slower. But with the views around you won't mind it much. People and service were absolutely the best I've encountered. You can tell they are used to catering to the pros and celebrities.

We also played Pukalani in upcountry area. After Wailea it was tough to compare but was still a neat course with some views and interesting holes with more elevation changes. Rates I think were about $75 or less. There's a par 3 with two separate greens. Your choice as to which to play to.

I also had friend there in spring and he played King Kamehamea (sp?). It's the only private club on Maui but they allow non members to play. It's around $200 but the course is nearly empty since most members are not residents. His 8 person group played 2 rounds in under 8 hours. He thought the layout was pretty simple and really open which is not typical in island golf.

I've played Pukalani a few times before, and while I've enjoyed it, you can do better in Maui than that course. I should mention that their staff is even friendlier than that of The Dunes, which is hard to top. No one on this planet could possibly be more enjoyable to be around than the people at Pukalani. Couple of holes stand out in my memory, but mostly the course is the same hole just in different directions with different curves. Some pics of mine are Pukalani are attached here. Oh, great food there. Go there to try their restaurant if not for golf.

King K. is on the same property as Kahili. Along with the non-member deal, you can conjoin the two and do a package at both courses which I believe is a good deal. I haven't played King K. though just because of the price tag.

Great input guys. Thanks for all the information COG and the pictures. I am checking into package deals. We have decided to go for 1.5 weeks rather than a week so may get in 5 or 6 rounds.