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Rating Index Rating
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4.1
462 Reviews (462)
5 Stars
181
4 Stars
179
3 Stars
65
2 Stars
22
1 Stars
15
Conditions
3.9
Value
3.8
Layout
4.4
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.5
Amenities
3.8
86.5%
Recommend this course
390 out of 462 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.9
36 Reviews (36)
5 Stars
13
4 Stars
16
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
3
Conditions
3.6
Value
3.7
Layout
4.5
Pace
4.4
Amenities
3.9
StaffFriendliness
4.8
86.1%
Recommend this course
31 out of 36 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.0
66 Reviews (66)
5 Stars
28
4 Stars
24
3 Stars
5
2 Stars
4
1 Stars
5
Conditions
3.6
Value
3.7
Layout
4.4
Pace
4.5
Amenities
3.8
StaffFriendliness
4.8
83.3%
Recommend this course
55 out of 66 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
The Kai course impresses with dramatic elevation changes, open fairways, and stunning views that reward every round. Consistently friendly staff and smooth pace of play make for a genuinely enjoyable experience on Maui.

About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Par 70
Length 6388 yards
Slope 136
Rating 71.6

The Ka'anapali Resort on Maui is home to two championship golf courses, set on 1,200 acres of land home to ancient Hawaiian royalty. The Ka'anapali Kai course is an Arthur Jack Snyder design from 1976 that received an extensive renovation in 2005. The golf course is shorter and has a lower slope/rating compared to its sister Royal Ka'anapali course, but also plays narrower in most spots. Many holes are tucked into the West Maui Mountains The golf course is women-friendly with a forward set of "Hibiscus" tees at 4,522 yards, and also less expensive to resort guests and visitors compared to Royal Ka'anapali, which has played host to numerous professional events.

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Kaanapali Kai Golf Course
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Course Details

Year Built 1976
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Jack Snyder (1976) Robin Nelson (2005)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Proper golf attire must be worn at all times

Food & Beverage

Bar, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Accolades

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Reviews

4.1
462 Reviews (462)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 7
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 14
Undulating Greens 10
Elevation Changes 9
This course/club is great for:
Playing Multiple Courses 9
Advanced Golfers 8
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 7
This Course's Location is:
At a Resort 15
Near Local Attractions 6

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 12
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Too expensive

The islander play for $40 why do we get charged $99.00???

Conditions Excellent
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Fair
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Anonymous
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great value and great day

This is a great course for an average player

Plenty of challenge and greens are fast and true

Beautiful setting in Kaanapali

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Treated like Ohana

Your greeted by the sound of Hawaiian music by a nicest brahda Welcome to da dunes here’s your cart “ What time yoour tee time sir I was the second one off as a single . First group super nice let me play thru with COVID high fives . And cheers with a good dive No breakfast ball . Great round ended with da brahda helping with my sticks and a Aloha. Not like that stuffy butterfly course .Kapalua

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Fun, Fast, Challenging Greens

Great value for the money on golf now. Greens are awesome and views are good.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Poor
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Fun, Fast, Challenging Greens

Golf now price is half Kaanapali price...great value. Nice views, fast and fun greens. Bunkers are rough but playable...I think views are better on Kai than Royal. With Covid no services at course or on course, bring beers, water and food

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Love playing Kaanapali courses

I had great time playing Kaanapali Kai especially at the rate I got through Golf Now.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 35
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Enjoyable course layout

I decided to play the tips as I find it offers the most scenic views. Played the cheaper Kai course. Teed off at 1:50 pm and struggled to get all 18 in as we were following a threesome with a beginner lady golfer. I hope the new 54 handicap doesn't encourage more high handicappers to play on championship courses as it really ruins the experience. Par 70, over 6,300 yards, although numerous tees had been moved up. W

indy conditions. Only about 5 holes on the flat lower grounds and the rest are on the side of the volcanic ashes making for entertaining holes with great vistas. The greens were running fast and true and were very soft from all the rain. Beautiful views of volcanic mountains and a late afternoon finish provided some great light for photos. Sand traps were fair and sand quality was good for getting it up and down. Not many water hazards on the course.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Spend your money elsewhere

We got to the 13th tee box 25 minutes behind time. We played at 13:02. Tells you something about the pace of play. Very frustrating. Course in good condition generally but there couldn’t have been more than 2 players in front of us who knew how to fix a ballmark on the green, or a divot on the fairways. Pro shop has some great duds though. The trade winds and the showers are part on the game here, so can’t complain about that. It comes with the territory. But it sure does make for some incredible rainbows!

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 41
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
Incentivized Review
4.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Nice course

Good layout and not to difficult. Greens were in great shape along with nice fairways. Will try to play the Royal course next time as looks a little bit nicer but this one was good too.

Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
Incentivized Review
4.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Ka'anapali Koi

I play this course every time I visit Maui. The course is always in excellent shape. Even with a little wind or rain this course is fun and views are great. Your in Hawaii. When I've gone back to the club house after a round they've asked would you like to continue and play the Royal. They even offered at a discounted rate. Of course I took them up on that. The Royal is a little more challenging and has awesome views as well. Even after Hurricane Lane I saw the workers out cleaning up the debris to get the course ready for play. I'll be back in June 2020 and will be out on the course again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 23
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Short course, big bite

Don't be fooled by the length because it requires accuracy and shot placement is key here. Plenty of hazards to run up your score if you think you're just gonna show up and overpower this course. Use the GPS and plot your game plan before hitting the tee box, otherwise you may take par out of play quickly.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Fun Course

My wife and I played here the first day of the Golf Advisor Maui Getaway trip [ also played Royal Ka'anapali, Kapalua Plantation, Wailea Emerald & Gold. I will review these course as well ]. This was the perfect course for our first day as it was the easiest of the 5 courses to play [ but wasn't my best round ]. It is pretty open so not a lot of worries about wayward tee shots. Conditions were pretty soft so not much roll in fairways. Greens putted true and I found that the grain had much more influence than my home courses [ southern Arizona ] . Very fast with the grain , very slow into it. I also asked the starter about putts breaking towards the ocean and he told me that most of the putts would break towards the hotel with the green roof [ sorry don't remember the name of the hotel ] and I found this tip very helpful reading the greens. I think this is the perfect course for your first round to kick off your vacation and highly recommend to anyone visiting Maui.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
Incentivized Review
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Casual friendly and playable course

We played this course twice this week and enjoyed the casual and friendly atmosphere and found the course fairly easy and playable. Some of the fairways still needed some TLC but overall it was in reasonable shape.for the price we paid. A couple of really nice ocean views topped it off!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Played On
Reviews 24
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
Incentivized Review
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

You golf, you go home

The course was in great shape and offered a few interesting challenges along the way. However, we were surprised how little F & B was available. The cart came by on Hole 1 and again on Hole 9. No halfway house or snacks off of the clubhouse. Even worse, the staff at the restaurant and bar were unfriendly and less than accommodating. Within a few minutes we decided to leave and go elsewhere.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

Kaanapali Kai - Just OK

I was really lookng forward to playing this course and it was the 4th round for me in Maui this week. Firstly, I didn't find service that great. We had to carry our bags from the car to the pro shop area. The person takng our clubs wasn't overly friendly. We got there early to hit some balls and was not given a key to our cart so we had to walk to the practice area. The starter was the most unfriendl;y person we met. He never smiled and was just plain "blunt" when I asked if they were on schedule and if we could possibly start a bit early.

As far as the course, the greens were in great shape but I found a couple of pin placements quite "stupid". One was on a small shelf (#2) and one was at the back of the green about 4' from the edge. This particular green was huge.

All in all, I probably would not play this course again, nor would I recommend it to a friend unless he got a hot deal through Glofnow.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Fair
Friendliness Poor
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 21
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Spectacular views, fairly open fairways, but you must judge the wind on a few holes. Worth money in my opinion. Well kept course.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
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Golf Packages

Ka'anapali Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
MAUI | Enjoy lodging accommodations at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali or the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and golf at Ka'anapali Kai Golf Course & Royal Ka'anapali Golf Course.
Royal Ka'anapali Golf Course

Ka'anapali Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
MAUI | Enjoy lodging accommodations at either The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali or the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and golf at Ka'anapali Kai Golf Course & Royal Ka'anapali Golf Course.

Maui Golf Around Package

REQUEST QUOTE BELOW*
MAUI | Enjoy lodging accommodations at Napili Kai Beach Resort and golf at Kapalua Resort Plantation Course, the Royal Ka'anapali Course, Ka'anapali Kai Course, or King Kamehameha Golf Club.
Kapalua Resort Bay Course

Maui Golf Around Package

REQUEST QUOTE BELOW*
MAUI | Enjoy lodging accommodations at Napili Kai Beach Resort and golf at Kapalua Resort Plantation Course, the Royal Ka'anapali Course, Ka'anapali Kai Course, or King Kamehameha Golf Club.
Kapalua Resort Plantation Course - Hole 18

Best of Maui Golf Package

REQUEST QUOTE BELOW*
MAUI | Enjoy lodging accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and golf at the newly refined Kapalua Resort Plantation Course, the Royal Ka'anapali Course, the Ka'anapali Kai Course, or the King Kamehameha Golf Club.
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