Pretty in pictures: The player-friendly Kai golf course at Kaanapali Resort on Maui

LAHAINA, Hawaii -- The Kai Course might be the easier of the two golf courses at the Kaanapali Resort, but it's by no means the less popular.

Because of its playability and views, this Jack Snyder design that opened in 1962 is popular among families and higher handicappers, but provides plenty of challenge for the better players as well.

At 6,388 yards, it might seem short. But because it's a par 70 and some of the holes play uphill, into the wind or both, there are plenty of difficult holes on the course, especially from the tips. In fact, there are two par 3s that play more than 220 yards from the back tees.

The golf course is also replete with great views, both of the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Mike Bailey is a former Golf Advisor senior staff writer based in Houston. Focusing primarily on golf in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America with an occasional trip to Europe and beyond, he contributes course reviews, travel stories and features as well as the occasional equipment review. An award-winning writer and past president of Texas Golf Writers Association, he has more than 25 years in the golf industry. He has also been on staff at PGA Magazine, The Golfweek Group and AvidGolfer Magazine. Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeBaileyGA and Instagram at @MikeStefanBailey.

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Royal Course at Ka'anapali Golf Resort on Maui gets the majority of the rave reviews. But players need to remember its sister Kai Course is also a tremendous challenge. From breathtaking views and scenery to enough rolling fairways and undulating greens, it's a course that will leave you wanting more, especially in the wake of recent renovations by Robin Nelson.
Taking your girlfriend or spouse on a golf vacation to Maui is a win-win for the both of you. She gets to enjoy a little fun in the sun. And you won't have fine china hurled at your head when you walk out the door for the airport alone. When selecting courses to play, forget how they would rank on a top 100 list. Instead, consider how playable they are for her and whether the atmosphere of the club is intimidating or not. If both of you can walk off the 18th green and a smile is still on her face, it's a successful afternoon. And that's easy to find on Maui.
Royal Ka'anapali dates back long before many of Maui's championship golf courses opened, and it continues to pass the test of time. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. design is the most consistent blend of championship-caliber, resort friendly golf that can be found in Maui, Brandon Tucker writes from Hawaii.
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Pretty in pictures: The player-friendly Kai golf course at Kaanapali Resort on Maui