Ka'anapali Golf Resorts (Maui)

Course conditions were great! Greens are TRICKY!! We had a perfectly enjoyable day playing golf!!

Played the 1st of May. Course was in good condition. Fairways, greens, and sand traps were all well cared for. Mother Nature provided sunny skies and gusty winds. Both expected this time of the year on Maui.

Although we almost cancelled the vacation because of the amount of rain in March and April, There was no significant damage to be found.

Fairways in pretty brutal shape and can play much better courses on the Island for close to the same price if not cheaper.

Steady 12 mph winds with gusts up to 20 mph made conditions difficult. Played pace was great the first nine and then we caught up with slow foursomes. For the money, I prefer the Kai Course.

Wide fairways. Not much water. Lots of green side bunkers. In all a fun course. I will ply here again.

I'm a Ka'anapali Beach regular every spring, and I've always enjoyed the Royal Golf Course -- until this past week . . . . . the greens were beyond comprehension slow -- probably the slowest greens I've ever played (unless you county playing a muni that has not mowed their greens for a couple of weeks after aerating . . ) . . . and they weren't just slow; many of the greens had so many old cups exposed -- often with burnt edges -- around the pin . . . one green had about 18 old cups exposed within about 15' of the hole . . .and similar to another review from earlier this year, the bunkers were a mix of way too much sand and not enough sand; the range was poor -- and too make it worse they charged for balls despite the fact that the green fees were way too high considering conditions . . on the course, while the fairways were good, the tees were often somewhat ravaged . . I talked to Amy in the pro shop after the round, and she seemed to have no idea what the conditions were out on the course . . she did explain that excess play (due to the fact that Kapalua Bay was closed) and the weather (rains) had made course conditions tougher . . I contacted Troon to get their response, and basically that was a waste of my time -- other then a rep's hope "Fingers crossed Sherrie Golden at Ka'anapali reaches out to you . . " Of course, that "reach out" didn't happen . . . I never have appreciated being blown off by a company after spending a few thousand playing their golf courses (played Kapalua also, which was good), and going forward, I won't be supporting Royal, or Troon, in the future . . thanks for listening, Steve J

A little windy... but awesome overall. You must hit the fairway if you want to score. Greens are fast and difficult to read. Super cool place, incredible views.

I am in shock that any non resident would be asked to pay over $250 for a course that the greens are average at best. I booked during a GN Hot Deal so $100 is ok.

The starter clearly hates either his job, or tourists. I have never had such unhelpful and unhappy people send me off to their course.

The staff at check in were great and friendly, and the drink cart lady was the only reason I’m giving any positive feedback. She was incredible!

I guess since there is no place else to go close by, nobody cares.

My wife and I played a round here, and let me tell you — the course showed up to work, even if the staff mostly didn’t.

Course & Equipment:

We rented clubs, and shockingly, they were actually pretty nice. Honestly, the clubs had more personality than most of the employees. The course itself was in great shape — fairways clean, greens challenging, and just enough difficulty to remind you that confidence is temporary.

Scenery & Conditions:

The views? Absolutely incredible. The kind of scenery that makes you forget your scorecard and your will to live after a three‑putt. It was hot, but the breeze kept us from melting into the cart seat, so that was a win.

Staff & Service:

The staff was… present. Functional. Efficient in the same way a vending machine is efficient — you press a button, something happens, nobody smiles.

The range guy, though? A legend. Friendly, talkative, actually seemed to enjoy being alive.

The beverage cart situation was a whole adventure. There was one cart on the entire course, and we caught it once — at hole one — where the cart attendant delivered drinks with the enthusiasm of someone reading tax code.

Overall:

Phenomenal course, gorgeous views, great conditions. If you’re here for the golf, you’ll love it. If you’re here for warm hospitality and vibrant personalities… bring your own.

This course was really good. Views were amazing. Greens a little slow. Fairway didn't roll out as good as California course but could be humidity .

The greens were an excellent shape and rolled very true. The fairways were in great shape. The views were spectacular of the ocean. But I’m not sure how you couldn’t have a cart person or something to buy food and beverages on the course it was a Saturday come on.

I love playing a forgiving course. The views were amazing. That made it. Would play here multiple times per week for sure.

Course in reasonably good shape given the recent heavy rinfall

Played both Kaanapali courses many times. The Royal is by far the better track. Neither is worth full rate, IMO. When you pay $300+ dollars a head, you don't expect to start your day walking 200 yards to an off mat range, to hit balls that cost extra from your round.

Other negatives.

- no halfway house or beverage cart = hungry & thirsty

- The sandbunkers are unkept. 4x too much sand in some, zero in others.

The track itself is good, a fun layout with a variety of holes and shots. There is one green on one hole that gets you down near the ocean. Rest of the course works upland. Just not a $350 a person experience.Wait for the hot deal rate under $200.