Ka'anapali Kai golf course
The Ka'anapali Kai Course on Maui is popular with locals and tourists alike.
2290 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, Hawaii 96761, US
(808) 661-3271
Location Map

About Ka'anapali Golf Resorts (Maui)

Ka'anapali is a resort development in the west Maui town of Lahaina. It is home to two golf courses, Royal Ka'anapali and Ka'anapali Kai, as well as a number of beachfront hotel and condominium properties that offer stay-and-play golf packages. Ka'anapali is a three-mile stretch of beach with 13 places to stay and 45 restaurants. Hotel brands include the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, Aston Maui Ka'anapali Villas, Royal Lahaina Resort, Maui Eldorado Ka'anapali by Outrigger, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, Aston at The Whaler on Ka'anapali Beach, Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Marriott's Maui Ocean Club, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, Spa & Residence Club and Ka'napali Royal. The beaches are famous for stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, sailing, parasailing, sunset dinners and whale watching. Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the famous Royal Ka'anapali Golf Club in 1962 and the shorter Ka'anapali Kai course was added later.

Facts

Price Range$$$$
Property Class★★★★★
Acres1200
Year Opened1962
Number of Units500+

Amenities

RestaurantsFine, Bar, Casual, Buffet
Room TypesRoom, Suite, Villas/Casitas, Fractional Ownership
TennisYes
Fitness CenterYes
Practice FacilityYes
Beach AccessYes
Golf School/AcademyYes
Banquet SpaceYes
SpaYes

Services

Kids ProgramYes
Room ServiceYes
ConciergeYes

Rules

Is the resort pet friendly?Yes
Is resort stay required for a tee time?No

Golf courses at Ka'anapali Golf Resorts (Maui)

Golfer Photos

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
927 Reviews (927)
Review 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played
Incentivized Review

Perfect Venue and Golf

had a perfect day, Royal course is long and lots of bunkers. the course was in perfect shape greens are firm but fair. perfect fairways a must play when on Maui.

First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 4.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 3.0
Difficulty 4.0
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/15/2020

The Royal Course is a gem and an original. Mahalo for playing!

Reviews 12
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

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.

First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 4.0
Layout 3.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 4.0
Difficulty 3.0
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

Pure paradise

I played this course while we were on holidays, simply amazing!!

Great conditions overall, fairways and greens were perfect, really another level!

Driving range was in great conditions as well and with fantastic facilities.

Course desing in funny and a mix of tougher and easier holes,just a pleasure playing it!

Then you have the sea and the beach just aside...pure joy!

Staff was friendly and professional and we simply dream to come back again one day!

First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
Reviews 768
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

Play your own Skins game

Kaanapali hosted the Senior Skins Game from 2008-2011 and a Big Break, so it has a nice tournament pedigree. The course feels wide open, but it is very challenging and seems to play long. A lot of the greens are very elevated and guarded by bunkers, making approach shots more strenuous than tee shots.

A nice variety of holes and elevation changes keep the golf interesting. You even have one green close to the ocean. It's near a walking path, so you'll likely have onlookers clapping if you make the putt.

A pond separating the first fairway from the 18th is the only water hazard but it is definitely formidable.A meal at Roy's after the round is a must. The food is fabulous, and the dessert, a chocolate souffle, is legendary.

Golf Advisor
Perfect weather
Used cart
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 3.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 5.0
Difficulty 5.0
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/15/2020

Mahalo for playing! I know you made that putt in front of the crowd on the beach side #5 green;)

Review 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played
Incentivized Review

Near the best ever

Great service - Class staff best views in paradise -

Terrific layout

Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Difficulty 4.0
Review 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played
Incentivized Review

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!

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 4.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 4.0
Difficulty 2.0
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played
Incentivized Review

Great vistas

This course is perfect for a holiday golf destination with great vistas, good value if you buy a three round package (you save on the rounds and get free rentals). It has generous fairways and several lengths that you can play the course at.

First Time Playing
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 4.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 4.0
Reviews 24
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played
Incentivized Review

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.

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 4.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 3.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 2.0
Difficulty 3.0
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Played

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.

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart
3.0
3.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 4.0
Layout 2.0
Friendliness 1.0
Pace 2.0
Amenities 2.0
Difficulty 4.0
Reviews 21
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

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

First Time Playing
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 4.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 4.0
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played
Incentivized Review

Solid course.

Beautiful open course. Only 1 lake/water hazard in play on the 1st and 18th so I went around without losing a ball which is nice.

Greens were tough to read and the grass is very different that what I have ever played in Canada and England. Great fun and some beautiful holes.

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 4.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 3.0
Amenities 4.0
Default User Avatar
Commented on 12/07/2019

Aloha,

We truly appreciate you playing and agree that the course is a beautiful challenge. Not losing too many golf balls is definitely a bonus:)

Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played
Incentivized Review

Great Experience Better Views

Played this course while on vacation in Late October. Course is very nice with amazing views and wide open fairways. Greens though are very demanding and you must place your ball on the correct level or have a demanding difficult putt. The wind also plays a huge role in club selection, up on the hill I found it necessary to take an extra club or two. I was a little disappointed by the range which is small and we were hitting off mats. Range buckets are very small and there are only about 10-12 hitting stalls. It was also very warm and humid and though they give you a cooler with ice, water is not included. Usually when I pay that much to golf in a warm environment water bottles are included, though there are water stations throughout course. Also, the beverage cart was broken and was parked on course with limited access to it. golfing was fun though and that bermuda rough is tough.

First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 3.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 3.0
Difficulty 4.0
Default User Avatar
Commented on 12/07/2019

Aloha,

We love the beautiful views and rolling fairways as well! Thank you so much for your feedback. We will certainly strive to work on all of those aspects.

Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

Dream place

I played this course during my holidays,simply amazing!

Great conditions overall,fairways greens even the sand in the bunkers was perfect!

Then you ave the beach,the see just aside...

We came from italy and fell in love eith this magic place.

Staff so nice,caddy masters and reception staff were really perfect...nice pro shop too...

Only good vibes!!!

First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
Review 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
Recommended
Played
Incentivized Review

wide fairways

If you're looking for the opposite of Kapalua course, this is it. Beautifully manicured, wide fairways, gorgeous volcano rock and ocean views. Not many punishments for bad shots, but nice rewards for good shots.

Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
Difficulty 2.0
Default User Avatar
Commented on 12/07/2019

Mahalo for playing!

Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

Royal Ka'anapali

The course is in a great location. Very nice views from most holes. The layout is player friendly. The staff was very friendly.

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 4.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
Default User Avatar
Commented on 12/07/2019

Aloha,

We enjoyed having you out and hope you make it back to Maui soon!

Reviews 37
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 3.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 3.0
Amenities 3.0
Review 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

Fun course only grip I have is never saw a course Marshall. One group was very slow. At one point had a 4 group backup on #14 Staff was great to work with

Previously Played
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 3.0
Amenities 5.0
Reviews 4
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

Fun Fun!

Nice layout with superior views of Lanai and Molakai. Greens were tricky and fairly quick (10); rough was fair, fairways fairly dry without a lot of roll. Plays longer than card distances. GPS system outstandiing! A very run, moderately difficult course that we will play every time we're on Maui at this price!

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Used cart
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 4.0
Difficulty 3.0
Reviews 30
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 3.0
Layout 3.0
Friendliness 3.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 3.0
Reviews 12
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

Windy Day

Played this course only once and it was exceptionally windy to what I’m use too. Great course layout with nice elevation changes. I’m an 8-10 handicap and it played true to that number. Got a great deal at Golfnow.

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
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