The Kā’anapali coast, where the golf courses at the Kā’anapali Golf Club aren’t facing the same water restrictions as nearby Kapalua that resulted in the shutdown of the Plantation course. Golf and resort operators are trying to spread the word that the water issues at Kapalua aren’t similarly affecting other parts of the island ahead of peak tourism season.
Troon
The images of a dry, brown and temporarily shut down Plantation Course at the Kapalua Resort on Maui are jarring, with the water-deprived resort layout looking starkly different than the usual lush visuals that grace television screens every January during the PGA Tour’s season-opening event.
But while The Sentry won’t be played to kick off 2026 and Kapalua’s golf courses are in limbo due to West Maui water issues and prolonged irrigation restrictions, other resort courses in the area, like those at Kā’anapali, are still open and welcoming guests. For resorts like Kā’anapali, which is dependent on the tourism that helps drive Maui’s economy, getting that message out to prospective guests and golfers is increasingly imperative – especially as the peak season for travel to the Hawaiian Islands approaches.
“Since the PGA TOUR’s announcement, it’s important for potential visitors to know that Maui’s other golf courses, hotels and recreational areas are open to everyone for fall and winter vacations,” said Kā’anapali Golf Courses General Manager Karl Reul.
Given the visibility of a property like Kapalua and the legal battle over neglected infrastructure that’s created water issues for its Plantation and Bay courses, resort and golf operators on The Valley Isle find that many are inaccurately assuming that all Maui communities and golf courses are facing similar situations in terms of conditioning and playability.
That’s not the case for Kā’anapali’s two 18-hole layouts, Royal and Kai, which remain open and are in pristine condition while following water restrictions and allocations determined by the state and county. The facility is set to host one of the marquee men’s college golf tournaments later this month – the Kā’anapali Classic by Outrigger from Oct. 26-29 – an event that overlaps with the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival held on the famed Kā’anapali coast from Oct. 24-26.
An aerial view of the Kaanapali coast and its golf courses.
Kaanapali Golf
“Maui is welcoming visitors with aloha and golfers can rest assured that Maui continues to offer incredible opportunities to play,” said Sherry Duong, Executive Director of the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau, who encourages the island’s visitors to book their golf travel with confidence. “Kā‘anapali Golf delivers an unforgettable experience, paired with the resort’s world-class hospitality, and remains an integral part of what makes Maui a premier golf destination. (We) look forward to welcoming you on the fairways.”
Kā’anapali’s golf courses, including the Royal (which hosted a Champions Tour event for 14 years), offer a variety of stay-and-play packages with multiple resort partners in the West Maui area.
Just over 30 miles from West Maui, on the sunny south coast near resorts like the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea and the Grand Wailea, Wailea Golf Club and its three 18-hole courses – the Gold, Blue and Emerald — are also lush, green and welcoming golfers.
Wailea has three 18-hole courses on the sunny south side of Maui.
Erik Matuszewski
Meanwhile, at Kapalua, the resort notes while it is trying to navigate irrigation challenges and restore turf health at its golf courses, the Bay Course’s driving range is open, as are its golf shops, the property’s tennis and pickleball facilities, and the Plantation House restaurant. The earliest Kapalua could reopen its golf courses would be Nov. 1, with a decision to come mid-October.
“We are so grateful for your patience, understanding, and aloha as we navigate this challenging time together,” Kapalua Golf General Manager Alex Nakajima said in a note for guests and the Maui community on the course’s website. “We are deeply grateful for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the courses as soon as conditions allow.”
While Kapalua’s golf courses remain shut down for now, Maui’s other resort courses continue to look to get the word out that their greens are just that. Green, and open for play.
