Kapalua Plantation-Closed for Renovations...HELP!

« **on:** February 08, 2005, 04:14:13 PM »

I recently booked a vacation for my wife and I to stay at Kapalua during the 1st week of April. Unfortunately for me, I just found out that the Plantation course is closing April 1st for renovations.

Does anyone know about, or have other suggestions for the other two courses at Kapalua? My wife doesn't play golf, and I was looking to get in a couple of rounds during our stay.

Also, any other suggestions for things to see, places to go, food to eat, etc., would be appreciated.

Thanks to all in advance for your help.

Jamie

« **Reply #1 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:30:59 PM »

Jamie,

The best part of golf in Hawaii is the weather. The other two courses are fun to play, but nothing special.

If you can, I would recommend taking a ferry over to Lanai from Lahaina and play The Challenge at Manele. Your wife will love the beach and hotel there, particularly if you just make a day of it. I think it is the best course in Hawaii, even better than Mauna Kea...

« **Reply #2 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:34:02 PM »

Jamie

Go twice as far a week earlier and play the Aussie Am at Royal Melbourne

. Just don't tell your wife who's idea it was.

« **Reply #3 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:36:28 PM »

Jamie,

I felt the same angst you had, when I heard that the course would be closed, but at the time I didn't know when it was going to be closed. I'm going to be there in a couple of weeks and I was tremendously relieved to hear that it was not going to close until after I was there. Sorry about your trip, though!

According to Brad Klein's Maui article in a recent Golfweek, he seemed to like Makena (RTJ, Jr., I think) the best after Plantation. The Bay course at Kapalua is supposed to be pretty good, and the courses at Wailea (this past weekend's Senior Skins was there) also.

« **Reply #4 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:44:56 PM »

Man, that hurts! The Bay Course at Kapalua is not without merit. The holes on the water are beautiful, and overall the course is fun. I didn't care as much for the Village Course, although I understand they've done some work on it since I've played it.

I second the suggestion to go to Lanai and play the Challenge. Absolutely awesome. The Makena courses are also fun. Unfortunately, they're a haul from Kapalua (scenic drive, though).

Take a pass on the courses at Kannapali, but go tropo on the deck at Leilani's there. Snorkeling at Black Rock is also pretty good. Breakfast on the patio at Napili Shores Hotel (just below Kapalua). And be sure to take in a sunset or two in one of the fine waterside establishments in Lahaina.

Finally, if you make the trek to Hana (highly recommended) be sure to top it off by hiking the two-miles up Oheo Gulch. The bamboo forest is wild, and the waterfall at the top of the trail is awesome. Sliding Sands trail in the crater of Haleakela is another stunning walk.

Missing the Plantation blows. But don't worry, there's much more to Maui than the golf.

TOM

« **Reply #5 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:48:51 PM »

Jamie,

The Bay course is fun, and convenient to the property. There's not much else that's outstanding on that part of Maui. I'd take Sean's advice and go over to Lanai - the Challenge is the better of the two choices there. Your wife will enjoy the ferry ride, and there's plenty for her to do at the hotel property (at least my wife found a lot - spa, shopping - you get the idea...)

On Maui, if you have a rental car (get a Jeep convertible!) take the road to Hana, and take...your...time. There's a lot of fun things to explore along the way.

Matt

« **Reply #6 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:52:12 PM »

Quote from: JES II on February 08, 2005, 04:34:02 PM

Jamie

Go twice as far a week earlier and play the Aussie Am at Royal Melbourne . Just don't tell your wife who's idea it was.

Thanks alot Sully

...the main reason for this trip (before golf season starts) is to get my wife away from the hustle & bustle, and to remain happily married! With your advice, I'll need to start divorce proceedings pronto.

I'm afraid yet another golf "only" trip would be far more costly than just the entry fee, airfare and lodging.

« **Reply #7 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:58:58 PM »

Royal Kaanapali (sic?) is right down the road a bit. While it isn't much architecturally, you can at least play a course that hosted quite a few Senior events and may have appeared on an early version of the Golf Digest lists.

« **Reply #8 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:59:04 PM »

Eat at Roy's.

The golf at Kapalua can be found on a video game. The other two courses aren't as special.

I played Plantation on my honeymoon. Very good. Also, you will like the Makena courses. I'm pretty sure you'd like the Wailea courses. Skip Kaanapaali.

Enjoy!

« **Reply #9 on:** February 08, 2005, 05:04:02 PM »

Jamie,

I'd generally agree with the comments above. I know you're a good player so I think you'd like the Village course--I think it's harder than the other two but also more of a slog. I believe in the interest of real estate they sacrificed a so-so par 4 18th on the Village course for a worse par 3 18th a few years ago. I preferred the Village course to the Bay course. The Bay course has maybe 3-4 holes that are decent--2 along the water and one or two inland, but once Plantation showed up I passed on the other two...

Absolutely go to Lanai/Manele Bay for a day trip with the wife--a fun trip and a very decent Nicklaus course IMO.

Do not bother with the Kaanipali courses.

Macadamia nut pancakes whereever you can find them...

Best,

« **Reply #10 on:** February 08, 2005, 05:18:22 PM »

Gents,

Thank you all very much. I'll definitely look into the day trip to Lanai. This kind of help is what makes this site so great. It's amazing that no matter where you travel or where you plan on playing golf, someone on GCA is here to offer advice.

« **Reply #11 on:** February 08, 2005, 06:14:05 PM »

There any number of Hawaiian courses in the boring category, but I do believe that Royal Kanapali takes the cake.

« **Reply #12 on:** February 08, 2005, 07:43:51 PM »

On Maui go for the Makena courses and Dunes at Maui Lani.

Hate to pile on but skip the Kaanapaali courses.

« **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2005, 08:49:11 PM »

I strongly recommend the Challenge at Manele on Lanai as well- very beautiful and well done course- rarely many people playing it- last time i played there i got around in 2.5 hours. Dont miss the Manele Bay hotel too, its a cool place.

« **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2005, 09:01:20 PM »

I think the Village is much better than the Bay.The 18 used to be a tough 450 finisher.Now the golf school and a short first hole take that space.The views from the upper parts of the Village are fun.When it rains I drive over to Waelia.The gold course is my favorite on the south side.Emerald is enjoyable.Avoid Blue,Kanopolli,and Bay.My Hawaian spelling is not so good.But I can spell the upstairs at Cheeseburgers in Paridise.

« **Reply #15 on:** February 08, 2005, 09:09:15 PM »

Jamie, you big Daddy Warbucks YOU! You're taking your wife all the way to Hawaii? That'a half way round the world Man! What did she do to deserve that, paint the house two or three times? If you ever run into my wife don't you dare tell her you did something like that!!

But what the hell, if you're that nice a guy would you like me to call up Bill and Ben and get the renovations postponed for a week or so?

« **Reply #16 on:** February 08, 2005, 10:35:08 PM »

Quote from: TEPaul on February 08, 2005, 09:09:15 PM

But what the hell, if you're that nice a guy would you like me to call up Bill and Ben and get the renovations postponed for a week or so?

Yes Please!

« **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2005, 10:48:03 PM »

Even though the Manele course is usually deserted you still might consider calling well in advance. About the only time it gets busy is when golfers from the ferry arrive. The restaurant at the course is good with a great view and is more reasonable than the other Manele dining. The hotel on top is worth checking out if you have time. I cant recommend the Experience at Koele course but the local's Cavenaugh course is certainly an experience . . .

« **Reply #18 on:** February 08, 2005, 10:51:50 PM »

Jamie-

I have not been to Maui for many years. I do recall that the beach at Kapalua was one of the great snorkeling spots on the island. All you need is a mask. Walk into the water until it is chest-high and there are fish all around you.

I have heard good things about a newer course in the middle of the island. I think the name is Maui Dunes.

DT

« **Reply #19 on:** February 10, 2005, 11:25:56 AM »

Call your travel agent or Kapalua and tell them how upset you are, blah, blah, blah and move over to Lanai. Spend 3 nights at the Lodge and 4 at Manele. Best vacation you'll ever have. Was just on the site trying to see if I can spend some Starwood Points before the Island goes Four Seasons and saw this.

From April 12 to April 13, 2005, The Challenge at Manele Golf Course will be closed for aerification. The course will re-open on April 14, 2005, but will be in a recovery process for approximately 2 weeks. The Experience at Koele Golf Course will be open for play.

« **Reply #20 on:** February 10, 2005, 11:43:54 AM »

Quote from: Sean_Leary on February 08, 2005, 04:30:59 PM

Jamie,

The best part of golf in Hawaii is the weather. The other two courses are fun to play, but nothing special.

If you can, I would recommend taking a ferry over to Lanai from Lahaina and play The Challenge at Manele. Your wife will love the beach and hotel there, particularly if you just make a day of it. I think it is the best course in Hawaii, even better than Mauna Kea...

My wife and I got married in Lanai this past August.
It is an incredible place.
The golf is solid, 2 courses.
The food is absolutlely top notch.
The whole place is just fantastic.
It is about 45 minutes by ferry and worth a day trip.

-Ted

« **Reply #21 on:** February 10, 2005, 09:05:35 PM »

A couple of pics from Lanai . . .

17th / Challenge at Manele - Outstanding par 4!

A memorable hole at the other course, Experience at Koele

My wife putting a pretty good move on it / Challenge at Manele

-Ted

« **Reply #22 on:** February 11, 2005, 12:35:49 AM »

Quote from: Bob_Huntley on February 08, 2005, 06:14:05 PM

There any number of Hawaiian courses in the boring category, but I do believe that Royal Kanapali takes the cake.

Amen....

dogpile!!

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