At Ka’anapali golf courses on Lanai Island, Hawaii, you will find two 18 hole golf courses. This club is the perfect destination for avid golfers. The Kai course and the Royal course are both a championship golf course. In addition, you ill find a great clubhouse and the prefect place to practice your swing on the driving range. Both Kaanapali courses were renovated by Robin Nelson in 2005-2006.
The Kai course at Ka’anapali Golf
The Kai course at Ka’anapali golf Courses was originally created as an executive course and was later redesigned by architect Arthur Jack Snyder in 1976. At 6,400 yards, the Par 70 course is a more forgiving golf course with subtle, undulating greens that accommodate all levels of play and in 2008 hosted the 12 ladies of Big Break Ka’anapali – the Golf Channel’s #1 series!
The land on which Ka’anapali Golf Courses were founded, originally housed a sugar cane plantation. Players will see the Sugar Cane Train steam from several holes on the course (now used for tours) and are reminded of Hawaii’s rich culture and history.
Along many holes on the Kai Course lie natural canals, gulches and lava rock boundaries. The course is landscaped with native flowers along the trails like the hibiscus, bougainvillea and plumeria, as well as the Norfolk Pines and coconut trees that border many fairways. These features are part of what makes the course most enjoyable.
The Ka’anapali Kai Course was renovated by Hawaii’s most prolific golf course architect, Robin Nelson. This course focuses on strategy, not necessarily distance or strength, which is why this course is enjoyed by both the beginner and avid golfer.
Royal course at Ka’anapali golf
The Royal Ka’anapali Course opened its lush fairways in 1962 and is one of only two courses in all of Hawaii designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The architect took advantage of the rolling landscape to create gently sloping fairways and large contoured greens to ensure a challenging approach to each hole. Stretching 6,700 yards, this par 71 course will challenge your club selection and putting skills.
The Royal Ka’anapali Course begins at sea level with a par 5 hole extending 550 yards. The course hugs the shoreline before winding its way to the West Maui Mountain foothills. Arnold Palmer called the 18th hole (par 4) one of the best and most challenging finishing holes he had ever played. The 449 yard hole plays longer than it looks, hugging the brackish water canal the entire length of the fairway and green, making it a memorable last hole.
Arnold Palmer once said the 18th hole, a 440-yard par 4, is one of the best and most challenging finishing holes he has ever played. The first view is a massive bunker that is right in your wheelhouse. And to avoid the bunker it appears there is a tiny opening to miss that same water you dealt with on No. 1. Just remember there’s a lot more room between the bunker and the water than it appears.
Each hole at Kaanapali is named after a Hawaiian word or phrase, with a story describing the significance of the name posted on a plaque by each tee box. The second hole on the Royal Course talks about Maui, the demi-god who lassoed the sun (so it would stay out longer), and who lived in Kaanapali with his mother and grandmother. Another hole on the Royal describes Pu’u Keka’a, which is the name for Black Rock, a famous landscape located right off the beautiful Kaanapali Beach. From this rock, the last chief of Maui, Kahekili, would leap into the Pacific Ocean to excite his warriors before battle– much as, this morning, the Golf Road Warriors stuffed ourselves with tasty breakfast burritos to excite us for the golf round ahead.
The service at Ka’anapali golf is first-rate. The bag staff is friendly and upbeat and will greet you with a cool towel when you finish. The clubhouse management staff members have smiles on their faces and are totally helpful.