Press Room

With its tranquil charms and laid back atmosphere, the island of Maui has   rarely been renowned as the perfect venue for a guy’s golf getaway. Despite   excellent golf courses from Kapalua in the north to Wailea in the south, the   perception of Maui has been as an idyll reserved for lovers, families and those who wish to get away from it all.

It is all those things (and more), but it also has the perfect DNA for four or   more golfing buddies seeking a place in the sun for their annual golf trip during cold weather back home.

Before we left, my habitual foursome tried to decide what makes the foundation  of a guy’s golf getaway? Memorable courses for all playing abilities? Check.   Value in a condo setting where the for four or more of the boys can relax after the round and prepare food? Check. A range of terrific restaurants for when the barbecue is not the choice for the night? Check.

A suitable table for playing poker late into the night? A beach to veg on after golf? A workable excuse for your wife or girlfriend about why she’s not going – this time?

As we discovered when we finally made it to Maui, it’s check, check and check   on all categories (except perhaps the domestic dialogue). All you have to do is pull out a map and begin.

For old pals planning a guy’s golf getaway on Maui, there are two principal   areas to consider. In the south lies the laid back region of Wailea and Makena with its golden sands, stunning views of Lanai and Molokini and the superb golf courses stretching along the foot of Mount Haleakala.

In the northwest are the bustling beach resorts of Ka’anapali and Kapalua with   their hotels on the boardwalk, whale watching and the great golf attractions   spread out below Mount Kahalawai.

In the Wailea option we found a wide range of self-contained accommodations   from budget level up to the most exclusive and luxurious properties that sleep four or more. For our trip, we chose a stunning 1,500-square foot condo with knockout views at Makena Surf, managed by Destination Resorts Hawaii

The two-bedroom, two bathroom property was equipped with a killer deck for   watching sunsets. It also had complete kitchen and barbecue for grilling the   fresh mahi-mahi and ahi tuna that make the area’s waters famous. Custom fish   markets to large supermarket chains nearby offer a complete range of seasonal fish and meats to prepare.

The concierge at Destination Resorts was invaluable in making the necessary   connections to keep the golfers happy, including a deck of cards for some   friendly poker games. Typical was how they quickly set up an early morning   snorkeling cruise of Molokini to view the abundant tropical fish life of the   volcanic crater. With plenty of time left over for afternoon golf.

There’s nothing quite like the fishtail of dew rising behind an early morning   shot rolling into the green. So we recommend golfers choose morning tee   times at one of the four excellent Wailea courses or Makena North that are just minutes from the condo. The daunting trade winds arrive later in the day, putting low scores at risk. Afternoons are then left for sight seeing or just hanging out on the beautiful deck to mellow out from the morning’s golf.

The sights are unforgettable. On our final afternoon, a pod of spinner dolphins frolicked just off shore even as weddings were being conducted on the beach. Makena Surf features a full-sized pool on site for those who choose not to swim in the warm waters of Makena Bay.

One of our pleasant surprises on Maui was the excellent restaurants featuring   local produce, meat and fish. The foody revolution capturing TV audiences is   well served at Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea where creativity was shown from   appetizers through desserts. Enjoying their Rain Tree Elixir or Tsunami Tuesday cocktail on the deck will make your mainland miseries disappear. The staff at Monkeypod were friendly and full of tips on local activities worth trying.

For a lunch, try Cafe O’Lei in Kihei which has a range of delicious salads,   sandwiches and entrees at prices that will make your budget happy.

A guy’s golf getaway is best served by a full-service condo, not hotels, so at   Ka’anapali we were treated at the Ka'anapali Alii Resort along hotel row. With one of the best beachfronts on the strip and a courtyard of pools, hot tubs and a full-service gym, these 11-story units offer all the benefits of a hotel plus the facilities to prepare meals on your own after a round at nearby Ka’anapali or Kapalua courses.

The twin Ka’anapali Royal and Kai courses are just feet away from the resort,   with the spectacular Kapalua Plantation and Bay courses a short 15-minute   drive north on Highway 30. Special all-you-can play packages for three or   seven days allow you to play to your heart’s content in the stunning locales   for as little as $349.

Ka’anapali Alii is also a brief stroll away from the shopping and dining of   Whalers Village. Chef Chris Schobel and his terrific staff make the Hula  Grill a can’t-miss destination for a meal out on Ka’anapali. Serving a range of local produce and popular dishes (the tandoori fish was a knockout as   were the poke tacos and fire-grilled ahi steak) in an outdoor setting just   steps from the beach, Chef Chris is both friendly and creative. Prices here   are great value and the staff reminds you how service can complete a memorable meal.

If your group wants to push back from the busy shore for a fine meal, try The Pineapple Grill perched above the Bay Golf Course in the Kapalua Resort. Chris Kaiwi and chef Isaac Bancaco mix Hawaiian elements with the best of   contemporary Maui cuisine on their tasting menu.

Try the Ho Farms Baby Tomato Caprese Salad, Crispy Shiitake Mushroom Pork Hash   Spring Rolls followed by Macadamia Nut & Lemongrass Crusted Mahi Mahi.   Great service and an innovative wine list makes this a meal to remember   after the day’s round at The Bay course.

Finally, for the care and moving of golfing guys and their clubs between   courses on the north and south shores, a vehicle is a must. We used a stretch wagon from Budget Rent A Car, which is conveniently located right  next to Kahalui airport. Budget offers rates for various lengths of stay, and offers a range of vehicles from cars and vans up to convertibles for enjoying the soft Maui air.

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