A Mahalo for Maui
Hawaii’s Valley Isle, Where Great Golf is Just the Beginning

By Grant Fraser

Somewhere around the five-hour mark of a westbound flight from Vancouver, you notice the mood in the cabin begin to shift. Laptops close, window shades go up, and complete strangers lean across armrests to catch their first glimpse of the Hawaiian Islands emerging from a vast expanse of Pacific blue. I’ve experienced that moment more than once, and it never gets old. For sun-starved Canadians who’ve spent months dodging snowplows and scraping windshields, seeing the verdant volcanic peaks rise from the ocean is nothing short of cathartic.

It was Maui, the second largest of the seven Hawaiian Islands where I was destined. Appropriately named the Valley Isle, Maui sits in the middle of the Pacific between the Big Island of Hawaii and the smaller island of Molokai. Perhaps more so than any of its neighbouring islands, Maui perfectly balances world-class golf with the kind of cultural richness that makes you want to linger long after your final putt drops. The island is roughly 48 miles long and 26 miles wide at its broadest point, and features over 120 miles of pristine, and mostly unexplored coastline.

Home to approximately 150,000 residents, Maui offers a grandeur that never feels distant; it is vast in its wonders but deeply personal in its embrace of those who live here. The words ‘Ohana (family) and Aloha ‘Aina (love of the land) are quintessential Hawaiian expressions used to describe the innate sense of belonging and connection shared with others and the land they call home.

Despite its natural beauty and tranquil persona, Maui has recently had more than its fair share of hardship and despair. In August 2023, devastating wildfires swept through the historic town of Lahaina, leaving heartbreak in their wake – a tragedy followed in stark contrast by torrential rains and extreme flooding in March 2026.

But if there is one thing I witnessed during my visit, it is the remarkable resilience of Maui’s people. Like the roots of the revered Banyan tree that has defined Lahaina for 150 years, this community has come together and formed an unshakeable bond. “Lahaina Strong” is not merely a tagline– it’s a mantra and way of life. Maui is open for business and as welcoming as ever.

Getting There

Both Air Canada and WestJet offer direct service to Kahului Airport (OGG) from Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, making the journey straightforward for Canadian travellers. Once you’ve cleared the terminal, you’re immediately greeted by warm tropical air, the sweet scent of plumeria, and that unmistakable Hawaiian vibe that tells you everything is about to slow down – in the best possible way.

If you’re heading to the resort areas of Kaʻanapali or Kapalua on the west side of the island, the one-hour drive from Kahului along the Honoapiʻilani Highway will be one commute you’ll never forget. The coastline views are spectacular, and you’ll want to savour every twist and turn as the Pacific reveals hues of turquoise you didn’t know existed.

Things to Do When You’re Not on the Golf Course

Before delving into my recommended golf itinerary, there are several memorable Maui non-golf experiences worth noting, all of which I had the good fortune to indulge in.  Truthfully, you could spend weeks here without ever picking up a club and still leave feeling you hadn’t done it all.

First on my list is the Maui Gold Pineapple Tour in the island’s beautiful Upcountry region. This guided excursion meanders through 350 acres of one of only two remaining pineapple farms in Hawaii. In addition to the frequent taste tests you’ll enjoy along the way, your guide will inform you about the historical significance of this succulent fruit and what it has meant to the people of Maui for over 100 years. Best of all, you’ll receive a complimentary pineapple before you leave. One taste and you’ll understand why they call it Maui Gold.

For chocolate lovers – and who isn’t? – a visit to the Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Farm in Lahaina is a definitive must. Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Gunars Valkirs, this 20-acre cacao farm offers guided tours where you’ll be introduced to the Theobroma trees that yield the island’s finest cacao, learn the hands-on harvesting techniques, and conclude with a nine-piece tasting of chocolate made in the Lahaina factory. There is nothing artificial about this chocolate – it’s the real deal and considered to be the best in the world. Since 2021, the farm and its artisanal chocolate have received multiple honours from the Cacao of Excellence awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of the food movement.”

And did you know that cacao has the highest concentration of antioxidants in any familiar food?  Milk and dark chocolate easily surpass go-to healthy options like broccoli, kale and blueberries. Not only is chocolate delicious, it’s also good for you!

It is worth noting that 100% of the net profits generated by this 20-acre cacao estate are donated to Maui charities and non-profit organizations, something Dr. Valkirs may be prouder of than his award-winning chocolate.

If you’re visiting between November and April, a whale-watching tour with Teralani Charters is something you won’t soon forget. The North Pacific Humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm, plankton-rich waters every year, and seeing these magnificent creatures breach metres from your 65-foot catamaran is a humbling encounter.

For a more up close and personal rendezvous with these gentle giants, climb aboard a two-person kayak as part of a guided Maui Kayak Adventures tour. This two-hour, open water paddle is a front row seat to Mother Nature unlike any other. While somewhat intimidating, these curious Kohola (the Hawaiian name for Humpback whales) are just as intrigued by you as you are by them.

Be sure to combine these two outings with a visit to the Maui Ocean Centre, the “Hawaiian Aquarium,” in Maʻalaea, where the 3D humpback whale film alone is worth the price of admission.

If star gazing is a favourite pursuit or pastime, you would be remiss for not partaking in a nightly session of the Tour of the Stars atop the Hyatt Regency Maui in Kaʻanapali. Led by the resort’s director of astronomy, this “out-of-the-world” odyssey has you peering through powerful telescopes at our moon, the distant planets of Venus, Mars, and Jupiter, and far-away galaxies. On a clear evening you can see up to 80 of the 88 known constellations. Reservations are required and should be made well in advance (hyattexperiences.com).

And finally, take a drive. There are two road trips I recommend. One is along The Road to Hana, widely referred to as “the world’s most beautiful drive.” Set aside an entire day as this is not a straight out and back drive to the remote destination of Hana located on the easternmost shores of the island. Take your time and be sure to stop for a slice of Aunty Sandy’s delicious banana bread on the Keanae Peninsula while marvelling at one of the 18 waterfalls along the way.

If a more manageable one-hour excursion aligns better with your schedule, a jaunt to Makawao in Maui’s Upcountry may be more to your liking. Since the late 19th century, Hawaiian cowboys – or paniolo – have wrangled cattle across these open fields, Maui’s own version of the Outback. The town itself is a charming collection of art galleries, glass blowers, and bakeries, some dating back to 1916. If your visit falls around July 4th, the Makawao Rodeo is Hawaii’s largest paniolo competition and has been an Upcountry tradition for more than half a century.

The Golf Courses of Maui

And now to the great golf courses of Maui…

There are 14 golf courses on Maui, and it would take the average golfer several visits to relish them all. Some are more celebrated (and expensive) than others, but like everything else on this island, there are excellent public and municipal alternatives as well. So, where should you play?

The A-Listers

My first recommendation is Kapalua Plantation Course, a Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw design that opened in 1992. Measuring a robust 7,284 yards, this Par 73 masterpiece has hosted the PGA TOUR’s season-opening event for years; the playing of The Sentry championship in 2025 being the most recent. Built on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, the course features dramatic elevation changes, wide fairways, and breathtaking ocean vistas that will have you reaching for your camera as often as your driver. Kapalua’s Bay Course, one of Arnold Palmer’s earliest designs, plays a more manageable 6,600 yards and is equally spectacular, having hosted more than 20 professional tournaments since its introduction to the Maui golf scene in 1975.

Then there are the three gems that comprise the Wailea Golf Club . At the forefront is the Gold Course, a 7,078-yard, par 72 layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Featuring generous fairways and undulating greens, the overall character is one of refined playability – though don’t let the beauty fool you. From the back tees, a 73.6/134 slope rating will remind you that this is a serious test of golf. For good reason, Wailea’s Golf Course has been honoured numerous times as one of the 100 best resort courses in the United States.

Wailea also offers the Emerald Course (6,825 yards, Par 72, 130 slope rating, Robert Trent Jones Jr. designer) and the Blue Course (6,765 yards, Par 71, 71.6/129 rating/slope, Arthur Jack Snyder designer), giving you three distinct 18-hole options without ever leaving the property.

Not to be outdone is The Royal Kaʻanapali Course. Established in 1962, this 6,700-yard, par 71 routing was designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. and features an appealing combination of ocean and mountainside holes, with the islands of Molokai and Lanai visible in the distance. Its sibling, the Kai Course, measures a manageable 6,400 yards and offers a slightly more modest challenge. One significant detail worth noting is that both Kaʻanapali courses use recycled water – a sensible and environment approach given the recent drought conditions that have adversely affected every inch of the island.

For The Cost-Conscious Golfer…

For the cost-conscious golfer – and who isn’t – here are four additional courses worthy of mention.

Located in Kahului, The Dunes at Maui Lani is a 6,841-yard Robin Nelson design that has welcomed public players since 1999. Renowned for its rare and natural dune terrain (hence the name), this is the closest you’ll come to a true links experience in Hawaii. Depending on the time of day you play, green fees start at $69.00 after 2pm.

Located in Kihei, the Maui Nui Golf Club is a Par 71 parkland course that winds 6,801 yards through the foothills of Haleakalā, offering panoramic views of the ever-present Pacific Ocean, the West Maui Mountains and the volcanic atoll of Molokini. Twilight rates (after 1pm) start at $79.00.

Next is the 6,882-yard Pukalani Country Club, conveniently located 20 minutes from the Kahului Airport in the Upcountry region of the island. It is because of its higher elevation and cooler climes that Pukalani, or “Heavenly Gate,” has been a Maui mainstay for golfers since 1970. Twilight rates (after 1pm) start at $65.00.

And last, but not least, is the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course. Located in Wailuku, along the northeast coast, this is the only municipal course on Maui. Proudly serving residents and guests of the island since 1930, this 6,330-yard treasure was designed by William P. Bell, the same creative genius who designed California’s Torrey Pines. Weekday rates start at $63.00 (not a misprint!)

Where to Stay

Maui offers more accommodation options than I can possibly provide; however, there are two properties I’d recommend due to their respective proximity to great golf, available amenities, overall guest experience, and cost.

The Aston Kaanapali Shores is an oceanfront condominium resort with 332 units and beachfront views that will keep you perched on your lanai well past sunset. The on-site Beach Club Restaurant and Bar is ideal for a post-round meal.

If you’re looking for something more upscale, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (hyatt.com) in Kaʻanapali offers 810 beautifully appointed guestrooms, the sumptuous, award-winning Japengo Restaurant renowned for its eclectic Asian-inspired flavours, and of course the Tour of the Stars experience I mentioned earlier. It’s where you can roll out of bed and be on the beach or first tee at Kaanapali or Kapalua within minutes.

Great Places to Dine

Maui’s culinary scene is a vibrant confluence of tradition and modern-day innovation. Celebrity chefs and legendary establishments abound in all corners of the island.

Topping most “Places You Should Dine” lists is Mama’s Fish House. Located in Paia on the island’s North Shore, this iconic dining establishment has been serving customers since 1973. Renowned for listing the name of the fisherman who caught the variety of fish being served that day, it’s no surprise that this is the most coveted table on Maui.

For authentic Hawaiian cuisine, Ulu Kitchen by acclaimed chef Peter Merriman at The Westin Maui (ulukitchen.com) is an intimate beachfront dining venue that celebrates the island’s local ingredients in every dish. Culinary creations include the Macadamia Nut Crusted Fish, fresh Ahi Poke and locally sourced Kula vegetable sides.

And for something truly delectable, the Seascape Restaurant, adjacent to the Maui Ocean Centre, is one of Maui’s finest foodie experiences.  In 2023, Seascape was named Restaurant of the Year by Pacific Edge magazine. It’s an authentic farm-to-table menu, with every ingredient sourced from the island.

My final recommendation is the Maui Brewing Company. Located at the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort, this is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery known for its local fish tacos, ginger beer and commitment for brewing all its beer in the islands. Tried and tested favourites include Bikini Blond Lager, Big Swell IPA, Sunshine Girl Golden Ale, and Pineapple Mana Wheat, made from the aforementioned Maui Gold pineapple.

Embrace the Aloha

No two words capture the spirit of this island paradise more so than “Aloha” and “Mahalo.” Respectively meaning “hello and goodbye” and “thank-you” and “grateful.” These are ingrained expressions of the local lexicon, woven into the fabric of everyday life. My only regret about my time spent on Maui was that it was too short. There are courses I didn’t play, sunsets I didn’t photograph, and I never did make it to Haleakalā at dawn. But that’s the beauty of a place like this – it gives you every reason to come back.

So put away the laptop, silence the phone, and let Maui do what it does best. Whether you’ve come to play some of the world’s best golf courses, kayak or sail with the whales, savour chocolate, or simply feel warm sand between your toes, the magnificent island of Maui will not disappoint. Come and discover it yourself.

Aloha, and until next time, Mahalo Maui.