Hawaii

A lost paradise

By Maxime Beaulieu, CPGA Pro and Co-president of b2 golf.ca

THE ARCHIPELAGO
Although Maui is the ultimate golf destination in Hawaii, the other islands also provide a multitude of gorgeous options. Oahu, Lanai and Kauai each have a string of beautiful courses also worth discovering if you have the time to visit more than one island. And, if you don’t, you can always come back! Mahalo!

Aloha! I have the privilege today of sharing with you the wonderful experiences I enjoyed in the magnificent U.S. State of Hawaii. I had the opportunity to visit Hawaii a few years ago and I now consider it one of my all-time favourite destinations! Although it takes an 11- hour flight to get there, it’s worth every second spent on the plane to see Hawaii’s glorious islands. And, of all of these islands, I would have to say that Maui is my absolute favourite.

The Maui golfing experience

Every year, the PGA Tour kicks off with the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. The 30 winners from the previous season meet at the glorious Kapalua Plantation Course to compete for the PGA’s season-opening trophy. The Plantation Course is an immense and spectacular course, with ravines and countless breathtaking vantage points! The grain of the greens is perhaps the most difficult aspect of the course. If you think the greens at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu are difficult, you are guaranteed to have loads of fun on the greens at Kapalua. You have to make sure to take all of the surrounding natural elements into consideration when preparing your approach, since they can definitely affect the direction your ball takes. But, don’t worry, once you’ve understood this, you’ll truly enjoy the challenge! What’s more, the Kapalua Bay Course, Plantation’s sister course, offers exceptional playing quality and several holes with awe-inspiring views!

Less than a one-hour drive from Kapalua, you’ll find a magnificent resort called Wailea, which includes three superb courses: the Gold, the Blue and the Emerald Course. Historically, the Gold Course is recognized for being visited by countless professionals including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Players and many other big names during the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game. These three courses are among the most frequented golf sites on the Island of Maui, and I strongly recommend you take the time to visit them. And, while you’re there, why not finish your day off with a fabulous meal at Mulligans on the Blue? This restaurant, located on the south coast of Maui, directly on the golf course, is absolutely worth stopping in for. I also got some excellent feedback on the golf courses in Kaanapali, which I am hoping to visit during my next trip to Hawaii.

Activities you won’t want to miss

Maui has a natural beauty that you should really take the time to explore during your stay. Makena State Park includes two superb beaches, including Oneloa Beach—over 1.5 miles long and a hundred metres wide—as well as Pu’u Olai, a cinder cone over 360 feet tall.

Taking a walk up to the summit of the Haléakala—located at an altitude of 10,023 feet—to watch the sunset is the perfect opportunity to admire Hawaii’s unique natural setting. And, if you want to discover the underwater beauty of the archipelago, a snorkelling adventure at the Molokini crater is the perfect choice. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the famous Road to Hana, which stretches over 109 kilometres along the coast. Replete with sinuous twists and turns, this road will take you through a tropical forest and along the ocean, and is a great way to discover the island’s untamed nature. Hawaii provides countless options for combining golf and tourist attractions that will forever remain etched in your memory.