A Polynesian-flavored archipelago in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii
provides a unique setting for the game—from vibrant green jungles to toasted
black lava. But there’s far more to Hawaii than golf, and here is a ranking of
the five major islands, taking into consideration the golf courses, resort
hotels, off-course attractions, scenery and mana, or “sense of place.” Keep
in mind that the ratings are relative to each other. The scenery of Oahu, for
example, might suffer relative to Maui, but remains more stunning than most
mainland locales.Number 1: Maui
Maui no ka oi. You needn’t be an akamai (in the know) resident to make the
translation: Maui is the best. A dazzling amalgam of volcanic mountains, verdant
gorges and splendid beaches, Maui specializes in sensory overload.
The
island began as a pair of bubbling volcanoes; its two land masses now are joined
by an isthmus. The west is lush and breezy; the east is dry and sunny. Terraced
among pineapple fields is west Maui’s kingpin, Kapalua Resort. The Plantation
course, host of the Mercedes-Benz Championship, is a brilliant Coore-Crenshaw
behemoth, its broad, heaving fairways leading to huge, tilted greens. It’s the
best play-by-feel layout in the state. The Bay course hangs its hat on a pair of
coveside holes where humpback whales breach and spout in winter.
Hikers can
explore the ramparts of the mountains to
rediscover Eden; snorkelers can
watch coral reef dwellers dart into lava tubes in one of the resort’s bays.
At night, slack-key guitarists fill the air with soulful tunes at the
Ritz-Carlton, the elite chain’s finest U.S. resort.
Heading south, fans
of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s vintage work can tee it up on Kaanapali’s Tournament
North course, treated to a major overhaul in 2006. Nearby is the historic
whaling town of Lahaina, its waterfront lined with art galleries and open-air
cafes. Cheeseburger in paradise? Have it here.
East Maui, the island’s
larger half, is dominated by Mount Haleakala, a 10,023-foot dormant volcano that
shields the coast from inclement weather. For a eureka moment, ride a bus to the
summit in the middle of the night to watch the sunrise.
Carved into the
flanks of Haleakala is Wailea Resort, where the ocean floods the horizon
from nearly every hole. The Gold and Emerald courses, by Robert Trent Jones Jr.,
are worth crossing half an ocean to play.
Après-golf? Race giant sea turtles
in a kayak, stroll five lovely beaches, browse the shops. Lodging? Grand Wailea
Resort has outsized sculptures and an opulent spa; the Four Seasons Resort at
Wailea entices with tropically colored rooms and cutting-edge cuisine.
Maui’s sleeper is Makena Resort, with a pair of Trent Jones Jr. courses
etched into Haleakala’s lower slopes. The rugged North course, routed around
groves of kiawe trees, offers ocean views. The flatter, more open South course
draws near the sea on the back nine. The Maui Prince Hotel spills onto Naupaka
Beach, one of the best (and emptiest) beaches on an island that brooks no
rivals.
