Kaanapali Kai at Kaanapali Golf Courses

Kaanapali Kai, cradled in the embrace of West Maui, offers a more forgiving – yet equally strategic – counterpoint to its championship sibling. Built in the early 1970s, Arthur Jack Snyder's design meanders through the lower slopes of the West Maui Mountains, trading dramatic elevation changes for gently rolling terrain and expansive fairways. This relative accessibility makes it popular with resort guests and those seeking a more relaxed round.

While lacking the pedigree of hosting major championships, Kaanapali Kai has served as a welcoming stage for local and regional amateur events. The course favors a thoughtful approach, with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that reward accuracy over sheer power. The prevailing trade winds add another layer of complexity, demanding astute club selection and an understanding of ball flight.

Known amongst locals as a course that rewards those who think their way around, Kaanapali Kai is a well regarded public course. The club, at times, offers unique food pop ups that draw visitors from all over the island.