The Dunes at Maui Lani occupies former sugarcane fields in central Maui, situated between Kahului and the West Maui Mountains. Robin Nelson designed the course to incorporate the property's natural sand dunes and native vegetation, creating a links-style layout uncommon in Hawaii. The routing takes advantage of the rolling terrain and prevailing trade winds, which influence play throughout the round. The course opened in 1999 as part of the Maui Lani residential development, providing a daily-fee option in an area of the island with limited golf facilities. Nelson's design features wide fairways bordered by native grasses and kiawe trees, with strategic bunkering that emphasizes placement over distance. The front nine plays through more open, windswept terrain that evokes traditional links golf, while the back nine moves into areas with greater elevation change and more defined corridors. Several holes offer views of the West Maui Mountains and Haleakalā, though the course sits inland rather than along the coast. Water comes into play on a handful of holes, primarily on the inward nine. The Dunes serves both visitors and local residents, operating as a public facility without the resort pricing typical of Maui's coastal courses. The layout rewards course management and wind play rather than relying heavily on forced carries or target golf. Its location near Kahului Airport makes it accessible for travelers seeking golf in central Maui.