Golf Guide: Maui - HI

Many travelers mean Maui when they say, "I'm going to Hawaii," since they return time and again to the island chain's second largest landmass to pursue countless adventures, lounge on pristine beaches, explore scenic valleys and play excellent golf courses.

Travelers should allow time enough to visit Haleakala National Park, home to the island's highest peak. One of the most memorable ways to experience the park is to awake early, drive to the Haleakala Visitor Center at 9,740 feet in elevation, then watch the sun rise. Even two balls O.B. later that day become no big deal if golfers begin their morning thus.

Lovers of stunning scenery may want to visit Iao Valley State Park, and snorkelers and SCUBA divers should not miss the opportunity to dive inside the remnants of a volcano called Molokini, three miles off Maui's southwestern coast. And everyone should visit Maui's signature beach, Kaanapali Beach, with its three miles of white sand.

Yet since golfers often prefer sand to be in bunkers, they can sample the island's fairways and greens by heading to two distinct regions. The Dunes at Maui-Lani, in the central valley, negotiates the hills and ravines of the island's interior, granting a degree of topographic challenge that many island courses lack. The course's signature 15th hole will likely leave golfers pumping their fists or muttering to themselves.

And on Maui's northwest shore sits Kapalua Resort, a 22,000-acre natural paradise that celebrates all things holistic, delivers breathtaking views of the Pacific and features two phenomenal golf courses that are impressive enough to host annual tournaments from two professional tours.