Lahaina landmark leads an island known for world-class golf
LAHAINA, Hawai‘i – Maui residents have named Kā‘anapali Golf Courses, the iconic West Maui destination “Where the World Comes to Play,” the “2026 Best Golf Course on Maui” in the inaugural KITV 4 Island News Best of Maui Viewers’ Choice Awards.
The viewer-voted competition recognizes favorite local businesses across 215 categories.
“This accolade is special because votes come from people who routinely play many of our state’s best courses,” said Karl Reul, General Manager, Kā‘anapali Golf Courses. “It’s a wonderful testament to our owners, hardworking staff, Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association partners, supportive community and returning guests.”
The recognition also highlights the resilience of West Maui following the 2023 wildfires, the largest natural disaster in state history that displaced thousands of residents, including employees of Kā‘anapali Golf Courses, destroyed businesses and much of the historic town of Lahaina.
Surrounded by 11 places to stay, 45 dining options and two shopping centers, Kā‘anapali Golf Courses plays an important role in offering outdoor recreation and fun on Maui.
“Our golf course management team has navigated periods of real change with skill and care. Kā‘anapali offers two distinct 18-hole courses: the Royal’s oceanfront setting and strategic design can challenge the best players, while the Kai is more approachable and forgiving. Together, they create enjoyment for players of all skill levels,” remarked Michael Rock, senior vice president and head of asset management for Host Hotels & Resorts. In addition to owning Kā‘anapali Golf Courses, Host’s Hawaiian portfolio includes three resorts on Maui and two on O‘ahu.
Each fall during the Kā‘anapali Classic by OUTRIGGER, the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warrior men’s golf team holds a clinic for keiki in the Maui Junior Golf Association and Lahaina Junior Golf Association.
This distinction comes during a banner year of recognition and activity for Kā‘anapali. The courses were also included in GolfPass’ 25 Best Public Golf Courses in Hawai‘i – Golfers’ Choice awards.
Kā‘anapali’s 2026 tournament calendar is highlighted by the Big West Women’s Golf Championships on April 19–21, the 13th annual Kā‘anapali Classic by OUTRIGGER on October 26–28, the Southwest Maui Invitational Golf Tournament on November 22 and multiple charity tournaments.
Last year, Kā‘anapali Golf Courses was named Indigo Sports’ Facility of the Year, West Region, another accolade in the property’s continued commitment to kamaʻāina, residents and guests.
Kā‘anapali opened in 1962 as Hawai‘i’s first planned resort. As the resort community approaches its 65th anniversary in 2027, it remains a model for leading global resorts.
Kā‘anapali is a 45-minute drive from Maui’s main airport, Kahului Airport (OGG), and 10-minute drive from Kapalua Airport (JHM). For tee times, merchandise, group activities, weddings and upcoming events, visit www.kaanapaligolfcourses.com.
About Kā’anapali Golf Courses
Built on 300 acres of land once home to Hawaiian royalty (Royal Chiefs of Maui), Kā‘anapali Golf Courses offers pristine conditions and panoramic views of Lana‘i, Molokai, the Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountains.
Opened in 1962 and designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the par-71, 6,700-yard Royal Kā‘anapali Course features wide fairways and undulating greens which make it distinctive and demanding. The tournament-tested layout has welcomed Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Jan Stephenson, Betsy King and other legends.
High-profile events have included Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf (1964), Canada Cup (1964), LPGA’s Kemper Open (1982-85), PGA TOUR Champions’ Kā‘anapali Classic (1987-2000) and SKINS Game (2008-11), and Hawaii High School Athletic Association Golf State Championships (1998, 2009, ’13, ’17, ’22).
Complementing Royal Kā‘anapali is the modernized Kai Course, which hosted Golf Channel’s “Big Break Kā‘anapali” in 2008. The 6,400-yard, par-70 layout boasts an array of strategically placed bunkers, contoured fairways and resurfaced greens.
More information: www.kaanapaligolfcourses.com and 808-661-3691.
About Troon
Kā‘anapali Golf Courses are managed by Indigo Sports, a Troon company. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company, providing services at locations in 45-plus states and 40-plus countries. In addition to private, daily fee, resort and municipal golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy & Design and RF DesignStudio, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
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