Kā’anapali Courses Confirm Operations Amid Tournament Relocation
Kā’anapali Golf Courses Maui remains open and welcomes visitors following recent confusion over Maui’s golf availability.
The West Maui facility confirmed operations continue as normal after the PGA TOUR announced The Sentry tournament would not take place on the island in January 2026.
The clarification comes as golf tourism plays a vital role in Maui’s economy.
General Manager Karl Reul addressed concerns directly, stating potential visitors should know that Maui’s golf courses, hotels and recreational areas remain open for autumn and winter bookings.
The facility operates within water restrictions and allocations set by state and county authorities.
Royal and Kai Courses Ready for Visitors
The resort features two 18-hole layouts along Maui’s Kā’anapali Coast. Royal Kā’anapali measures 6,700 yards at par 71, whilst Kai Course plays to 6,400 yards at par 70.
Both courses offer views across the Pacific Ocean towards the West Maui Mountains. Royal Kā’anapali completed aeration six weeks ago and currently prepares to host a collegiate tournament in October.
The course opened in 1962 following a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design. The layout features wide fairways and undulating greens across land once occupied by Hawaiian royalty.
Kai Course underwent extensive renovation in 2005. The modernised layout includes strategically placed bunkers, contoured fairways, and resurfaced greens. Golf Channel filmed “Big Break Kā’anapali” at the course in 2008.
Tournament Schedule and Visitor Packages
Kā’anapali Golf Courses Maui will host the Kā’anapali Classic by OUTRIGGER from 26th to 29th October.
The men’s collegiate tournament ranks among America’s leading university-level competitions. The Southwest Maui Invitational follows on 23rd November.
Sherry Duong, Executive Director of the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau, encouraged golfers to book with confidence.
She confirmed Maui continues to provide opportunities for visiting players whilst maintaining the resort’s hospitality standards.
The wider Kā’anapali resort spans three miles of coastline and includes 13 accommodation options plus 45 dining venues. The Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival takes place from 24th to 26th October.
Golf’s Role in Maui Tourism
Shelley Kekuna, Executive Director of the Kā’anapali Beach Resort Association, highlighted golf’s contribution to the destination.
The courses form part of Kā’anapali’s year-round programming alongside beach access and resort amenities.
Royal Kā’anapali previously hosted the Champions Tour Kā’anapali Classic for 14 years. The course also welcomed Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, the Canada Cup and LPGA Kemper Open.
Players including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Jan Stephenson and Betsy King competed at the venue.
Kā’anapali Golf Courses Maui offers Stay-and-Play packages with multiple resort partners. The facility operates across 300 acres of West Maui coastline.
