Someone once said, "The absolute worst day I've spent in Hawaii was marvelous." That says a lot about a place; but there, the temperature ranges between 75 and 85 degrees, 12 months out of the year. Therefore, it's no wonder why so many people from all over the world spend their vacations and golf trips there. There are almost 100 golf resorts located on its six inhabited islands, but here are three that soon could become your favorites.
Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay
You simply can't get away from it. No matter where you go at this magnificent resort, whether it is at your cabana, in your suite or in the lobby of the hotel, you'll have breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. And you'll see at the marine preserve adjacent to the resort thousands of colorful exotic fish that are made safe by spinner dolphin and sea turtles that also abound. And all that's before you tee it up at The Challenge of Manele golf course that was designed by Jack Nicklaus. You'll find that it very much lives up to its name. It has exposed ancient lava, and three holes are built on cliffs where your ball can find its way to water hazards, namely the Pacific Ocean. There's no more stunning way to spend your family vacation or with a few of your golfing buddies.
Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay
One Manele Bay Road
P.O. Box 631380
Lana'i City, HI 96763
(808) 565-2000
www.fourseasons.com/manelebay
Grand Wailea
This Maui resort, blissful by anyone's definition, occupies 40 beautifully landscaped acres, yet it is only a few steps from the Pacific Ocean and its wonderful beaches. The world is your oyster as you are ensconced in one of 780 suites or guest rooms at the resort, deciding whether you'll grab a quick massage at the spa, lounge at the pool or tee it up on one of its three outstanding courses at Wailea Golf Club. You are sure to test your skill as you play either the Blue, Gold or Emerald courses. Or you can make instant improvements to your game with a lesson at David Ledbetter Golf Academy. The resort's staff can also arrange for you to play the course at adjacent Makena Resort with its awesome oceanfront holes.
Grand Wailea
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, Maui, HI 96753 |
(800) 888-6100
www.grandwailea.com
Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, The Lodge at Koele
A short 20-minute ride from the airport will transport you and your family or golf partners to the resort, one of the truly tranquil places in all of Hawaii. The Lodge overlooks a field where wild horses graze, and you will cherish every sunset as a guest of this remarkable place. At night, you will enjoy uniquely prepared dishes that start with locally grown ingredients and are complemented with a wide selection of wines. During the days that follow, you will play golf at Greg Norman's masterpiece that starts out at about 2,000 feet above sea level, affording you the chance to see the islands of Maui and Molokai in the distance. There's no other course in the islands that combines such magnificent landscape with the challenge of hitting every club in your bag.
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Four Seasons Resort Lana'i
The Lodge at Koele
One Keomoku Highway
P.O. Box 631380
Lana'i City, HI 96763
(808) 565-4000
www.fourseasons.com/koele
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.