Residents and visitors of Maui are very lucky to have a number of world-class golf courses at their fingertips – from Wailea and Makena on the south side of the island, to Kapalua and Kaanapali on the west side.

While I enjoy all of the courses, I live and work on the south side, and I am occasionally asked about the “golf privileges” associated with being a Wailea property owner. The funny thing is - while I own and live in Wailea and frequently play the Wailea courses - I was not entirely sure of what these privileges were. 

This, in large part, is due to the fact that Kama’aina rates are often available on the courses, and they are frequently even lower than the Wailea property owner rates.(Kama’aina rates typically require a valid Hawaii driver’s license.) For non-Hawaii residents, Wailea property ownership can provide substantial savings on the Wailea golf courses.

The 1st hole on the Wailea Emerald Course

Golf Privilege Eligibility

The golf privileges depend upon the complex or subdivision in which one’s property is located. Ownership in one group of properties makes the owner eligible for both membership in the Wailea Golf Club, as well as reduced property owner rates (should the owner choose not to join the Club). 

Ownership in another set of properties provides the owner with the reduced property owner rates, without eligibility for membership in the Wailea Golf Club. Finally, a few properties are not eligible for either benefit. In 2012, the Wailea Gold Course and the Wailea Old Blue Course are the two courses designated for club member play and property owner program privileges.

Wailea Properties that Qualify for Golf Club Membership and Reduced Owner Rates

• Grand Champions Villas
• The Palms at Wailea
• Wailea Ekahi Villages
• Wailea Elua
• Wailea Ekolu
• Wailea Palms
• Wailea Point
• Wailea Fairway Estates
• Wailea Golf Estates
• Wailea Golf Vistas
• Wailea Highlands
• Wailea Kai
• Wailea Kialoa

Golf Membership Fees

The 2012 annual Regular Golf Club Membership fee is $2,590.00, plus Hawaii General Excise Tax, for a total of $2,697.90. There is also an Associate Golf Membership available for $939.00 ($978.12 including General Excise Tax).

Regular Golf Club members do not have to pay green fees – only cart fees ($27.50). Associate Golf Club members pay reduced green fees ($49.50), plus the cart fee. Both memberships include many additional benefits (e.g. advanced reservation of preferred tee-times, guest rates, etc.).

Wailea Properties that Qualify for Reduced Owner Rates, but are Not Eligible for Club Membership

• Ho’olei
• Papali
• Wailea Fairway Villas
• Wailea Pualani Estates

The reduced property owner rates vary, depending upon the time of year. For 2012, the reduced rates are as follows:

• December 19, 2011 – April 30, 2012: $110
• May 1, 2012 – October 31, 2012: $95
• November 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012: To be determined

As is the case with Golf Club members, property owners who qualify for the reduced owner rates are also permitted to reserve preferred tee-times, before the general public.

The rates and fees, of course, are subject to change. Anyone interested should contact the folks at the Wailea Golf Courses for the applicable rates, as well as additional important details and limitations.

The 18th green on the Wailea Gold Course

Overview

These golf privileges provide qualifying owners with a great opportunity to enjoy the spectacular Wailea golf courses at a substantial savings, particularly for those who do not qualify for the Kama’aina rates. Each of the Wailea courses has a very different personality, and all of them offer spectacular ocean views. 

The Gold Course is the most challenging, and is also my favorite (despite the fact that I have been known to hit a few shots so far sideways, that it prompted a good friend of mine to say that I sometimes “see parts of the golf course that even the course designer never imagined”). It’s like that old McDonald’s commercial with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird – “off the scoreboard, over the rafters, off the glass…,” except with me, it’s “off the tree trunk, over the restroom, off the cart path, etc.,” – almost always accidentally!

I hope to see you out there sometime!

Condos, Golf Course, Life, Maui, Tips, Wailea