Lance Ehrecke, Living Moments Media
Lance Ehrecke, Living Moments Media
Lance Ehrecke, Living Moments Media
Lance Ehrecke, Living Moments Media
Jared Johnson
Overview
Often overshadowed by its sibling Plantation course (annual host of the PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions), Kapalua’s Bay course holds its own, having hosted PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events, as well as the 1998 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links. The Arnold Palmer design treats golfers to stunning views, including at the signature par-3 17th, which plays directly over the ocean.
About
Awards
Best in State: Ranked inside the top 5, 1977, 1987-'89. Ranked inside the top 10, 1991-'93. Ranked inside the top 15, 1995-2001. Ranked 17th, 2023-'24.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“While it has probably taken a backseat to its younger sister the Plantation Course, Arnold Palmer's Bay Course still has a storied history and lots of appeal, especially to higher handicappers. Tipping out at just over 6600 yards, this is a more forgiving layout and probably more enjoyable for daily play. Just like its sister, there are still gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean from this course and the Bay Course actually makes its way to the water, with an especially memorable stretch at 16 and 17 playing along the volcanic rock. Other standout holes include the 10th, a difficult split fairway par 4 that probably gives golfers the most options of any hole here. I don't think I would travel all the way to Maui to play here, but it is worth a play while on the island."
Read More2025
Review
“While it has probably taken a backseat to its younger sister the Plantation Course, Arnold Palmer's Bay Course still has a storied history and lots of appeal, especially to higher handicappers. Tipping out at just over 6600 yards, this is a more forgiving layout and probably more enjoyable for daily play. Just like its sister, there are still gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean from this course and the Bay Course actually makes its way to the water, with an especially memorable stretch at 16 and 17 playing along the volcanic rock. Other standout holes include the 10th, a difficult split fairway par 4 that probably gives golfers the most options of any hole here. I don't think I would travel all the way to Maui to play here, but it is worth a play while on the island."
Read More2025
Review
“This is the 50th anniversary of the Bay Course and unfortunately it really shows the wear & tear. Other than the beauty and natural aesthetics of the Kapalua area & ocean views, the Bay Course needs some real love applied. The fairways were rugged, inconsistent and poorly maintained. The bunkers ALL seemed to have significant drainage problems, and the greens were slow, fungus infected and in many cases had significant ant mounds / trails. The layout is built around some expensive homes and the Ritz Carlton Hotel. It is not walkable and the cart path / infrastructure is old, cracked, bumpy and sometimes difficult to navigate. This seems to be a pricey public "Resort Course", as my round took over 5.5 hours to play, and there were more large divots left un-sanded in the fairways than I have ever seen before. The Bay Course does NOT compare to its Big Brother up the road (The Plantation Course) in any way, shape or form. Hopefully the management will consider restoring this former Palmer beauty to its old self."
Read More2025
Review
“This is a fun, well-maintained, course with outstanding views. Not as beastly as the Plantation course up the road."
Read More2024
Review
“Traditional Hawaiian resort course. Back 9 is more dramatic than the front given the holes especially the short par 3 17th play down to and along the ocean. The course finishes on a relatively short uphill par 5 which has an unsightly massive net / fence running the entire length of the hole protecting errant shots from impacting traffic. Wide slopping fairways were a consistent feature most of which are lined by mature Cook Pine trees. Large fairway bunkers were located on the right side of 10 of the 14 par 4/5 holes and need to be avoided to score. Course was relatively firm and fast throughout. Greens were predominately flat. Putting was straightforward with little to no "island impact" typically experienced on most Hawaiian resort courses."
Read More2024
Review
“Amazing views, well developed course with landscape, some strategic challenging holes. Probably a relatively windy course being on the water most days."
Read More2023
Review
“Strong ocean breezes and a lot of elevation change make this Arnold Palmer design a challenge for the Resort golfer. Some nice ocean views and playing over an ocean inlet on the par 3 17th hole make for a memorable round. Staff very helpful and accommodating. Worth a round when traveling to Maui."
Read More2022
Review
“The Bay Course was better than I expected, and it proves a worthy and more traditional compliment to the avant-garde design at the Plantation. There certainly some holes, especially on the front nine, that show a dated 70s design aesthetic, but others, like the ocean stretch, #9 green, and the split-fairway 16th, were ahead of their time."
Read More2022
Review
“Kapalua Bay doesn't seem to have the best reputation, but I was glad that I played it. I found the opening stretch to include a lot of good golf. The ocean par three is memorable, but the holes getting down and back are the weakest on the course."
Read More2021
Review
“If you have the time and money, go ahead and play this golf course. It is an Arnold Palmer design with several classic holes reminding us of his style. It is a very pretty golf course, lots of wonderful views too."
Read More2018
