Wailea Blue Course


One of three courses at the Wailea Golf Club, the Blue Course presents players with an accessible, challenging, and picturesque venue. With rates slightly below the Emerald and Gold Courses, the Blue Course is a slightly more economical option for visitors to the Islands. Travelers should not be deceived by the lower rates, however, as the course offers a superb layout. 

A unique aspect of the Blue Course lies in its location. Situated near the commercial district of Wailea, the course is walk-able from most of the Wailea resorts. If using a car is more convenient to transport clubs, the drive is easily less than 5 minutes.  The clubhouse is situated in a outdoor mall, with a well-stocked outdoor bar and grill which serves as a de facto 19th hole. 

The staff at Wailea Blue are professional and accommodating. Going out of their way to ensure players have a memorable experience, they provide advice, equipment, and service in an effective and hospitable fashion. The staff even offered us our choice of playing the front versus the back- an offer usually unheard of at resort courses.


Both the front and back nines follow the topography of the gentle slope on which the course sits. With the first few holes of each side working up the slope, players face a few uphill approach shots. The course presents very pleasing views to the amateur golfer's eye- fairways and greens are easily visible from each tee box. With a classical design, the course features well demarcated fairways and rough. Virtually every hole is lined by palm trees, which are visible on the horizon with the looming mountain range of West Maui as a backdrop. Wailea Blue is very walk-able. With a setup similar to a classic country club on the Mainland, the green to tee distance is not excessive. 


 Most holes present players with a risk-reward proposition off the tee. Drivers are certainly an option, and if accurate will leave a partial wedge into the elevated greens. Long irons or woods off the tee offer a more conservative option but also leave a short iron into most greens. Virtually all bunkers are found green-side. Ocean views are present on the vast majority of the holes. 

 

Multiple holes contain elevated tee boxes that provide photogenic vistas of the Pacific. Players will enjoy the links-style views on a parkland-style golf course. The gentle breezes and steady sunshine typical of the Wailea climate create conditions any golfer throughout the world would envy. The course is maintained in excellent condition, a true testament to the ground crews given the course's volume of play. This parkland-style course, coupled with ideal conditions, offers travelers plenty of scoring opportunities. For golfers still swallowing a healthy dose of humility after rounds on tougher layouts such as the Plantation Course, Wailea Blue represents a welcome change of pace.



Overall, Wailea Blue offers golfers an ideal experience on their trip to the Islands. A very well-maintained course, a classical design, and the picture-perfect climate of Wailea all combine to create a special experience. Anyone seeking a round of golf in Maui should consider Wailea Blue. Although it may lack the notoriety of some larger layouts on the Island, for those fortunate enough to play the course, it offers a world-class stretch of 18 holes in one of the most picturesque regions of the globe.











Cost: $$$$
Conditions: 5
Playability: 5
Prestige: 3

Overall: 4.33

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