The King Kamehameha Golf Club features a course and clubhouse fit for a king! And with such a declaration comes a kingly fee, too. Although this is a private course and club, there are two ways you can play golf if not a member, which we’ll explain later on.
The King Kamehameha Golf Club boasts of being Maui’s premier private golf club. Based upon the club’s layout, design, and reviews from visitors, they’re probably correct. Developers of the club named it after Hawaii’s greatest king: Kamehameha. He united the islands into a prosperous and peaceful nation during his reign. Today, this spirit is at the heart of The King Kamehameha Golf Club, where people worldwide share a kindred camaraderie.
Golf Digest calls the clubhouse “The most awe-inspiring clubhouse in the country today.” The three-story, 74,000 square foot facility sits 750 above sea level with views of the Pacific Ocean and Haleakala. As if that weren’t enough, the design is based upon a Frank Lloyd Wright home he conceived in 1949. Contemporary architects expanded on the original plan to compensate for the larger area. The building’s curves, domes, and color blend naturally with Maui’s beautiful landscape. When you’re inside the clubhouse, you’ll notice many panoramic views of the course, the Pacific, and the terrain. Visit their website to learn more about the architectural journey the club took.
Ted Robinson Senior designed the course, and his son, Ted Robinson, Jr., revitalized it in 2005. Their goal was to build a challenging course that blended naturally into Maui’s beautiful, majestic landscape. For this reason, there aren’t any surrounding homes or traffic to distract you from golfing or taking in the stunning views. Golfers may play from any one of five sets of tees and take on the course’s challenging bunkers, five water features, and the tiered greens.
As mentioned initially, non-members may golf, but the rates aren’t cheap. Here are the two ways you can go about reserving a tee time:
Reciprocal Play
If you’re a member of another private club, have them email The King Kamehameha Golf Club. The club will give you a discounted rate.
Guest for a Day
Starting times are limited, so it’s best to reserve well in advance. The King Kamehameha Golf Club asks that you give them at least two days to get a response. The staff will confirm Tee times no sooner than 30 days out.
Regarding the difficulty of the course, golfers state that the most significant challenges are the wind and the fast greens. The best time of day to play is in the morning when the winds are their mildest. But these slots are reserved for members. The club typically gives later start times to non-members when the wind can be strongest. Some have reported wind speeds of up to 34 mph! As far as tips for playing the fast greens, it’s best to ask for advice when you’re there!
The King Kamehameha Golf Club also caters for events and special occasions. The beautiful setting is the perfect backdrop for weddings or corporate events to impress clients and investors. The catering staff can accommodate a private dinner for two or an extravagant gala for 360 people.
Insider Tip:
The clubhouse is open to the public and worth exploring the Frank Lloyd Wright architectural nuances, paintings, and Hawaiian artifacts.