The island of Maui is an incredible place. There's a saying "Maui No Ka Oi" which means Maui is the BEST. One look around and you'll know why.

The island of Maui can cause one to run out of superlatives. From its stunning topography to the beauty of its culture and people, to its breathtaking scenery and memorable landmarks, this island is an incredible place. And by the way, it has some of the finest resort and public golf facilities that you'll find anywhere.

We begin our journey on Maui's south side. The island's highest peak, the magnificent dormant Haleakala Volcano stands tall above a sprawling coastline of beauty, history and activity. Here you'll find everything from remote beaches to bustling resorts...from quiet sanctuaries to cosmopolitan shopping. And there's even a very small islet in the middle of the channel that offers an underwater adventure you'll never forget.

The golf on this end of Maui is just as spectacular and intriguing as the island itself.

The Wailea Resort is a wonderful destination that is the home to three championship courses, two of which have hosted major televised events. The most recent being the Wendy's Champions Skins Game played on the Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Gold Course. The climate for golf on this end of the island is superb and the golf holes here take full advantage of South Maui's dramatic vistas.

The neighboring Makena Resort features another two excellent Jones Jr. designs. The North Course winds its way up the lower slopes of Haleakala to heights that produce incredible panoramas. The South Course is laid out on Makena's lower elevations and eventually works its way out to the sea where two beautiful holes provide a terrific seaside golf experience.

In all South Maui's Courses are played in an arid environment and are some of the best in the islands.

Central Maui is defined by the isthmus that separates the two large parts of the island. To the East is the once again formidable sight of Haleakala. To the West is the West Maui Mountain Range which is not as tall but is equally dramatic. In the midst of this range one can explore the beautiful Iao Valley.

The nearby town of Wailuku is Maui's county seat and a very quaint place to discover. Within this small community there are many treasures and outside town there are even more. And just down the street is Maui's largest population center Kahului where you can shop 'til you drop.

This part of the island of Maui offers some really special and unique golf. There are no resorts here, but there are some terrific golf experiences.

Central Maui's most well known course, The Dunes at Maui Lani was a hidden gem, but is no longer. It is now consistently ranked among Hawaii's best. Architect Robin Nelson allowed the land to dictate his design. The sand dunes throughout this property are at times immense and Nelson has used them well. He has also incorporated many links style characteristics which make the Dunes at Maui Lani a one of a kind experience on the island.

Up the hill on the lower ridges of the West Maui Mountains you'll find another Robin Nelson design, the Kahili Course. The course has recently undergone a major upgrade with the result being a layout that can be enjoyed by golfers of any skill level. The tif eagle greens here make for excellent putting surfaces and a great club house facility greets you at the beginning and end of your round.

The Waiehu Municipal Golf Course in many ways is a hidden adventure. Owned by the County of Maui, Waiehu doesn't get a lot of publicity yet truly is a seaside experience. Because Maui's trade winds typically blow here you'll want to play the ball along the ground more than usual... and the course was designed for just that. Waiehu's green fees are very reasonable making for a great golf bargain.

West Maui is one of the best-known and popular visitor destinations. The small town of Lahaina was the capitol of Hawaii in the 1800's and today is still much like it was 150 years ago. The west side of Maui has some of the most breathtaking views in the Islands. Neighboring Molokai and Lanai stand tall in the distance and provide the background for stunning sunsets. The waters of West Maui are a virtual playground for water sports of all kinds, and beyond the resorts the road leads to many exciting adventures.

The golf on this side of the island is legendary.

The Ka'anapali Beach Resort was the first on the neighbor islands. Over the years it has hosted numerous big events and has a long history of televised golf. The Royal Ka'anapali Course is a classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design and just a year ago completed a major renovation program. This will be the new venue for the Wendy's Champions Skins Game and also the Big Break Ka'anapali. Ka'anapali Kai also has undergone a makeover by Robin Nelson and is a nice complement to the Royal Ka'anapali Course.

Kapalua is one of the most famous golf resorts on the planet. Both of Kapalua's 18 hole courses now host major professional events. The Bill Coore / Ben Crenshaw designed Plantation Course is jaw-dropping. Each January the PGA Tour's best test this massive par 73 layout. And now the LPGA is coming to Kapalua. This fall the Bay Course will become the venue for the Kapalua LPGA Classic featuring the best female golfers in the game.

When it comes to golf...Maui truly is No Ka Oi! The Best!