Maui’s deadliest fire in recent U.S. History displaced thousands in August. It killed more than 100 people, engulfed the historic town of Lahaina in flames, and closed many of the golf courses in the area.
The cause of the fires is unknown, but experts believe that the human development on the Island may be at least partially responsible for the destruction.
In the last few decades, wildfires in Hawaii have quadrupled. Many scientists attribute this to unmanaged nonnative grasslands that were planted by ranchers, plantations, and other people unfamiliar with Hawaii’s native ecosystems. The grass is prone to burning and dry.
Kapalua Golf’s Bay Course will reopen on September 20 and the Plantation Course on October 18. The two golf courses were closed following the Maui fires of August 8. The golf courses and facilities of Kapalua Golf, located in West Maui were spared the fires that devastated Lahaina about 10 miles from Kapalua.
According to an article on mauinow.com , another major resort is also close to being back to full speed.
Ka’anapali opened its driving range, Royal Ka’anapali golf course and Ka’anapali Kai golf course on September 18.
Kapalua Golf’s Bay Course practice range reopened its doors on August 28. Wailea Golf Club, which includes the Gold, Blue, and Emerald Courses at Wailea Golf Club has remained open since the fires.
Many associates lost their homes and possessions in the fires that ravaged all three resorts. The properties continue to welcome team members back to work, as they are ready.
The three properties are focusing their efforts on supporting team members and loved ones who have lost their homes, as well as continuing to support the Maui community through donations and fundraising.
Sherry Duong is the executive director of Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau. She said, “As Maui recovers, we need visitors to keep our community working.” We welcome responsible, respectful and compassionate travel in all parts of Maui. “We encourage visitors to shop locally, dine in local restaurants, enjoy Mauis amazing activities and attractions, including our beautiful Golf Courses, and visit our island with grace and patience.”
Alex Nakajima, Kapalua’s General Manager said: “Our team is deeply grateful for the support we have received from all over the world in the last six weeks.” Our staff were deeply affected by the fires. Nearly a third of our employees lost their homes and possessions. We continue to provide support to our associates as well as the community, and welcome back team members when they are ready. We are reopening two golf courses on Maui for Kamaaina, local residents and those who plan to return. “As millions of people discovered during the pandemic a game of golf is good for the body, mind and soul.”
The Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf is open to all resort guests. The Bay Course was designed by Arnold Palmer in 1975. It is a more forgiving course than the Plantation. The Plantation is a Coore/Crenshaw design, built in 1991, and renovated in 2019 by the duo. The Sentry, ranked No. 1, is played every year at the Plantation Course. Golfweek’s list of the Best Resort Courses ranks this course at number 17.
