Wailea Emerald Course
The most scenic and forgiving of the three Wailea courses, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. par 72 framed by flowering trees and bunkers, with the same sweeping views over the south coast of Maui.
Photo: Chuck Madeksiak via Google.
The verdict
The Emerald is the friendly, flower filled member of the Wailea family, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that opened in 1994 alongside the tougher Gold on the sunny south coast of Maui. At roughly 6,825 yards and a par 72, it is the most forgiving of the three resort courses, with wide fairways, large receptive greens and generous landing areas that let the average golfer enjoy the round rather than fight it.
What it lacks in teeth it makes up for in beauty. Many golfers rate the Emerald the most scenic of the three Wailea layouts, with masses of flowering trees and shrubs framing the holes, the same dramatic elevation as the Gold and ocean views across to Lanai and Kahoolawe from the upper fairways. It is the perfect resort round for a mixed group: playable, beautifully conditioned and as pretty as golf in Hawaii gets.
Wailea Emerald Course at a glance
- Opened
- 1994
- Designer
- Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Type
- Resort
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,825 yards
- Green fee
- From about 200 dollars
Designer and details verified June 2026: the Wailea Emerald Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in 1994 in Wailea, Maui, a par 72 of roughly 6,825 yards. Indicative 2026 green fees run from around 200 dollars to 285 dollars including cart, varying by day, season and tee time; always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Emerald is built to be enjoyed. Fairways are wide and inviting, the fairway bunkering is positioned to guide rather than punish, and the large greens accept a running approach as readily as a high one, so a steady golfer can post a good score and a higher handicapper can have fun without losing a sleeve of balls. It is resort golf in the best sense.
The scenery is the star. Robert Trent Jones Jr. used the tropical planting to dramatic effect, with flowering trees and shrubs framing tee shots and the elevation opening up ocean views from the upper holes. A well known shared green on the tenth and seventeenth holes is a memorable quirk, and the routing flows naturally down and back up the south coast slopes between the resort and the sea.
For traveling golfers the Emerald is the easy choice for a relaxed day or the second half of a two course Wailea outing, best paired with the championship Gold next door. Play it for the views and the conditioning, and let the welcoming layout take the pressure off your card.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public resort course; open to all golfers, with rates and times for resort guests and the public |
| Green fee | From about 200 to 285 dollars including cart, indicative 2026; varies by day, season and tee time |
| Booking | Book online or through the golf shop; morning times and high season fill early |
| On the day | Cart golf with a shared practice facility serving the Wailea courses; standard golf dress; rates often include range balls |
| Getting there | In Wailea on the south coast of Maui, about a 40 minute drive from Kahului airport |
| Best months | Year round golf; the south Maui coast is reliably sunny, with the busiest visitor season from December to April |
Access and fees verified June 2026; resort green fees change by day, season and tee time, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Wailea is one of Maui's premier resort enclaves, with beachfront hotels and condos along the golden sand of the south coast, a short drive from both Wailea courses and the village shops and restaurants. It is a sunny, easy base for a Maui golf and beach trip, with the snorkeling at Molokini and the road to Hana within reach.
For a wider Maui golf trip, the Emerald pairs naturally with its tougher sibling Wailea Gold Course next door and the resort golf at Kapalua Bay Course in west Maui, or see all our Hawaii golf holidays.
Looking for a base nearby? See our recommended hotels and resorts.
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Wailea Emerald Course questions
Who designed the Wailea Emerald Course?
The Wailea Emerald Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in 1994 in Wailea on the south coast of Maui. It plays a par 72 of roughly 6,825 yards from the championship tees.
Is the Wailea Emerald a good course for higher handicappers?
Yes. The Emerald is the most forgiving of the three Wailea courses, with wide fairways, large receptive greens and generous landing areas, which makes it a relaxed and enjoyable resort round for mixed ability groups.
How much does it cost to play the Wailea Emerald Course?
Indicative 2026 green fees run from around 200 dollars to 285 dollars including cart, varying by day, season and tee time. Always confirm directly before booking.
Which is more scenic at Wailea, the Gold or the Emerald?
Many golfers rate the Emerald the most scenic of the three Wailea courses, thanks to its abundant flowering trees and shrubs, while the Gold is the longer and more demanding test. Both share the same dramatic elevation and ocean views.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year and design concept verified June 2026; yardage and indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.