Hole 1 at Kapalua Resort (Bay course)
Par 4 • 355 Yards • Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
The opening hole at Kapalua Resort's Bay course sets an inviting yet strategic tone for one of Maui's most celebrated golf experiences. This 355-yard par 4 presents a deceptively straightforward challenge along the dramatic Maui coastline, where Pacific trade winds and elevated tees create unique playing conditions. The straight layout features a generous fairway that encourages an aggressive tee shot, but the small green demands precision on the approach. Without significant hazards to navigate, golfers can focus on club selection and wind management - essential skills for success on this oceanside gem. The hole's elevated position offers stunning views of Molokai across the channel, making it a memorable introduction to Arnold Palmer's masterful design that has hosted PGA Tour events and remains a bucket-list destination for golfers worldwide.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 355 yds
- Green
- 5599 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 6
- Course Slope
- 137
- Course Rating
- 72.7
Recommended Gear
Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.
Shop Wedges →Strategy Tips
Play a conservative tee shot to the 200-yard mark where the fairway is a comfortable 36 yards wide, giving you plenty of room to find the short grass and set up your approach.
Avoid the aggressive driver play - bunkers positioned at 240 yards combined with the fairway narrowing to just 12 yards at 250 makes length a liability on this hole.
From the ideal 200-yard layup position, you'll have a manageable 155-yard approach shot into the green - perfect mid-iron distance for most players.
Target the center of this generous 5,599 square foot green - with dimensions of 33 by 28 yards, there's plenty of room to work with even on slightly off-target approaches.
This 355-yard par 4 rewards accuracy over distance - a well-placed 3-wood or hybrid off the tee leaves you in prime position while keeping you out of trouble.
This 355-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.
See launch monitors & simulatorsWith bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy off the tee?
For this 355-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 1?
This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
How big is the green on hole 1?
The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 1?
This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.
Can I practice hole 1 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Kapalua Resort (Bay course). You can play this exact 355-yard par 4 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →
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Play This Course at Home
Practice Kapalua Resort (Bay course) Year-Round
Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.
Browse Launch Monitors & SimulatorsAmazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 355 yds
- Green
- 5599 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 6
- Course Slope
- 137
- Course Rating
- 72.7
Recommended Gear
Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.
Shop Wedges →Get the Free Strategy Guide
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