Hole 3 at Kapalua Resort (Plantation course)

Par 4 • 380 Yards • Lahaina, Hawaii

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Challenging

The third hole at Kapalua Resort's legendary Plantation course presents a deceptively challenging par 4 that epitomizes championship golf in paradise. This 380-yard test plays straight down a generous fairway framed by the dramatic Maui landscape, but don't let the lack of hazards fool you—the small green demands precision on the approach shot.

Trade winds swirling through the West Maui Mountains add complexity to club selection, while the elevated tee provides stunning ocean vistas that can distract from the task at hand. The compact putting surface rewards accurate iron play, as missing the target leaves difficult recovery shots from the surrounding slopes. With its ranking as the third-hardest hole on the course, this strategic par 4 exemplifies why Kapalua Resort (Plantation course) has hosted the PGA Tour's season opener for decades, combining natural beauty with championship-caliber golf strategy.

Tees:

380y380y352y260y

Green:32y × 30y

Fairway @250y:12y wide

9 Bunkersright dogleg

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Kapalua Resort (Plantation course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 380 yds
Green: 5105 sq ft
Bunkers: 9
Course Slope: 140
Course Rating: 75.6

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Recommended Gear

Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Target a controlled drive of 200-220 yards to stay in the fairway sweet spot, as the fairway maintains a consistent 12-yard width at both the 200 and 250-yard markers, leaving you with a manageable mid-iron approach.

approach

With bunkers positioned at 363 yards, focus your approach on the front portion of the green to avoid any greenside hazards and take advantage of the generous 5,105 square foot putting surface.

green

The large green measuring 32 yards by 30 yards offers plenty of target area, so prioritize hitting the correct level of the green rather than attacking tight pin positions to ensure a manageable two-putt.

tee shot

Avoid the temptation to bomb driver on this 380-yard par 4, as accuracy is paramount with the narrow 12-yard fairway width - a well-placed fairway wood or long iron sets up a much easier approach shot.

train this shot at home

This 380-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.

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Scoring Tip

With bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 380-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 3?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.

How big is the green on hole 3?

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 3?

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 3 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Kapalua Resort (Plantation course). You can play this exact 380-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 →