Hole 8 at Kapalua Resort (Plantation course)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 203 yds
- Stroke index
- 15
- Hazards
- 6 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 35 yds deep × 42 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 3 · 203 yards
The plan for No. 8
The eighth hole at Kapalua Resort's Plantation course presents a deceptively challenging par 3 that embodies the strategic precision demanded by this world-renowned Hawaiian venue. At 203 yards, this straight shot requires golfers to navigate the Pacific trade winds while targeting a small, well-protected green complex. The hole's elevated tee provides stunning ocean vistas, but the real test lies in club selection and wind judgment. With minimal hazards flanking the target, accuracy becomes paramount as the compact green offers little margin for error. The 15 handicap ranking belies the difficulty of holding this putting surface, making it a true test of iron play precision that can quickly turn a routine par into a challenging bogey.
Off the tee
Your tee shot is your scoring shot on this hole. Club selection is paramount - most golfers will need anything from a 5-iron to a 3-hybrid depending on wind conditions and pin position. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin placement, as the small target demands conservative strategy. Take one extra club if there's any doubt, as coming up short leaves a more challenging recovery than being long. Pay close attention to the wind direction, which can easily affect club selection by 1-2 clubs at this elevation.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par-3, your tee shot serves as your approach. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to muscle the ball to the pin. The straight layout eliminates directional concerns, allowing you to concentrate purely on distance control. Favor the middle of the green on all pin positions - the small green size means even a center hit will leave you with a reasonable putt to any pin location.
On the green
The small green demands respect with your putting approach. Expect subtle breaks that follow the natural terrain, and remember that uphill putts are generally preferable to downhill ones on smaller surfaces. Three-putting becomes a real threat if you're too aggressive with your first putt, so focus on getting your approach putt close rather than making everything. Speed control is more important than reading perfect lines on this sized surface.
Watch for
- Sand — Crossing center (center)
- Woods — Crossing center (center)
Hole 8 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 6,363 sq ft
How did Hole 8 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 203 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
↓
At 203 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How big is the green on hole 8?
↓
The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.