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Maui on my Mind, Part 10

After completing the drive along the north shore of Maui and heading toward Wailuku, I spotted a sign that brought back memories — and I had to stop. The Waiehu (pronounced "why-AAA-who") Golf Course is the municipal course on Maui. Of course, "municipal" usually means "cheaper" and sometime "inferior" but, in my opinion, Waiehu is a fine course. Years ago, Kona and I played here, looking for cheaper rates than those of the resort courses. By comparison, it currently costs $329 to play the Plantation Course at Kapalua but only $58 to play weekdays ($63 on weekends) to play Waiehu. And if you are a Maui resident, the rate drops to only $15. By the way, Kapalua does not post their resident rate so one has to call — but I recall a few years ago being told it was $75 at the time.



The course is right on the ocean but on the windy side of Maui which creates beautiful scenery but challenges your golf game. This is the driving range — notice that your practice shots will normally be going right into the wind.


The course itself is beautiful — much nicer than one expects from a municipal course. And, in my opinion, it was very well maintained.


Here we see a few of the local residents — presumably, waiting for their tee time. I did not notice a rate for fancy chickens — I guess you have to ask.


At the far end of the course is an adventure that is still vivid from Kona's and my golf outing here. Waiehu uses gasoline-powered golf carts. Ours died at the far end of the golf course, not far from this spot. Fortunately, I had a cellphone with me (this was early before everyone carried a cell phone) so I called the pro shop and they send a rescue party with a replacement cart.


Standing on the tee box at this outermost hole, you cannot help but stop and enjoy the beach scenery. In fact, it is so lovely, you might be tempted to let a few other golfers play through so you can relish the view that much longer.


Since I was not playing and only here to enjoy (and capture) the beauty of this place, I climbed down to the beach. Note the guy standing on the lava rock outcropping — he was fishing.


Looking in the other direction, one certainly notices the wind-driven waves (as I mentioned, this is the windy side of Maui) — and off in the distance stands Haleakala, the 10,000-foot dormant volcano. Surprisingly, it looks like the summit was clear this day — most days, from about 10:00 on, the clouds hide the summit.


Eventually, I returned to Napili Shores — tired but loving today's photo safari experience. As usual, I joined the sunset gang who gather at the lower pool to watch the sun drop below the horizon.


Soon the sky was ablaze with color. Lots of oohs and ahs from everyone. Another lovely day in paradise.



Life is good.

Aloha,
B. David

P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc. — www.bdavidcathell.com