Folks - my wife and I are looking to play at Kapalua (Plantation) next week to kick-start our honeymoon.

Questions for you:

1) How is the daylight during this time of year? Specifically, if we tee off at 1:30 or 2 pm (when the rates drop), will #18 be played in darkness? Is it worth the premium to play in the morning?

2) Does the weather at the course improve or worsen as the afternoon wears on?

Mahalo nui loa!

Sunset now: 6pm
Afternoon trades and showers.
Today's weather in West Maui: Perfectly gorgeous!!!!!

Doesn't the wind tend to kick up a bit as the day goes on?

Doesn't the wind tend to kick up a bit as the day goes on?

Afternoon trades and showers. Oops- I forgot that they don't know from "trades" on the mainland!

I've played the Plantation Course a couple of times...once in the Am and once PM...it's taken 4:15-5:00 hours. It'll be tight...but doable if you luck out. A lot depends on who's ahead of you...and who you're paired with...if you know what I mean!!! Whenever I've played, we've had trade winds...which helps keep the afternoon heat down...and passing/brief/light showers...which is just west Maui. Can't beat the views, though...and playing where the pros play...but I know what you mean about the price difference between prime and twilight.

Another tip, I'd avoid Friday afternoon.

Play tends to be heavier (lots of folks trying to get that last round in before heading home + lots of local residents early pau hana (leave work early) on Friday) = heavy play.

At least that's the general rule for Kauai.

Lihue1k

I have played the course at all hours and that is a question for you to decide.
I usually play the Bay course in the afternoon or on the twi-light rate and pay the day rate on the Plantation for the following reasons.

With a 2pm tee time I don't think you will finish 18 if thats important to you. The trade winds pick up so that makes play a little harder for some.

Great feedback, thanks!

Both my wife and I are very willing to pay the premium to avoid the slightest chance for disappointment (e.g., hurrying to finish before dark), and since that seems to be a good possibility, I think we'll opt for an early AM tee time and enjoy the day!

We're targeting next Friday (the 10th), which also happens to be my birthday, so it sounds like the morning is really the right choice to avoid the pau hana crowd. :D

Happy birthday, par8thed, and many pars and birdies to ya! Aloha!!!