Troon Golf & Travel, January/February 2018

36 TROON GOLF TRAVEL eMAGAZINE TROON GOLF TRAVEL eMAGAZINE 37 A bout halfway up the Kohala Coast is Mauna Lani Resort described as a resort in a natural reserve by managing director Rodney Ito A new ownership group is in the early stages of a two year 100 million refreshment plan that will include capital improvements to many of the resorts facilities Its a perfect home base for your stay Two luxury hotels the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel Bungalows pictured above and the Fairmont Orchid and two Troon managed golf courses are found here Both hotels also offer ocean sports such as snorkeling and standup paddle boarding pleasing spa experiences delectable cuisine and all the frills youd expect If your flight gets in around mid day make the golf course your first stop At the clubhouse make tee times for your stay grab some lunch at Shiono and stroll through the facility looking at some of the fascinating memorabilia from when the Senior Skins Game think Arnold Palmer Gary Player Jack Nicklaus was hosted here between 1990 and 2000 Better yet have a go on the nine hole par 3 WikiWiki Course thats just perfect for families traveling with kids or as a quick first day warm up After checking into your room get the lay of this oceanside resort with a walk along the beachfront and through the historic fish ponds that date to the earliest Hawaiian inhabitants Follow your walk on the beach with a tropical cocktail Mai Tai please at sunset E njoy the calm Hawaiian morning on your lanai overlooking the Pacific and then head over to the golf clubhouse for your tee time Both courses are immaculately manicured with signature holes that will rank among the most scenic youll ever play The North Course plays through stands of towering kiawe trees with several oceanfront holes on the front nine Fairways are wide enough that you can hit away with your driver throughout the round but do avoid the ball sinking rough thats tough to hit out of cleanly No 17 on the North Course is the postcard hole A par 3 it plays only 75 forward to 131 championship yards from an elevated tee box to a green in a lava bowl with giant lava boulders and sand surrounding it Snapshots from the cart path near the 18th tee box are a must From there the Pacific Ocean and the bright green Kohala Mountains serve as a stunning backdrop across the channel Maui is often visible An afternoon spa treatment or cabana on the beach is certain to please If youre in the mood for shopping The Shops at Mauna Lani include galleries clothing boutiques restaurants and surf shops Dinner choices are many at The Shops including Tommy Bahama Ruths Chris Steakhouse vegan and vegetarian options at Under The Bodhi Tree and more But hold that thought because on this night you need to enjoy a sunset meal at CanoeHouse pictured above adjacent to Mauna Lani Bay Hotel Bungalows where Hawaii Regional Cuisine is served and the catch of the day has never been so fresh or well prepared Macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi anyone Day 1 Day 2 ARRIVAL NORTH COURSE the mauna lani bay hotel bungalows fronted by turquoise water canoehouse