Golfers new to Maui should know that it’s windy here, winds of 10 to 15 mph are the norm.  — the rough is thicker here and the wind will pick your ball up and drop it in very unappealing places (like water hazards).

For last-minute and discount tee times, call Hawaii Stand by Golf (tel. 888/645-2665; www.hawaiistandbygolf.com), which offers savings of up to 50% off greens fees, plus guaranteed tee times for same-day or next-day golfing.

Golf Club Rentals (tel. 808/665-0800; www.mauiclubrentals.com) has custom-built clubs for men, women, and juniors (both right- and left-handed), which can be delivered islandwide; steel clubs are $25 a day and, a full graphite set is $30 a day.

Maui Golf courses worth playing

1.  The Dunes at Maui Lani

http://dunesatmauilani.com/

A Robin Nelson design, not only is affordable no matter what time you play, but it’s a solid test of golf.

The layout takes players on a links-style journey with elevation changes galore. At 6,841 yards, it’s not an overly lengthy course, but from the tips, it’s all the test a player can want.

The par 5s range from short — the 509-yards fourth — to PGA Tour-length — 588 yards on the 18th — and will provide players a variety of shot-making challenges. Going for the green in two on these holes may seem like a good idea, but elevation changes and wind, along with perfectly placed bunkering, might change players’ minds.

Overall, the Dunes at Maui Lani may provide the most bang for your buck on Maui. And it’s a course that will certainly bring you back for more.

2. Kahili Golf Club

http://kahiligolf.com/

This is a picturesque, tree-lined course and is another Nelson design.

With the shorter length, just 6,554 yards from the tips, the course is certainly a layout that lends itself to players of every ability. The par-3 eighth, at 189 yards (from the tips), is one of the most picturesque on the course. The tee shot plays entirely over a pond to a large but undulating green.

3.  Elleair Maui Golf Club

http://elleairmauigolfclub.com/

Elleair Maui Golf Club combines views, elevation changes and large greens on this Bill Newis layout.

On the course, golfers will face 6,801 yards of rolling fairways and greens that are receptive. Their large size, however, will definitely test players’ putting skills. Add in views of the Pacific Ocean, Mt. Haleakala, Molokini and the West Mountains, and players might find it difficult to concentrate on their golf.

4. Pukalani Country Club

http://www.pukalanigolf.com/

Just south of the airport, Pukalani Country Club  is nestled into the hillsides of “Upcountry” Maui. Dramatic views, rolling terrain, elevation changes and tree-lined fairways add up to a golf outing that is well worth the price.

This Bob Baldock designed course is 6,962 yards from the tips, so players can let ‘er rip if they hit it straight. Tree-lined fairways make up for the fact there are no fairway bunkers. But the greens have more than their share of bunkering.

5. Wailea Golf Club’s Old Blue Course

http://waileagolf.com/

With great views of neighboring islands , Wailea Golf Course  is a nice stroll through one of Maui’s classic old courses, filled with trees and true-rolling greens.

The Jack Snyder designed course  measures 6,765 yards from the tips, but at sea level, players will find it’s a big-hitting test. The par 3s here also provide quite the challenge with water, bunkers and length teaming up to test even the best players.