Virginia Golfer May / June 2015 | Page 34

TheVirginia Explorer Grand Wailea Resort makes for a great vacation escape for families. slopes of the 10,023-foot Mount Haleakala, a dormant volcano. Marked by ancient lava rock walls, groves of kiawe and wiliwili trees, and nearly 100 well-placed bunkers, this sturdy layout tests every club in the bag. On the other hand, Wailea’s Emerald Course realizes every vacationer’s dream of a Polynesian paradise. Its fairways are parted through a lush tropical garden set in volcanic foothills high above the deep blue Pacific Ocean. From 5,256 yards, it’s a perfect resort course and exceptionally attractive. For casual outdoor lanai dining, enjoy lunch or dinner at Gannon’s at the golf clubhouse, which offers Hawaiian regional cuisine along with ocean views and spectacular sunsets. Guests can choose from a range of top-class hotels, including the Fairmont Kea Lani and Four Seasons Resort Maui. Both are located within five minutes of the golf club. Save time to browse the Shops at Wailea, an upscale retail complex with over 70 boutiques, art galleries, cafes and jewelers plus evening entertainment (waileagolf.com; 888-328-MAUI). GRAND WAILEA, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT Maui, Hawaii A surfeit of riches awaits at thi