Golf in Hawaii isn't a cheap proposition unless your're a kamaaina (residents qualify for 50% off green fees), and Maui has a dizzying assortment of courses from which to choose. What to do? Our resident amateur golfer offers the following recommendations.

Resort courses are relatively expensive, ranging from $110 - $140 per round. In Michael's book, the best of the bunch are Kapalua in West Maui and Wailea in South Maui. Kapalua offers three championship courses: the Plantation, Village, and Bay. Maui's notorious winds can be a factor here, so play as early as possible and keep your ball low. The Village course has trees that provide some relief. The beautifully maintained courses at Wailea are challenging but more forgiving. The Emerald course is considered the best of the three.

Green fees at the non-resort courses are under $100. In Michael's opinion, the best and most challenging of the lot is the Dunes at Maui Lani. Located in the isthmus just west of Kahului, winds can be a factor in the afternoon, and the natural sand dunes will put your sand wedge to the test. But you'll get a lot of golf for the money.

No serious golfer should visit Maui without taking an enjoyable day trip over to Lanai for either the Experience at Koele (right - in a genteel plantation setting) or Challenge at Manele (along the rocky coastline). Both courses consistently rate among the Top Ten in the Islands. It's possible for a Maui visitor to catch the first ferry out of Lahaina, play a leisurely round of golf in Lanai, and return on a late afternoon or early evening ferry none the worse for wear - a day long remembered as the ultimate golf nirvana.