In some circles, Maui is synonymous with golf. The island's world-famous golf courses start at the very northern tip of the island and roll right around to Kaanapali, jumping down to Kihei and Wailea in the south. There are also some lesser-known municipal courses that offer challenging play for less than $100.

Golfers new to Maui should know that it's windy here, especially between 10am and 2pm, when winds of 10 to 15 mph are the norm. Play two to three clubs up or down to compensate for the wind factor. We also recommend bringing extra balls -- the rough is thicker here and the wind will pick your ball up and drop it in very unappealing places (like water hazards).

If your heart is set on playing on a resort course, book at least a week in advance. For the ardent golfer on a tight budget: Play in the afternoon, when discounted twilight rates are in effect. There's no guarantee you'll get 18 holes in, especially in winter when it's dark by 6pm, but you'll have an opportunity to experience these world-famous courses at half the usual fee.

If you don't bring your own, rent clubs from the Activity Warehouse (tel. 800/343-2087; www.travelhawaii.com), which has branches in Lahaina at 602 Front St., near Prison Street (tel. 808/667-4000), and in Kihei at Azeka Place II, on the mountain side of Kihei Road near Lipoa Street (tel. 808/875-4000). Top-quality clubs go for $15 a day; not-so-top-quality for $10 a day. Golf Club Rentals (tel. 808/665-0800; www.maui.net/~rentgolf) offers custom-built clubs for men, women, and juniors in both right- and left-handed versions. Their rates are just $15 to $25 a day. The company also offers lessons with pros starting at $125 for nine holes plus green fees.

For last-minute and discount tee times, call Stand-by Golf (tel. 888/645-BOOK, or 808/874-0600, www.stand-by-golf.com) between 7am and 9pm, Hawaii standard time. Stand-by offers discounted (by 10%-40%) and guaranteed tee times for same-day or next-day golfing.