The Dunes at Maui Lani faces repeated storms in 2026
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When it rains, the grounds crew at The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course goes to work.
The crew has had to deal with repeated heavy rain, strong winds and other severe weather in 2026, creating a significant amount of extra work to keep the course open and playable.
In March, more than 22 inches of rain caused extensive flooding, toppled 12 trees and forced the course to close for 13 days, according to course officials. Since then, two hurricanes have affected Maui.
Hurricane Lala brought 8 to 16 inches of rain to parts of Maui within 24 hours, contributing to road closures and coastal flooding. Mud and debris accumulated along North Kihei Road after the storm, creating additional challenges for motorists and residents.
Most recently, Hurricane Lowell brought strong winds to Maui, with gusts reaching 80 mph in Kula. Its effects added to the course's ongoing recovery from severe weather.
"The Dunes were built around the natural landscape, and we’re always adapting to what the land gives us," said Lief Smith, the director of golf.
The course serves local golfers and visitors, but severe weather has tested its grounds and maintenance operations this year.
"Getting the course back into playing condition required much more than clearing fallen trees," said Brian Kaulupali, The Dunes' superintendent since 1998. "Our maintenance team had to evaluate the condition of the turf, drainage and playing surfaces while working through the practical challenges of rebuilding after an extended closure."
Storm damage has added expenses and recovery work for the course. Course officials said the work has also created groundskeeping and landscaping jobs and brought new equipment and tools to its maintenance operations.
"Tree losses have been one of the more visible consequences of severe weather over the years," said Kaulupali. "Interestingly, many of the trees lost at The Dunes have ultimately improved playability and made portions of the course easier to maintain, while still preserving the character of its original design."
The course recently underwent a full aeration. Maintenance crews begin work as early as 4:30 a.m., several hours before the first tee time. Their work includes mowing, watering, fertilizing, managing turf health and irrigation, monitoring weather conditions and preparing for storms.
"For golfers, much of that work happens before they ever arrive," said Kaulupali. "The result is easy to see, even if the work behind it isn’t. While this year’s storms have certainly been challenging, they’ve also left The Dunes looking exceptionally beautiful."