Head to Maui's upcountry for affordable golf at Pukalani Country Club

PUKALANI, Maui, Hawaii -- The road up Mt. Haleakala -- Haleakala Highway -- will soon lead you to the small town of Pukalani, home to about 8,000 residents and Pukalani Country Club. Pukalani is Hawaiian for "hole in the heavens" and the town is set at 1,100 feet of altitude.

Pukalani Country Club opened in 1979 and plays on the lush slopes of the volcano. Players will notice the grass is a little thatchier than the courses below it. There are three sets of tees, the longest playing 6,882 yards, while the white tees play 6,443 yards. The red tees are the most forward set and play 5,579 yards.

One unique aspect to Pukalani is that the third hole has two different greens: One plays entirely over a ravine while the other plays downhill and doesn't require such a carry. On the tee box, golfers can choose which green to play. The rest of the course features a mix of uphill and downhill holes. The clubhouse sits at the club's highest point, which means the first and 10th holes are player-friendly downhill par 4s, while the ninth and 18th are both severely uphill, making for tough closing holes to each nine.

Pukalani C.C. welcomes a mix of local golfers and tourists and has a green fee that is one of the island's more affordable. About 10 minutes from the main city of Kuhului and Maui's commercial airport, it's a convenient play on a travel day.