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The Club House: Frank Lloyd Wright is acclaimed as one of the greatest architects of the 20th century. He designed buildings that live in balance with their surroundings, taking advantage of the landscape's best features and using nature to drive his self-described style of "organic" architecture.
In 1949, American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, drew the original plans for the clubhouse as a concept for a 7,000 sq. ft. luxury home in Fort Worth, Texas. However, the plans were never used.
It wasn't until 1988 that the archived plans were enlarged and adapted to build the 74,000 sq. ft. clubhouse on the slopes of Waikapu, Maui. It was completed and opened for business in 1993. The former owners and operators closed the golf course and clubhouse in 1999, due to the downturn of the economy. The property was abandoned and neglected for nearly six years. However, during this time, the large rooms were still used for banquet functions.
In July 2004, the property was purchased by the current owner. Renovation of the golf course and clubhouse took approximately 18 months before it reopened in May 2006 as Maui's first 18-hole member golf club.
Art Collection: The King Kamehameha Golf Club is firmly committed in honoring those who have walked before us by creating a cultural sense of place for Members and their guests. The history and significance of Waikapu is brought to life inside and out. Herb Kawainui Kane, Jo-Anne Kahanamoku-Sterling, Puanani Van Dorpe, Rubellite Kawena Johnson, and Dale Zarella contributed their tremendous talent and expertise to our sense of place.
Herb Kawainui Kane painted "Na Ali'i – A Gathering of Chiefs," a 15' x 7' acrylic painting on gesso-grounded wood paneling. The painting depicts a summit meeting of chiefs of ancient Hawai'i, resplendent in ahu'ula (cloaks and capes) and mahi'ole (feathered helmets). Kamehameha wears a cloak entirely of yellow feathers (approximately 420,000), an emblem of supreme status as the king of Hawai'i Island.
Jo-Anne Kahanamoku-Sterling, Hawai'i's finest featherwork artist, created a 6' x 4' feather cape. The colors were chosen to honor the owner of The King Kamehameha Golf Club. This magnificent piece shares the entry gallery to the pro shop.
Kapa master Puanani Van Dorpe immortalized the genealogy of eleven of Maui's chiefs in a series of keiki kapa moe (baby blankets). Each chief receives a personal pattern at birth that identifies his lineage, carefully researched by renowned genealogist and descendant of King Kamehameha, Rubellite Kawena Johnson. The eleven exquisite pieces are displayed throughout the three floors of the clubhouse.
Dale Zarella faithfully reproduced the look and spirit of the Conch Blower and the Healer in life-size bronze sculptures, commemorating these important positions in Hawaiian society. Dale also contributed carvings of a warrior chief, female royal, and high chief. Each carving began as a single log from Hawai'i's rare native hardwood.
Hawaiian Traditions: There are always two ends to a rainbow. . . and one can experience this while enjoying The King Kamehameha Golf Club, where the management and staff are committed to na mea Hawai'i (all things Hawaiian).
At one end of the rainbow, there are perfectly landscaped fairways, professional and courteous service from staff, vibrant colors, fine food, and golf supplies at a well-appointed clubhouse. These are the "tangibles"that exist for one to enjoy. At the other end of the rainbow, however, are "intangibles"which create the perfect golf-cultural experience for members. All management and staff have undergone specialized familiarization classes relating to the culture and people of these islands.
Physically, golfers will be challenged to conquer what the greens and fairways of The King Kamehameha Golf Club offer. Spiritually, they will have unique opportunities to appreciate Hawaiian art commissioned exclusively for the Club, learn of the history of Waikapu, and perhaps spend a quiet moment of contemplation at the ahu (altar) that was erected at the entrance to pay tribute to the ancient chiefs of the area.
The King Kamehameha Golf Club understands that the integrity and support of the host culture and people are vital to providing a complete experience and weave it into every aspect of the Club.
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