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With three scenic par-72 courses, the Wailea Golf Club is one of the largest golf facilities in Hawaii. Renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter, swing coach of Hawaii's own Michelle Wie, is opening an academy at the club this spring.

The Gold Course, featuring 93 bunkers, hosts the annual Champions Skins Game in February. A round here will cost about $190. Guests at Wailea's resorts get a $30 discount. Clubs can be rented at the club for $50.

Posh homes, some so exclusive that $1 million won't make the required 20-percent down payment, border the golf courses.

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Besides the resorts, golden-sand beaches and golf, Wailea also has world-class restaurants. Or there's always room service, where you can order a burger for $20.

There's also the option of driving 10-15 minutes to dine in nearby Kihei where you'll find everything from Moons Over My Hammy at Denny's to roasted macadamia nut mahi mahi with lobster butter sauce at Roy's.

Unlike Waikiki, there's no traffic and cabs clogging the streets. A free shuttle service takes people from the resorts to the golf club to the outdoor mall, the Shops at Wailea, where you'll find outlets for upscale stores like Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Fendi and Gucci.

Every June, Wailea hosts the Maui Film Festival where movie stars like Clint Eastwood, Mike Myers and Geena Davis take in movies under the glowing stars in the Maui sky.

There's lots to do on the island including helicopter tours, whale watching, wine tasting, biking down a volcano or taking the nauseating, windy drive to Hana.

That is, only if you can force yourself to leave Wailea.

If You Go:

HOTEL BOOKING TIPS: As with booking any hotel stay, availability at the five Wailea resorts varies, with higher rates and fewer rooms during peak vacation times. Book well in advance for maximum selection. Rates listed here are the lowest found on the hotels' Web sites; you may be able to find better deals on other Web sites like http://www.greathawaiivacations.com. Most hotels also have suite and other luxury options that are double or more than double their lowest prices.

GRAND WAILEA RESORT: (800) 888-6100. Rates begin at $350.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT WAILEA: (808) 874-8000. Rates begin at $365.

FAIRMONT KEA LANI WAILEA: (808) 875-4100. Rates begin at $385.

RENAISSANCE BEACH RESORT: (808) 879-4900. Rates begin at $329.

WAILEA MARRIOTT RESORT: (808) 879-1922. Rates begin at $309.

WAILEA GOLF CLUB: Blue, Emerald and Gold courses; (888) 328-6284.

SHOPS AT WAILEA: (808) 891-6770.

MAUI FILM FESTIVAL: June 14-18; or (808) 579-9244.

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Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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