Maui Businesses: Monitor Youth Golf Program Expansion for Family Tourism Opportunities

The launch of First Tee – Hawaiʻi's expanded youth golf programming at four Maui courses in 2026 presents a developing opportunity for local businesses, particularly those catering to families and the tourism sector. While not an immediate demand shock, this expansion warrants monitoring for its potential to influence local economic activity and visitor demographics.

The Change

First Tee – Hawaiʻi has opened registration for its 2026 youth golf programs, making classes available at four distinct locations across Maui. This initiative marks a significant expansion of their offerings on the island, aiming to increase access to golf and its associated life skills for young people. The programs are scheduled to commence in early 2026.

Who's Affected

This development is primarily relevant to Tourism Operators and Small Business Operators on Maui, as it can influence demand for family-oriented services and local spending.

• Tourism Operators (Hotels, Rental Companies, Tour Operators): The presence of structured youth programs can be an attractive feature for families planning vacations. It may signal a growing segment of the visitor market seeking destinations with family-friendly activities beyond traditional beach and resort offerings. Businesses that can partner with or cater to these families, such as those offering family packages, transportation, or dining experiences, may see incremental demand. The success and reach of these programs could also influence hotel occupancy rates during program periods if families extend stays.

• Small Business Operators (Restaurants, Retail, Service Providers): Increased family activity in specific areas may lead to localized boosts in foot traffic and spending. Businesses located near the participating golf courses (e.g., The Dunes at Maui Lani, Kapalua Golf Academy, Pukalani Country Club, and Wailea Golf Academy, based on typical program locations) could experience increased patronage from parents and guardians during program hours. There's also a potential for greater community engagement and local business support through sponsorships or partnerships with the First Tee initiative.

Second-Order Effects

An increase in structured youth activities like First Tee programs can have subtle but important ripple effects on Maui's economy.

• Increased Family Visitation → Demand for Family-Friendly Amenities → Pressure on Local Services: As more families are drawn to Maui by diverse activity options, the demand for child-friendly restaurants, entertainment, and accommodation increases. This can, in turn, put pressure on existing local services and potentially drive up prices for these amenities.
• Community Program Growth → Local Economic Engagement → Potential for Partnerships: Successful community programs can foster greater local economic engagement. Local businesses may be approached for sponsorships or find opportunities to offer discounts to program participants, fostering goodwill and increasing visibility within the local and visitor communities.

What to Do

While immediate action is not required, businesses should adopt a WATCH stance to identify future opportunities.

For Tourism Operators: Monitor trends in family travel bookings to Maui. Track registration numbers and reported program attendance for First Tee – Hawaiʻi as an indicator of family visitor interest. Analyze hotel package offerings and tour operator availability to see if there's a corresponding increase in family-specific demand. If anecdotal evidence or booking data suggests a rise in families participating in or traveling for these activities, consider developing targeted marketing campaigns, family-inclusive packages, or child-centric amenities.

For Small Business Operators: Keep an eye on local community engagement surrounding the First Tee programs. Observe whether increased family presence near program sites leads to noticeable changes in foot traffic for your establishment. Assess the potential for local sponsorships or partnerships with First Tee – Hawaiʻi or its participants. If program activities demonstrably increase local family activity and spending, consider adjusting inventory, staffing, or promotional efforts to align with this demographic, particularly if located near any of the four participating courses.