Hawaii is a golfer’s paradise, offering breathtaking landscapes and challenging courses set against volcanic mountains and oceanfront views. This article highlights the 11 best golf courses in Hawaii, showcasing both renowned designs and hidden gems.
Each course provides unique features and stunning scenery, promising an unforgettable experience for all players.
The journey begins with the famed Kapalua Plantation Course on Maui, noted for its elevation changes and ocean vistas, and continues to Oahu’s Ko Olina Golf Club, which features lush landscapes and strategic bunkering.
Next, we visit the scenic Princeville Makai Golf Club on Kauai, enveloped by emerald fairways and dramatic coastal cliffs. The Big Island’s Mauna Kea Resort provides a dazzling contrast with its black lava rock formations.
Each course represents the best of Hawaiian golf, making the islands a must-visit destination for enthusiasts.
Discover the 11 Premier Golf Courses in Hawaii
Unveil Hawaii’s golfing paradise with our guide to the 11 premier courses. From breathtaking ocean views to world-class greens, these top spots promise unforgettable rounds and scenic beauty.
1. Manele Golf Course
Manele, designed by Nicklaus and situated on Lanai’s southern coast, has become Hawaii’s top public golf course, surpassing Kapalua’s Plantation course.
Renowned for its stunning ocean-cove holes and high aesthetic value, it has been a top contender in U.S. rankings since its debut in 1994.
Princeville Makai Golf Club on Kauai, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is also highly acclaimed for its spectacular ocean views and lush landscapes, consistently ranking among the best courses in Hawaii and the nation.
Both courses are praised for their challenging play and extraordinary scenery.
2. Kapalua: Plantation
Kapalua Plantation Course is located on Maui’s north shore and is renowned for hosting the PGA Tour’s opening event each year. Built on volcanic slopes from pineapple fields, it is uniquely irrigated by gravity-pressured sprinklers.
The course’s design, a collaboration between Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, demonstrates their admiration for old-style courses.
The Plantation features a blind drive on the fourth hole and cut-the-corner drives on the fifth and sixth, reminiscent of National Golf Links. Its punchbowl green and diagonal bunkers enhance its classic appeal.
Accommodating wind and slope, this massive course is designed primarily for resort play, providing an extraordinary golfing experience.
3. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Golf Course
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Golf Course features the iconic par-3 third hole, requiring a challenging tee shot over an ocean cove. The rest of the course continues to impress with ocean views, sloping fairways, and lava rock roughs.
A decade ago, Rees Jones updated the design, relocating and redesigning all bunkers to enhance its beauty.
Offering an aesthetic and strategic golfing experience with immaculate greens and world-class facilities, this course is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts. The impeccable maintenance and attentive staff further ensure a memorable round.
4. Makai Golf Club
First solo-designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Makai Golf Club stands majestically on Kauai’s Hanalei Bay bluffs. The Lake and Ocean nine courses were re-grassed and re-bunkered in 2009 by Jones along with Bruce Charlton, enhancing their playability.
Golfers will find widened fairways and strategic bunkering that offer both challenge and beauty.
Makai boasts stunning ocean views, particularly from the Ocean nine, making it a visual delight for players. The untouched Woods Nine serves as the resort’s walking course, preserving the essence of a bygone golf era and providing a nostalgic experience.
5. Hualalai Resort
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Hualalai course at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers a stunning par-72 layout. It features ocean vistas and rugged charcoal-black lavascape. This course hosts the first PGA Tour Champions event each season.
Open to club members and resort guests, Hualalai is renowned for its challenging holes along the shore. The private Ke’olu course complements it within the resort.
Formerly among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, Hualalai excels in both aesthetics and playability. Experience refined golf, where strategic play meets breathtaking Hawaiian scenery.
6. Poipu Bay Golf Course
Poipu Bay Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., sprawls over 210 oceanfront acres on Kauai’s south shore. This course, a former host for the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006, features wide fairways and large greens, making it highly playable.
Historical sites abound, including ancient Hawaiian heiau and centuries-old handmade stone walls. The breathtaking ocean views and strategic layout provide golfers with both a picturesque and challenging experience.
An excellent blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, Poipu Bay is a must-visit for any golf enthusiast in Hawaii.
7. Wailea Golf Club: Gold
Wailea Golf Club’s Gold course, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, sits on Maui’s stunning southwest coast. The layout features significant elevation changes and gorgeous ocean views. Many course-ranking panelists particularly favor the front nine.
This course demands precision from tee to green, with well-placed bunkers and forced carries over deep ravines. Yet, with five sets of tees, there’s a playable option for every handicap.
In the early 2000s, the Gold course hosted the Champions Skins Game, showcasing top players from the over-50 circuit. The combination of scenery and challenge makes it one of Hawaii’s premier golf destinations.
8. Ocean Course at Hokuala
The Ocean Course at Hokuala stands out for its captivating oceanfront holes on the back nine. They provide stunning views of the Pacific and nearby mountains. Holes 14-16, designed by Jack Nicklaus, feature dramatic, challenging shots along the ocean.
The short par-4 16th hole is especially noteworthy. Long hitters might find it reachable, but the narrow entry to the small green, closely guarded by the Pacific, presents a risk-reward opportunity.
Nicklaus advises playing smart by hitting a hybrid or 3-iron, leaving a wedge shot to the green. The Ocean Course is a true test of skill and strategy.
9. Wailea Golf Club: Emerald
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Emerald course at Wailea Golf Club is more forgiving than the Gold course but equally breathtaking. Starting with a par-4 opener, players enjoy numerous downhill tee shots with generous landing areas.
The course showcases dramatic elevation changes and scenic ocean vistas, with the Pacific serving as a stunning backdrop. The Emerald course offers a mix of playability, high-quality conditioning, and captivating views, making it a favorite on Maui’s southwest coast.
The combination of challenging holes and beautiful landscapes ensures a memorable golfing experience for all skill levels.
10. Mauna Lani Resort: North
Mauna Lani’s North course, located on the Big Island’s northwest coast, is a striking destination for golfers. Designed over a rugged lava bed, its charcoal-black rocks frame many holes, lending it a desert-style design at times.
Though primarily routed through a housing community, the layout boasts stunning Pacific Ocean views on select holes.
One of its standout features is the par-3 17th hole, set in a natural lava amphitheater, with towering rock piles surrounding the green, making it uniquely challenging and picturesque.
The course’s combination of dramatic volcanic landscape and ocean vistas offers a memorable golfing experience.
11. Kapalua: Bay
Kapalua’s Bay course, designed by Arnold Palmer, offers breathtaking views and a challenging layout. While often overshadowed by its sibling, the Plantation course, the Bay course has its own accolades.
It has hosted PGA and LPGA Tour events, along with the 1998 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links.
The signature par-3 17th hole, playing directly over the ocean, provides an unforgettable experience. Golfers will appreciate the stunning scenery and the meticulous design, making it a must-play destination in Hawaii. Kapalua’s Bay course is a gem for any golf enthusiast, from oceanfront holes to lush landscapes.
Things to Consider for Selecting a Golf Course in Hawaii
Choosing a golf course in Hawaii involves more than just stunning scenery. Consider factors like course difficulty, amenities, location, and climate to ensure an unforgettable golfing experience.
- Location: Look at the island you’re visiting to simplify your choices. Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island each host fantastic courses.
- Scenery: Consider the views offered. Opt for courses with ocean, mountain, or volcanic scenery to enhance the experience.
- Course Design: Review course architects and layouts. Choose between player-friendly designs or tracks that challenge with unique hazards.
- Amenities: Check for high-quality amenities. Prioritize courses with clubhouses, restaurants, and pro shops for the full experience.
- Price: Compare pricing based on your budget. Look for deals or package offers that include multiple rounds or accommodations.
- Weather: Account for local weather patterns. Ensure you pick times of the year with favorable golf conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best golf courses in Hawaii?
Hawaii has many top golf courses, including the Wailea Golf Club’s Emerald course on Maui, the Mauna Lani Resort’s North course on the Big Island, and the Bay course at Kapalua, designed by Arnold Palmer.
What makes the Wailea Golf Club’s Emerald course special?
The Wailea Golf Club’s Emerald course on Maui is renowned for its lush landscaping, breathtaking ocean views, and a layout that offers a unique playing experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Who designed the Bay course at Kapalua, and what are its highlights?
Arnold Palmer designed the Bay course at Kapalua. It is famous for its stunning ocean views and a challenging layout that appeals to both leisurely golfers and competitive players.
How should I choose a golf course in Hawaii?
When selecting a golf course in Hawaii, consider factors like location, scenery, course design, amenities, pricing, and weather conditions to ensure an enjoyable golfing experience.
What is the best time to play golf in Hawaii?
Early morning tee times are ideal for the best weather conditions. However, any time of day can be enjoyable, especially during the peak summer season.
Conclusion
Exploring the best golf courses in Hawaii reveals a diverse selection of meticulously designed layouts, from oceanfront gems to rugged desert-style courses.
Each golf course—such as Wailea Golf Club’s Emerald on Maui and Mauna Lani Resort’s North on the Big Island—offers unique challenges and breathtaking views.
When choosing a course, consider essential factors like location, scenery, course design, amenities, pricing, and weather. These elements ensure a memorable golfing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Whether it’s for leisure or competitive play, Hawaii’s golf courses promise unparalleled enjoyment and scenic splendor.
Pack your bags and gear up for an unforgettable golfing adventure across the islands, where top-notch facilities and awe-inspiring landscapes await. Check out our list of must-visit courses!
You’ll discover in-depth reviews, insider tips, and all the essential details you need to plan your perfect golf getaway. From lush fairways to challenging bunkers, our guide covers it all!
Colin McCarthy