By Emma Robinson By Emma Robinson | May 13, 2024 | Lifestyle, Feature, Travel & Recreation, Golf Courses, Guides,
Throughout Hawai'i, tropical landscapes catch the eyes of locals and visitors alike—and the island’s golf courses are no exception. Here are ten of the best golf courses in Hawai'i.
Kapalua Golf Plantation Course
With greens walked on by golfing legends Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and more, the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf is a hot spot for golf enthusiasts. Neighboring the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, each hole has a stunning ocean backdrop. Feel like a pro and take a shot at some of Kapalua’s downhill tee shots on your next golfing adventure. 2000 Plantation Club Drive, Lahaina
As a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, the Ocean Course at Hōkūala is a site that tops golfers’ bucket lists. The 18-hole course offers an entire half-mile of tropical ocean vistas, peaks of mango and guava tree forests, and picturesque views. There’s no better way to play your afternoon round than on the pristine turf of the Ocean Course. 3351 Ho’Olaulea Way, Lihue
Cascaded across a foundation of lava remnants and mountainous cliffs, Manele Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers a challenge to Hawai'i’s novice golfers. Available exclusively to resort guests, this course is an elite spot ideal for travelers to tee off in paradise. Players can also take a stop at the Clubhouse restaurant, nearby golf shop and the resort’s driving range facility when stepping off the green. 1 Manele Bay Road, Lanai City
Nanea Golf Club
The Nanea Golf Club course is located on the steep slopes of Mount Hualālai and features varying terrain of different elevations and design. When visiting, make sure to bring extra balls: The strong sea breeze and stiff lava rock may result in some castaways. This ultraexclusive golf club will have members checking their watches all day until tee time begin as they won’t want to miss a chance to challenge themselves on this one-of-a-kind course. 72-2921 Kaupulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona
Created in 1964 on a desolate black lava field, the golf course at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a sight for sore eyes. With rich green fairways, seaside cliffs and coastal views, this 18-hole championship course is a great option for some oceanside golfing. Take the challenge and take on Mauna Kea’s steep elevations, undulating greens and strong winds at your next golf outing. 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kohala Coast
Take a trip to Kohanaiki’s remarkable green fairways and your eyes and mind will surely wander as you soak in the natural surroundings. Home to the only Rees Jones golf course in Hawai'i, this course features six oceanfront holes set on over a mile of a shoreline. With SeaDwarf paspalum turf, historic structures, trickling anchialine ponds and native wildlife, Kohanaiki preserves its natural beauty while offering a pristine course that promises a positive golf experience. 73-2055 Ala Kohanaiki, Kailua-Kona
There’s nothing quite like experiencing the golfing oasis of Mauna Lani’s luxurious fairways. With a name meaning “mountain reaching heaven,” it’s no surprise Mauna Lani offers courses with eye catching outlooks of the Kohala Coast. The resort features 45 holes found along Mauna Lani’s North and South courses along with the shorter WikiWiki course. Don’t miss your chance to play some Troon Golf at this golfing paradise. 68-1050 Makaiwa Place, Kohala Coast
Ranking high among publications Golf Digest, Golfweek and National Geographic Travel, Princeville Makai Golf Club is a popular pick for the golfers of Hawai'i. The pristine course underwent a $6 million renovation in 2010 and has since continued to blow local duffers away with its immaculate course conditions and stunning oceanfront holes. 4080 Lei O Papa Road, Princeville
The King Kamehameha Golf Club is any golfer’s personal heaven as it promises pleasant experiences for players on and off the green. The club’s 74,000-square-foot clubhouse is an original Frank Llyod design that presents exquisite sights of the Central Maui valley. While visiting this oasis, soak in the panoramic views of Haleakalā and the Pacific Ocean before heading down for tee time. At King Kamehameha, experience golfing like never before as you soak in the courses’ natural beauty and peaceful aura. 2500 Honoapiilani Highway, Wailuku
The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course is a main draw for Hōkūli‘a, with fairways that snake between luxury homes, up and down gentle slopes, preserved ancient historical sites and along the coastline. Members of this private enclave can enjoy not only the challenges of the course, but also have access to tennis courts; a yoga studio; hiking trails; swimming; the Club at Hōkūli‘a, which serves superfresh seafood; and a special partnership with the Hōkūliʻa Park and Cultural Sites Association. 81-6636 Pu’u Ohau Place, Kealakekua
Photography by: Panaviz; courtesy of brands
