Big Island Golf Courses

Hawaii Island’s stunning landscape and diverse golf courses draw both serious and casual
golfers. Stark lava rock hazards and perfectly groomed emerald greens line the rugged
coastlines and forested uplands of the volcanic island.
Consistent temperatures allow for year-round play and some higher elevation courses provide a
mountain setting and cooler temperatures, even in the summer.
The sunny Kohala Coast is home to several luxury resorts with renowned courses set near the
sea. Kona also hosts several popular public courses, both beside the ocean and in the cooler
uplands. More unique choices exist in the rainforests of Volcano and on the lush Hilo side of the
island.

South Kohala Golf Courses

Waikoloa Beach Resort

Waikoloa Beach Resort hosts three distinctive nine-hole golf courses. Golfers can play one before hitting the beach, combine any two courses to make a full 18-hole day, or go big play all three. The Beach Nine Course rewards social golfers with large greens surrounded by low-lipped bunkers. Serious golfers may be rewarded by several birdie opportunities here. The par 35 course is 3,281 yards set right beside the ocean. The Lakes Course offers a classic resort-style layout which requires strategic shots to avoid lava fields and the bodies of water the course is named for. The Lakes Course was part of the original Beach Course built in 1980 and is a par 35 of 3,285 yards. Natural lava fields were incorporated into the design for elevation changes. The King’s Nine creates a very different playing experience from the others. It features wide fairways in a Scottish links-style layout in which natural features add a degree of strategy to your game. The best players might shoot for the green, but fairway-long sand bunkers and large lava boulders lurk. This par 36 is 3,522 yards. Cost: $$$

Waikoloa Village Golf Course

The Waikoloa Village Course lies at about 800 feet elevation and was designed by Robert Trent Jones II. The course features wide, forgiving landing areas that encourage aggressive tee shots. There are also generous fairways and well guarded greens along with well-bunkered and undulating greens that provide a challenge for all skill levels. Cost: $$

Mauna Lani Resort

Mauna Lani Resort offers two 18-hole championship parkland style courses. The North Course provides sweeping ocean views and a challenge for serious golfers with a low handicap.The par 72, 6,913-yard course lies among a forest of kiawe trees beside a 230- acre protected archaeological site with sweeping ocean views. This is one of the most popular tournament courses on the island and is home to prestigious intercollegiate tournaments featuring future PGA Tour players. The famous South Course weaves through an ancient lava field and awards golfers with whale watching just offshore during winter months. The par 72, 6,924-yard course was home to the Senior Skins game from 1990-2000. Its 15th hole is one of the most photographed over-the- water shots in the world. Cost: $$$$

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea Resort is home to a newly renovated Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Mauna Kea Course and the Hapuna Golf Course, which was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. The legendary Mauna Kea Golf Course was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1964. Extensive renovation enhanced its lush fairways, bunkers, and greens. Elevated, undulating greens and prevailing coastal winds demand accuracy. The 7,370-yard, par 72 course overlooks coastline views and rugged seaside cliffs. The Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed Hapuna Course is closed for renovation until the late 2025. The 6,875-yard, par 72 course highlights panoramic views of the Kohala Coast and attracts golfers from around the world. Cost: $$$$

Makani Golf Club

Makani Golf Club, formerly known as Big Island Country Club, is a par 72 course. It offers five sets of tee boxes and is challenging but fun for novice or expert players. Designed by famed golf architect Perry Dye, the course features wide fairways and water in play on nine of the 18 holes. Set at just over 2,000 feet elevation, the course offers golfers a cooler climate sweeping views of the mountains and the ocean below. Cost: $$

Kohanaiki Resort

Kohanaiki is a private club for members and their guests.

Kukio Resort

Kukio is a private club open to Kukio residents and their guests.

Nanea Golf Club

Nanea is a private club owned by Charles Schwab and George Roberts for members and invited guests.

Hualalai at Four Seasons Resort

The Hualalai Course is open to club members, their guests, and guests of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai only. The Keolu Course is open for Hualalai Club Premier members and their guests only.

Kona Country Club

Kona Country Club’s William Bell designed course sits along the Pacific Ocean providing players with stunning ocean views and winter whale watching and an ocean blow hole near hole #13. The 18-hole championship course offers wide, lush fairways, Bermuda grass greens and numerous sand bunkers. The only natural obstacles are the turquoise blue water and lava rocks. The course is 6,657 yards and a par 72. Cost: $$$

Makalei Golf Course

Set between 1,800 and 2,850 feet elevation on the slopes of Hualalai, Makalei highlights mountain slopes, forests, a tranquil setting and cooler weather. The challenging course was designed by Dick Nugent and Associates and is a championship course, hosting over 100 tournaments annually. The Makalei Golf Course is open to beginners and pros with different tees that extend from 5,242 to 7,091 yards. Par 72. Cost: $$

Hokulia

Hokulia is a private club for members and their guests.

Hamakua Country Club

Hamakua Country Club was built in 1926 by Scottish engineers who worked at the local sugar plantation. This unique golf course lies in the rural community of Honokaa 1,200 feet above sea level. The course tests players with small greens and lush fairways. The nine-hole layout, 4,800- yard course has two sets of tees, white for the outward nine and blue for the inward nine. For those who would prefer a shorter course there is a par three layout with 18 sets of tees and

Sea Mountain

Sea Mountain public golf course is closed until further notice.

Hilo Municipal Golf Course

The Hilo Municipal Golf Course is a Par 71, 18-hole golf course managed by the County of Hawaii Parks and Recreation Division. Designed by Willard Wilkinson in 1951, the course has a length of 6,325 yards and provides varying tee levels for golfers of different skill levels. The course is well maintained and it overlooks Hilo’s coastline. Cost: $

Volcano Golf Course

Volcano Golf Course provides a peaceful setting with abundant time for concentration. The course is mostly level with some rolling hills which can cause uneven lies. Almost all of the tees and some of the greens are elevated. For more than 100 years, Volcano Golf Course guests have been treated to panoramic views of both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea while playing alongside endemic ohia trees and the rare nene goose, Hawaii’s state bird. The course lies near Kilauea at 4,000 feet elevation. Cost: $