5 Best Golf Courses in Hawaii
If you are on a holiday and play some golf, it is always ideal to know where and which are some of the best golf courses in the area.
Carting golf clubs on a trip may prove difficult, but many golf courses and resorts will have top-notch rental clubs available for consumers to borrow when playing a game of golf on holiday.
The islands of Hawaii offer a unique blend of pristine beaches with powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Each island boasts its distinct character and attractions.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find many activities to enjoy, including surfing, snorkelling, hiking, and whale-watching. Hawaii is renowned for its world-class surfing spots, attracting surfers from beginners to professionals seeking the perfect wave.
Hawaii also has world-class golf courses and has hosted many PGA Golf Events in previous years. These golf courses in Hawaii offer different challenges, natural beauty, and world-class amenities.
Here are 5 of the Best Golf Courses in Hawaii
Kapalua Resort
Island – Maui
The Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort is widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in Hawaii.
Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, this course offers breathtaking ocean views, undulating fairways, and challenging greens.
One of the standout features of the Plantation Course is the iconic par-3 17th hole, known as the “hole with a view.” This hole features a dramatic tee shot over a deep ravine to a green perched on a cliff’s edge. It is one of the most photographed holes in golf and provides a thrilling challenge for golfers.
Whether you’re an avid golfer or simply seeking a getaway in a breathtaking setting, Kapalua Resort and its Plantation Course offer an unforgettable experience. With its stunning views, challenging layout, and high-quality service, it is no wonder that Kapalua is regarded as one of the premier golf destinations in Hawaii and the world.
Mauna Kea Golf Course
Island – Big Island
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Mauna Kea Golf Course is a visually stunning course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. It offers dramatic coastal views, challenging bunkers, and lush fairways. The course showcases the natural beauty of the island.
Mauna Kea Golf Course is a renowned golf destination on Hawaii’s Big Island. Situated on the Kohala Coast, this stunning course is part of the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and offers golfers an exceptional experience surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
The course is known for its challenging design, which incorporates rolling fairways, elevated greens, and strategic bunkering. Golfers will encounter a variety of holes that require precision and strategic shot placement. The course offers a blend of shorter, risk-reward holes and longer, more demanding ones, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable golfing experience.
One of the signature holes at Mauna Kea is the par-3 3rd hole, aptly named “The Overlook.” It features an elevated tee box that provides a stunning ocean view and requires a precise shot to a well-guarded green below.
Mauna Kea Golf Course boasts excellent course conditions, with meticulously maintained fairways and greens. The surrounding scenery, including lava rock formations and lush vegetation, adds to the course’s visual appeal.
Princeville Makai Golf Club
Island – Kauai
Situated on the north shore of Kauai, Princeville Makai Golf Club offers breathtaking oceanfront holes and majestic mountain views. This Robert Trent Jones Jr designed course features challenging terrain, lush vegetation, and memorable spots that provide an unforgettable golfing experience.
The course showcases the beauty of Kauai’s landscape, with fairways winding through lush vegetation, framed by towering trees and vibrant flowers. The well-manicured greens, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards add to the course’s excitement and challenge.
One of the standout features of Princeville Makai Golf Club is the 7th hole, known as “Pali.” This par-3 hole features a tee box perched on a bluff, offering golfers an unforgettable view of the ocean and the famous Bali Hai cliffs. It is often considered one of the most beautiful par-3 holes in the world.
The Princeville Makai Golf Club also offers a unique feature called the Woods Nine, which is a 9-hole course within the larger 18-hole layout. The Woods Nine provides a more intimate and relaxed golfing experience, surrounded by the natural beauty of Kauai’s rainforest.
The Princeville Makai Golf Club clubhouse offers a range of amenities and services for golfers. The pro shop features a selection of golf apparel, equipment, and accessories. Golf lessons, clinics, and club rentals are available for those looking to enhance their skills or try the course for the first time.
Overall, Princeville Makai Golf Club is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary golfing experience in Kauai. With its breathtaking views, challenging layout, and serene ambiance, it provides a memorable golfing adventure amidst the natural splendour of the Hawaiian islands.
Wailea Golf Club (Gold Course)
Island – Maui
The Gold Course at Wailea Golf Club is a championship course renowned for its meticulously manicured fairways and stunning ocean views. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., it offers a challenging layout with strategically placed hazards and exceptional course conditions.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Gold Course is the most challenging of the three courses at Wailea. It features strategic bunkering, undulating fairways, and large greens. Golfers will encounter beautiful ocean views, lava rock walls, and stunning tropical landscapes as they navigate the course.
Wailea Golf Club is known for its impeccable course conditions and top-notch facilities. The clubhouse features a pro shop where golfers can find various apparel, equipment, and accessories. The club also offers golf instruction programs, including private lessons and clinics, for those looking to improve their skills or learn the game.
Overall, Wailea Golf Club is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts visiting Maui. With its stunning courses, breathtaking views, and excellent facilities, it provides an exceptional golfing experience amidst the beauty of the Hawaiian islands.
Ko’olau Golf Club
Island – Oahu
Nestled in the Ko’olau Mountains on Oahu, Ko’olau Golf Club is a challenging and visually striking course. Designed by Dick Nugent, it features dramatic elevation changes, dense tropical forests, and panoramic views. The course demands accuracy and rewards players with a unique and memorable golfing experience.
Ko’olau Golf Club is a renowned golf course located in Kaneohe, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It is widely recognized as one of the world’s most challenging and visually stunning golf courses. Nestled amidst the Ko’olau Mountain Range, the course offers panoramic views, dramatic landscapes, and a memorable golfing experience.
The signature feature of Ko’olau Golf Club is its abundance of natural hazards, including deep ravines, dense jungle, and strategically placed bunkers. The fairways are narrow and undulating, and the greens are fast and challenging. The course demands precision and strategic shot-making, making it an actual skill test for even the most experienced golfers.
The layout features elevation changes, forced carries over ravines, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 14th hole, known as “The Beast,” is often regarded as one of the toughest par-4 holes in the world, with a narrow fairway and a long approach shot over a deep ravine.
It’s important to note that due to its challenging nature, Ko’olau Golf Club is recommended for experienced golfers. It may not be suitable for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed golfing experience.
In summary, Ko’olau Golf Club stands out as a unique and challenging golf course set amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Ko’olau Mountain Range. With its breathtaking scenery, demanding layout, and reputation as one of the most challenging courses in the world, it offers an exhilarating and unforgettable golfing experience.
If you want to learn a little bit more about the game of golf, check out some of the posts below.