Best Golf Courses in Hawaii: A Comprehensive Guide
By Simeon Johal / 22 July 2024
Hawaii is synonymous with breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and an endless array of outdoor activities, making it a golfer’s paradise.
The Aloha State boasts some of the most stunning and challenging Best Golf Courses in the world.
From volcanic rock landscapes to lush tropical fairways, Hawaii offers a unique golfing experience that combines natural beauty with top-notch design.
Here, we delve into the Best Golf Courses in Hawaii, detailing what makes each one special and why they are a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.
1. Nanea Golf Club
The Pinnacle of Private Golf
Located on the Big Island, Nanea Golf Club is a private oasis for golf lovers.
Designed by David McLay Kidd, this course is carved into volcanic rock, creating a striking contrast between the lush green fairways and the rugged black outcroppings.
The course meanders through native grasses and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every hole.
Nanea is renowned for its rolling, topsy-turvy greens that challenge even the most seasoned golfers.
A Unique Design Philosophy
Nanea’s design embraces the natural topography rather than transforming it.
This philosophy results in a course that feels organic and seamlessly integrated into its surroundings.
The high plateau beneath Mt. Hualalai provides a dramatic backdrop, making each round at Nanea a memorable experience.
The exclusive nature of the club adds to its allure, ensuring a serene and unhurried golfing experience.
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2. Manele Golf Course
Public Golf at Its Finest
Situated on the southern coast of Lanai, Manele Best Golf Courses is a public gem that consistently ranks among the best in the U.S.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Manele offers breathtaking ocean views, with several holes perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific.
The par-3 12th and the dogleg-right par-4 17th are particularly notable, providing both challenge and stunning beauty.
A Course with a View
Manele’s dramatic ocean-cove holes are among the most picturesque in the world. The course’s aesthetics score highly, contributing to its inclusion in prestigious rankings.
The lush fairways and strategically placed bunkers create a layout that is as enjoyable to play as it is to behold.
The course’s public status makes it accessible to all, offering a taste of luxury in a stunning setting.
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3. Kapalua Plantation Course
Home of Champions
Kapalua Plantation Course, located on Maui’s north shore, is famous for hosting the PGA Tour’s opening event each year.
Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, this course transforms former pineapple fields into a golfer’s dream.
The Plantation Course features wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and breathtaking ocean views.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Coore and Crenshaw’s design pays homage to traditional courses, with features like blind drives and punchbowl greens.
The course’s large scale accommodates the challenging wind conditions, making it a true test of skill.
The Plantation Course is not just about the big picture; its subtleties and intricate design details make it a standout.
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4. Kukio Golf Club
Luxury and Exclusivity
Kukio Golf Club, located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, is a private, luxury Best Golf Courses that epitomizes exclusivity.
The course offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and challenging play, with fairways that wind through ancient lava flows and native vegetation.
Designed to provide both strategic and aesthetic pleasure, Kukio is a sanctuary for golf purists.
A Serene Escape
The course’s location on the Kohala Coast provides stunning ocean views and a tranquil environment.
The pristine conditions and attention to detail make every round at Kukio an extraordinary experience.
Members enjoy a range of amenities, including a top-tier clubhouse and excellent practice facilities.
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5. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Golf Course
A Historical Gem
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Best Golf Courses is one of the most iconic courses in Hawaii.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and updated by his son, Rees Jones, the course features challenging holes set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
The par-3 third hole, with its daunting tee shot over an ocean cove, is one of the most photographed in the world.
Thrilling and Scenic
The course offers constant ocean views, sloping fairways, and rugged lava rock roughs.
The redesign improved the bunkering, enhancing both the visual appeal and the strategic challenge of the course.
Mauna Kea is a must-play for anyone visiting the Big Island, offering a blend of historical significance and modern-day golfing excellence.
6. The Club At Hokulia
Best in State
The Club at Hokulia in Kealakekua is a private course that ranks among the best in Hawaii.
The course is set on a dramatic oceanfront site, offering stunning views and a challenging layout.
Designed to take full advantage of its location, Hokulia provides a unique golfing experience that combines natural beauty with top-tier design.
A Premier Experience
The course features a variety of hole designs, each offering a different challenge.
The pristine conditions and attention to detail ensure a premium golfing experience.
Members enjoy a range of amenities, making Hokulia one of the top private golf clubs in the state.
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7. Kohanaiki Golf & Ocean Club
A Unique Coastal Course
Kohanaiki Golf & Ocean Club in Kailua-Kona is a private course that offers a unique blend of luxury and challenge.
Designed by Rees Jones, the course features a thrilling stretch along the ocean from holes 12 to 16.
The firm and fast fairways provide a range of playable routes, while the challenging greens test even the best players.
A Luxurious Experience
The course scores highly in the fun category, offering comfort stations after every nine holes and an on-site brewery, wine-tasting room, and whiskey room.
The combination of excellent golf and luxurious amenities makes Kohanaiki a standout destination for golfers looking for a top-notch experience.
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8. Makai Golf Club
A Scenic Masterpiece
Princeville Makai Golf Club, located on Kauai’s north shore, is the first solo design of Robert Trent Jones Jr.
The course is situated on bluffs overlooking Hanalei Bay, providing stunning ocean views.
The Lake and Ocean nines were re-grassed and re-bunkered in 2009, enhancing both playability and aesthetics.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The course’s layout takes full advantage of its coastal location, offering a mix of challenging holes and scenic beauty.
The untouched Woods nine provides a reminder of the course’s original design, offering a walking experience that harks back to a bygone era of golf. Makai is a must-play for those visiting Kauai, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
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9. The Club at Kukui’ula
A Tropical Paradise
The Club at Kukui’ula, located on the southern coast of Kauai, is a private course designed by Tom Weiskopf.
Built on a former sugar cane plantation, the course offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every hole.
The fairways are wide, but the massive white-sand bunkers provide a significant challenge.
A Design with a View
The course’s layout takes full advantage of its location, with holes that meander through tropical landscapes and offer constant ocean views.
The design is both challenging and aesthetically pleasing, making Kukui’ula a top destination for golfers seeking a premium experience.
10. Hualalai Resort
A Prestigious Resort Course
Hualalai Resort, located in Kailua-Kona, is home to one of the Best Golf Courses in Hawaii.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course offers stunning ocean views and a challenging layout.
The course is open to club members and guests of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, making it a popular destination for visitors to the Big Island.
A Challenging and Scenic Layout
The course features a mix of oceanfront holes and rugged lava landscapes, providing a unique and challenging golfing experience.
The pristine conditions and attention to detail make Hualalai a must-play for anyone visiting Hawaii.
The resort’s luxurious amenities add to the overall experience, making it a top choice for golfers seeking a premium destination.
My Thoughts
Hawaii offers an unparalleled golfing experience, with Best Golf Courses that combine stunning natural beauty with world-class design.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, Aloha State’s Best Golf Courses provide a range of challenges and scenic views that are unmatched anywhere else.
From the exclusive Nanea Golf Club to the public gem of Manele Best Golf Courses, each Best Golf Courses offers a unique experience that is sure to delight any golfer.
So pack your clubs and head to Hawaii for a golfing adventure you’ll never forget.