Let’s dive into The 10 Best Golf Courses in Hawaii That You Need To Play In 2024
As you take an adventure to a place with exceptional natural beauty, you might have probably found yourself in Hawaii. If not so, then you’re planning and you surely deserve to be in Hawaii.
This iconic destination attracts visitors from all parts of the world to engage in myriads of outdoor activities and its vibrant culture among others.
Playing golf in Hawaii offers a truly unforgettable experience. You will get to enjoy the combination of the thrill with the breathtaking backdrop of the islands’ natural beauty.
Are you looking for the best Hawaii golf courses? You’re in the right place. Scroll below for the ten of the best Hawaii golf courses in Hawaii that you need to play in 2024.
Our Top Picks
- Kapalua’s Plantation Course: Champion’s Paradise:
- Waikoloa Beach Resort: Big Island Golfing Excellence.
- Royal Kaanapali: Where Beauty Meets Bunkers.
- Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: Iconic Golfing Overlooking the Ocean.
- Ewa Beach Golf Club: Precision Play in Paradise.
- Hualalai Resort: Exclusive Golfing by the Sea.
- Poipu Bay Golf Course: Where Nature Meets the Greens.
- Wailea Golf Club: Emerald Gem of Maui.
- Mauna Lani Resort: North Course Adventure.
- Manele Golf Course: Cliffside Thrills on Lanai.
Detailed Review of the 10 Best Golf Courses in Hawaii
1. Kapalua Golf Club’s Plantation Course
- Location: Lahaina, HI
- Length: 7,596 yards
- Par: 73
- Designed by: Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore
- Established: Year not provided
- Championships: Host of The Sentry Tournament of Champions
At Kapalua Golf Club’s Plantation Course in Lahaina, HI, you’ll find the renowned PGA Tour’s opening event venue.
What’s more, it is situated on Maui’s north shore, this course emerged from former pineapple fields on a volcano’s slope, watered by gravity-fed sprinklers.
In fact, it was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Kapalua Golf Club’s Plantation Course echoes old-style courses with elements inspired by National Golf Links.
Additionally, it’s tailored for wind and slope since it has features like blind drives, diagonal bunkers, and a massive scale.
2. Waikoloa Beach Resort
- Location: Waikoloa, Hawaii
- Length: Varies (Beach Nine: 3,281 yards, Lakes Nine: 3,285 yards, Kings’ Nine: 3,522 yards)
- Par: 35 for Beach and Lakes Nines, 36 for Kings’ Nine
- Designed by: Multiple architects
At Waikoloa Beach Resort in Waikoloa, Hawaii, you’ll enjoy golfing on the Big Island.
Certainly, the experience of the Kings and Beach nines, appreciate the layout and savor refreshments on the course.
While greens might be slower compared to other courses, it’s praised for value and ambience.
3. Royal Kaanapali
- Location: Lahaina, Hawaii
- Length: 6,700 yards
- Par: 71
- Designed by: Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
Royal Kaanapali in Lahaina, Hawaii, offers breathtaking views and well-bunkered greens.
Although the Royal Kaanapali golf course in Hawaii has some minor drawbacks like limited cart service, the course’s beauty and playability make up for it.
To bring a better picture of the awesomeness seen in the Hawaii golf course, the Royal Kaanapali has friendly staff. Furthermore, the spectacular surroundings promise an enjoyable golf game.
4. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Golf Course
- Location: Kamuela, Hawaii
- Length: 7370 yards
- Par: 72
- Designed by: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Established: 1964
At Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Golf Course, you’ll experience the immediate thrill of its iconic par-3 third hole.
That is ideal for offering a daunting tee shot over an ocean cove. Unlike other Hawaii golf courses, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Golf Course is a great substitute for those seeking an alternative to the famed 16th at Cypress Point.
What is more fulfilling than playing a serious golf game while enjoying constant ocean views? However, remember there are some challenges on sloping fairways and rough terrain of lava.
5. Ewa Beach Golf Club
- Location: Ewa Beach, HI
- Length: 6711 yards
- Par: 72
- Designed by: Robin Nelson
- Established: 1992
Ewa Beach Golf Club offers a friendly atmosphere. In addition, their staff and fellow golfers are accommodative.
Notably, the narrow layout of Ewa Beach Golf Club demands precision off the tee. However, the well-maintained fairways and manageable roughs ensure an enjoyable round.
Without a doubt, the lightning-fast greens rolling at a speed of 14, golf players at Ewa Beach Golf Club are challenged to read putts accurately.
Whether you’re a twosome or part of a larger group, Ewa Beach promises a memorable golfing experience.
6. Hualalai Resort
- Location: Kailua Kona, HI
- Length: 7,100 yards
- Par: 72
- Designed by: Jack Nicklaus
- Championships Hosted: PGA Tour Champions event (annually)
Exclusively available to club members and guests of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hualalai Resort offers a breathtaking course designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
Definitely, this par-72 layout winds along the shoreline and over a rugged, charcoal-black lavascape, and hosts the PGA Tour Champions’ first event of the season annually.
The players have a chance to view stunning ocean vistas throughout the round.
Lastly, as a past member of the 100 Greatest Public Ranking Hawaii golf courses, Hualalai promises an unforgettable golfing experience.
7. Poipu Bay Golf Course
- Location: Koloa, Kauai, HI
- Length: 7123 yards
- Par: 72
- Designed by: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Championships Hosted: Grand Slam of Golf
Situated between lush green mountains and ocean cliffs, Poipu Bay Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., once hosted the prestigious Grand Slam of Golf.
This competition was frequently won by Tiger Woods. The course’s name, Hawaiian for “crashing waves,” is aptly descriptive, especially in the final third of play.
Offering a scenic and challenging experience, Poipu Bay promises a memorable round amidst stunning natural surroundings.
8. Wailea Golf Club: Emerald
- Location: Kihei, HI
- Length: 6825 yards
- Par: 72
- Designed by: Robert Trent Jones II
- User experience: Enjoy softer edges, vibrant blossoms, and captivating ocean vistas.
Wailea’s Emerald course is renowned for its scenic beauty and enjoyable play. Crafted by Robert Trent Jones II, it offers a delightful experience for all players while challenging your shot-making skills.
Take in the stunning double green on holes #10 and #17, set against a serene lake and breathtaking ocean backdrop.
Evidently, from colorful bougainvillea to panoramic ocean views, the Emerald course is designed to please your senses.
9. Mauna Lani Resort: North
- Location: Kamuela, HI
- Length: 6913 yards
- Par: 72
- Designed by: H. Flint, R. F. Cain & R. Nelson
- Established: 1981
Built on a lava bed, Mauna Lani’s North Course offers a distinctive golfing adventure. Indeed, you’ll Rolling terrain, Kiawe forests, and intriguing archaeological sites await.
Still, don’t miss hole #17, where a tee shot from an elevated tee to a lava-framed green creates an unforgettable photo opportunity.
10. Manele Golf Course
- Location: Lanai, HI
- Length: 7039 yards
- Par: 72
- Designed by: Jack Nicklaus
Manele Golf Course offers exhilarating challenges. In terms of location, this golf course forms a meander over red lava fields along Lanai’s coastline.
As a result, prepare for cliffside drives, deep gorges, and dramatic ocean views. Formerly known as The Challenge at Manele, this Nicklaus-designed course has earned acclaim as one of Hawaii’s finest.
It has three ocean-cove holes, including the iconic 12th and 17th, so it’s a must-play for golf enthusiasts.
Hawaii Golf Courses FAQs
What makes NANEA Golf Club so special?
NANEA Golf Club, nestled in Kailua-Kona, Big Island, is known for its exclusivity and excellence.
Then, it was crafted by David McLay Kidd, it’s considered Hawaii’s finest private course, boasting a unique links-like design on the slopes of Mt. Hualalai.
Fun fact: It’s the first course in North America fully covered in Paspalum grass.
What’s the charm of MANELE Golf Course?
MANELE Golf Course perched high above the Pacific in Lanai City, Lanai, is a visual treat.
In addition, it was designed by Jack Nicklaus, it offers stunning ocean panoramas from every hole, including three that flirt with the cliffs.
It’s an unforgettable experience for any golfer.
Why is HOKULI’A Golf Course Considered a Challenge?
HOKULI’A Golf Course in Kailua-Kona, Big Island, crafted by Jack Nicklaus, offers a temperate climate and gentle breezes year-round.
Despite the mild weather, it’s a true test of skill, with holes like the 482-yard 2nd presenting formidable challenges, including a pond-guarded green.
What Makes KOHANAIKI Golf Course Stand Out?
KOHANAIKI Golf Course in Kailua-Kona, Big Island, is Rees Jones’s Hawaiian gem.
With six oceanfront holes, 200 protected ponds, and 14 ancient rock shrines, it’s as challenging as it is beautiful, offering an unforgettable golfing experience.
What Makes HUALALAI (NICKLAUS) Golf Course Memorable?
HUALALAI (NICKLAUS) Golf Course in Kailua-Kona, Big Island, carved from a volcanic rock near the sea, is a favorite among golf enthusiasts.
Hosting the Mitsubishi Electric Championship, its back nine builds up to a thrilling climax, especially with the final stretch near the water hazard.
What Should Golfers Know About POIPU BAY Golf Course?
POIPU BAY Golf Course in Koloa, Kauai, offers a scenic journey through mountains and cliffs.
Once home to the Grand Slam of Golf, its Robert Trent Jones Jr. design promises a challenging yet breathtaking experience, especially as you approach the crashing waves along the course’s end.
Final Thought
To conclude, If you’re looking for a golfing experience, Hawaii golf courses that seamlessly blend breathtaking scenery with challenging play are available in plenty.
Consider visiting the Waikoloa Beach Resort. This resort offers three distinct courses: the Beach Nine, Lakes Nine, and Kings’ Nine.
While playing from any golf course at Waikoloa Beach Resort, you’ll be treated to stunning views and a layout that caters to both seasoned golfers and casual players.
