Golfing in Hawaii is a unique and thrilling experience, with a variety of courses catering to golfers of all skill levels. From panoramic ocean views to lush green fairways, Hawaii golf courses have something for everyone. In this article, which picks up from my golf blog last year, we will take a closer look at the other top golf courses on the Big Island, including Hapuna Golf, Makani Golf, Waikoloa Kings Course, Makalei, Kona Country Club, and The Club at Hokulia.
Hapuna Golf Course
Hapuna Golf Course, located on the western coast of the island, is a breathtaking course that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, Hapuna Golf Course is known for its dramatic elevation changes and challenging fairways. The par-72 course measures 6,875 yards from the back tees and features a variety of hazards, including water, bunkers, and lava rock formations. The 12th hole, a par-3 that measures 237 yards from the back tees, is particularly memorable, with its elevated tee box and panoramic views of the ocean. The course is well-maintained and offers excellent facilities, including a pro shop, driving range, and restaurant.
Makani Golf Club
Makani Golf Club is another popular course on the Big Island, located just north of Kailua-Kona. This 18-hole course, designed by Perry Dye, offers a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf, with its rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and beautiful ocean views. The par-72 course measures 6,953 yards from the back tees and features several signature holes, including the par-3 12th, which requires a tee shot over a pond to a well-protected green. Makani Golf Club also offers excellent practice facilities, including a driving range, chipping area, and putting green.
Waikoloa Kings Course
Waikoloa Kings Course is a must-play for any golfer visiting the Big Island. This Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course is known for its wide fairways, elevated greens, and stunning views of the Kohala Mountains. The course features several challenging holes, including the par-4 11th, which requires a tee shot over a lake to a well-protected green. The course is well-maintained and offers excellent facilities, including a pro shop, driving range, and restaurant.
Makalei Golf Club
Makalei Golf Club, located in the cool uplands of Kailua-Kona, is a hidden gem on the Big Island. This 18-hole course, designed by Dick Nugent, offers a unique golfing experience, with its narrow fairways, dense forest, and breathtaking views of the Kona coast. The par-72 course measures 7,091 yards from the back tees and features several challenging holes, including the par-3 8th, which requires a tee shot over a ravine to a well-protected green. Makalei Golf Club is known for its excellent course conditions and friendly staff, and also offers a restaurant and driving range.
Kona Country Club
Kona Country Club is another popular course on the Big Island, located just south of Kailua-Kona. This 36-hole course, designed by William Bell and modified by Perry Dye, offers two distinct golfing experiences: the Ocean Course and the Mountain Course. The Ocean Course, which measures 6,584 yards from the back tees, offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and several challenging holes, including the par-3 17th, which requires a tee shot over the ocean to a well-protected green. The Mountain Course (currently closed with opening unknown), which measures 6,400 yards from the back tees, offers panoramic views of the Kona coast and several challenging holes.
The Club at Hokulia
Lastly, The Club at Hokulia is a world-class golf course located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this 18-hole course offers an exceptional golfing experience, with its rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and stunning ocean views. The par-72 course measures 7,122 yards from the back tees and features several signature holes, including the par-4 16th, which requires a tee shot over a natural lava tube to a well-protected green.
The Club at Hokulia also offers excellent practice facilities, including a driving range, chipping area, and putting green. The course is well-maintained, with fast greens and impeccable fairways, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making it a must-play for any golfer visiting the Big Island. It is a private community and not open to the public, however, if you are lucky enough to be invited by an owner/member, it is definitely a must-play golf experience.
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Give me a call at 808.938.3910 or email me if you are interested in learning more about golf in Hawaii or anything in general about life on the Big Island of Hawaii.
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