The state of Hawaii is a wonderland when it comes to outdoor activities. From hiking scenic coastlines and snorkeling colorful reefs, to surfing some of the most iconic breaks in the world and golfing courses you see the pros play on TV, Hawaii truly has it all. We have put together a list of some of our favorite golf courses across Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Mauna Lani Golf Course (Island of Hawaii):
Mauna Lani Golf Course, situated on the Big Island of Hawaii, features two acclaimed 18-hole championship courses: the North Course and the South Course. Both courses are renowned for their stunning ocean views and unique landscapes, incorporating natural lava rock formations and lush tropical vegetation. The South Course is particularly famous for its picturesque oceanfront holes, including the iconic Hole No. 15, which tests golfer’s ability to hit a ball across the ocean. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy staying at one of the Signature Hole Ocean View condos at Mauna Lani Point, where they can watch golfers attempt the picturesque hole throughout the day.
Kapalua Golf Course (Maui):
The Plantation Course and Bay Course that make up Kapalua Golf are world renowned. The Plantation Course, designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, is appreciated for its dramatic elevation changes and stunning ocean views, making it a bucket-list destination for golfers. It hosts the PGA TOUR's Sentry Tournament of Champions each January, attracting top players from around the world. The Bay Course, which opened in 1975, is celebrated for its scenic beauty and has hosted numerous professional tournaments, including the Kapalua LPGA Classic. An iconic par 3 on the front 9 tests golfers ability to hit a shot across an ocean bay.
Kukui’ula Golf Course (Kauai):
Recognized by Golf Digest as one of Hawaii's best, Kukui'ula combines a challenging layout with the serene ambiance of its tropical oceanfront surroundings. This stunning 18-hole championship course was designed by Tom Weiskopf and is exclusively reserved for club members or guests staying at the luxurious Lodge at Kukui’ula. Spanning 216 acres, this par-72 course is celebrated for its breathtaking ocean views and its integration into the lush landscape of coffee fields and rolling hills. The course features paspalum turf and sand-plated fairways, providing excellent playing conditions year-round.
Mauna Kea Golf (Island of Hawaii):
Mauna Kea Resort features two award-winning courses. The Mauna Kea Course, designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. has been a premier golfing destination on the Big Island of Hawaii since 1964. Renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and challenging layout, the course features 18 holes that wind through dramatic landscapes, including elevated greens and strategically placed bunkers. This course deservingly makes our list of top golf courses in Hawaii because it remains a favorite among both amateur and professional golfers.
The Hapuna Course enjoys memorable views of the Kohala Coast, as carpet-like greens are paired with rugged natural terrain. Spend two days golfing both of these beloved courses.
Wailea Golf Club (Maui):
Situated in the picturesque Wailea resort area, home to luxurious resorts like the Four Seasons and Grand Wailea, are three exceptional 18-hole courses that make up the Wailea Golf Club: the Gold, Blue, and Emerald. Each course offers a unique golfing experience, characterized by stunning ocean views, lush landscaping, and a commitment to excellence in course design. Collectively, these courses have earned over 170 awards for their design and customer service.
The Gold Course is known for its challenging layout and has been recognized among the top resort courses in America, making it a favorite for serious golfers. The Emerald Course, often considered "lady-friendly," boasts wider fairways and is designed for enjoyment, while the Blue Course offers a shorter, sporty option suitable for players of all skill levels. Stay at our collection of spacious vacation rentals found at resort properties throughout Wailea and you will never be more than 5 minutes away from golf greatness.
Princeville Makai Golf Club (Kauai):
Princeville Makai Golf Club, located on the north shore of Kauai is a memorable golf destination designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. This stunning 18-hole championship course features breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay and the iconic Bali Hai mountain, making it one of the most picturesque golf settings in the world. Notably, the par-3 7th hole is often highlighted as one of the most beautiful golf holes globally, requiring a challenging shot over scenic cliffs. Recognized among the Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America, Princeville Makai offers a unique blend of natural beauty and golfing excellence, making it a must-play for golf enthusiasts visiting Hawaii.
Kaanapali Golf Courses (Maui):
The Kā'anapali Golf Courses, located on the west side of Maui, feature two exceptional 18-hole courses: the Royal Kā'anapali Course and the Kā'anapali Kai Course. The Royal Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., opened in 1962 and is known for its stunning ocean views and challenging layout, including the renowned 18th hole, which Arnold Palmer praised as one of the best finishing holes in golf. The Kā'anapali Kai Course, originally a par-3 executive layout, has been transformed into a par-70 course that offers a more relaxed yet equally beautiful golfing experience. Both courses are set against the backdrop of the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Stay with us at the Kaanapali Alii and you can literally walk across the street to start your round!
Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf (Island of Hawaii):
Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf, located steps from the impressive Hilton Waikoloa, is celebrated for its unique 27-hole golf experience, featuring three distinct nine-hole courses: the Beach Nine, Lakes Nine, and Kings' Nine. Each course offers a blend of stunning ocean views, lush landscapes, and challenging layouts that cater to golfers of all skill levels. The Beach Nine is particularly noted for its picturesque oceanfront holes, while the Lakes Nine winds through scenic water features, and the Kings' Nine showcases a Scottish links-style design with dramatic volcanic backdrops. Stay just up the road in a two-story townhome at the Islands at Mauna Lani with over 2,100 square feet of space to relax in after a day on the links.
Poipu Bay Golf Course (Kauai):
Located on the sunny south shore of Kauai, Poipu Bay Golf Course is a championship course designed by the iconic Robert Trent Jones Jr. Nestled adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, the course spans 210 oceanfront acres and features breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, lush mountains, and vibrant tropical landscaping. Renowned for its dramatic finishing holes along 150-foot cliffs, particularly the spectacular par-5 16th hole, Poipu Bay offers a unique golfing experience that combines natural beauty with challenging play. The course has a rich history, having hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006, and it continues to be recognized as one of Hawaii's top golf courses.
Plan a memorable Kauai golf retreat with your closest golfing buddies and book a luxury three- or four-bedroom private estate complete with pool, hot tub, and expansive outdoor lanais where you can swap stories about your favorite holes.