Most visitors to Hawaii look forward to relaxing on sandy beaches, sipping cocktails by the pool, and taking day trips to see the island’s volcanoes, forests, waterfalls, and marine life. A vacation to Hawaii provides golf enthusiasts with the opportunity to play on some of the most stunning and demanding courses anywhere. The Big Island’s black lava rock, Maui’s volcanic vistas, Kauai’s lush vegetation, and Oahu’s historical courses each provide a golfing experience unlike any other.
Some of the greatest places to take in Hawaii’s breathtaking beauty are from the golf course’s fairways, greens, and tees. From public courses to exclusive resorts, these are some of Hawaii’s finest golfing establishments. Choose your favorites, then go to the driving range to hone your skills in preparation for Hawaii’s top courses.
Putting Green at Kahili
The broad, steep fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and breathtaking ocean vistas at this course, which hosts the annual Sentry Tournament of Champions on the PGA TOUR, make it a formidable test for golfers of all skill levels. While it underwent a substantial restoration in 2019, this Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore-designed course still ranks among Hawaii’s finest.
This resort course built in 1962 and designed by Robert Trent Jones, who also gave it distinctive wide contoured greens and sloping fairways. Views of the ocean and the islands of Lanai and Molokai may seen from the surf to the mountains of West Maui.
Club de Golf Wailea
Located on the western slopes of the Maui Mountains lies this exclusive golf club. Golfers who aren’t members may take use of the course thanks to a “Guest for a Day” program. The course’s vistas of the shore, valley, and Mt. Haleakala, as well as its tiered greens and gorgeous water features, make it an unforgettable round of golf.
This mountainous West Maui course opened to the public in 1991. The par-72, 6,554-yard layout presents a formidable test for players of all skill levels with to its dramatic elevation changes, gusty winds, and lengthy par fives, in addition to its magnificent surroundings. The course is located in a remote area, far from any nearby hotels or neighborhoods.
Golf Courses on Lanai
Ocean vistas and heights as high as 300 feet above sea level included on three courses totaling 54 holes. The Wailea Gold Course, which was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is the most difficult because of its mountainous setting, driving directions undulating fairways, and lava rock cliffs. From the sloping Blue Course fairways, golfers may take in breathtaking panoramas of Wailea, Haleakala, and the Pacific Ocean. The Emerald Course well-liked by golfers for its beautiful ocean views, abundance of flowers, and user-friendly design.
The Manele Golf Course at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai is the only 18-hole championship course on the island. Built on lava outcroppings, this Jack Nicklaus Signature course has ravines, cliffside greens, and panoramic ocean vistas from almost every tee box.
Course at Kukui’ula
Located on the south side of Kauai, next to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, this Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course. This difficult course, located on a cliff that rises 150 feet above Poipu Bay and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and sea, was the site of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006. Throughout the trail, you may still see the stone walls and ruins of ancient Hawaiian temples.
In addition to The Club at Kukui’ula and the beachfront course, visitors of The Lodge at Kukui’ula may also enjoy the resort’s other features. Even the most dedicated golfer may distracted by the breathtaking beach vistas while attempting to overcome the formidable obstacles presented by Tom Weiskopf’s famed 14th hole. Two greens, several bunkers, and a driving range are all part of the 15-acre practice area.
Hkal Ocean Course
The course situated amid beautiful landscaping, lakes, and woodlands on Kauai’s north shore, with views of Hanalei Bay. Princeville Makai, which Robert Trent Jones Jr. redesigned in 2010, stands out for its difficult layout and beautiful surroundings.
Kauai’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature course, it has the longest stretch of beachfront holes in all of Hawaii. Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences is situated on Kalapaki Beach, providing golfers with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Kauai highlands.
The Puakea Golf Course
Publicly accessible Puakea developed by architect Robin Nelson on a former sugar cane plantation. Beside, the resort-style course has a variety of natural characteristics, including ravines, volcanic cliffs, water hazards, ocean vistas, and stunning specimens of Kauai’s verdant flora.
The Jack Nicklaus-designed course at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is exclusive for hotel guests. Each year, it hosts a tournament for the PGA Tour Champions. The route winds its way through a natural black lava terrain, providing breathtaking vistas and culminating next to the thundering surf of the Pacific Ocean. And, the tee shot at the 12th hole, a par three, complicated by a bunker near the centre of the green.
