A round of golf on the Hawaiian Islands is a unique experience. Whether you ship your sticks or play with rentals, you’ll find courses that will test your skills. Courses with fast greens that slope to the ocean, stunning verdant fairways, and impressively distracting vistas dot the islands like green necklaces. There are top-rated golf courses in Hawaii that can be found throughout the state, and you’ll be sure to find one of the best Hawaii golf courses during your vacation.
The best golf courses in Hawaii are those that provide a diverse range of experiences. You could play them all day, every day, and never get bored. Also, don’t forget to prepare and learn tips for golfing in Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, each one unique. Some will test your skills, while others will simply provide you with a fun experience.
1. Kaanapali Golf Courses of Maui
Karl Reul, general manager of Kaanapali Golf Courses, enthusiastically describes his Hawaiian golf playground, pointing out that it is within walking distance of world-class hotels in Kaanapali Resort. They have 36 holes of spectacular championship golf with spectacular ocean views. A 2-mile boardwalk runs along white-sand beaches, with fishing, snorkeling, parasailing, whale watching, surfing, boogie boarding, canoeing, and paddleboarding among the activities available. Kaanapali Golf Courses is the ideal location for a relaxing, fun, and enjoyable golfing vacation.
2. Kahuku Golf Course
The Kahuku Golf Course, perhaps the island’s most laid-back course, fits the North Shore’s mellow, casual, and local style. This 18-hole course is only accessible by foot, but pull carts and golf clubs can be rented. It is 40 miles from downtown Honolulu and 75 minutes from Waikiki hotels. It is close to the North Shore and Turtle Bay Resort. This is how laid-back the course is. If you are unable to schedule a tee time, simply show up and walk. Because there is no clubhouse, bring a sandwich, chips, and a drink with you. It’s as laid-back as it gets, but it’s still lovely and enjoyable, and it traces the coastline with ocean views.
3. Kapalua Golf of Maui
The Bay and Plantation Courses at Kapalua Golf will test even the most experienced golfers when it comes to following in the footsteps of champions. When you book a tee time for late winter, you know the course will be in great shape because it hosts the Sentry Tournament of Champions in early January. The Plantation Course, measuring 7,526 yards from the Champion Tees, is a must-play for any golfer visiting the area. If you want to guarantee around on this beautiful course, book your tee time in advance of your trip to Maui.
4. Mauna Kea Golf Course, Big Island
Welcome to the Big Island, Aloha. For serious golfers, Mauna Kea Golf Course is a stunning option. Even the most seasoned golfers will question their approach to the green on the course’s signature third hole. For any golf enthusiast, clearing the pounding surf and avoiding the traps surrounding the pin is a triumphant moment. At Mauna Key, the risk-reward shots make it a satisfying challenge to stay within a stroke or three of your average. Because Mauna Kea is a Marriott Resort, you can rest assured that you will receive first-rate service and amenities. Stay at the resort for an unforgettable golf getaway.
5. Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf, Big Island
Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf is ideal for a wide range of golfers. Both novice and experienced golfers will enjoy one of the three nine-hole courses. The Beach Nine, Lake Nine, and Kings Nine courses at Waikoloa can be combined to form a unique and varied round. You’ll love the lush green landscape as it plays against the Big Island lava outcroppings and Pacific Ocean waves, whether you play 9, 18, or the entire 27 holes. When you book a weekend of golf at Waikoloa, you’ll save big on greens fees. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy Hawaiian golf without breaking the bank.
6. Turtle Bay Result, Oahu
The Arnold Palmer Course and the George Fazio Course are two world-class golf courses at Turtle Bay Golf. The Breaks, an 18-hole putting course, connects these two dynamic and scenic courses, making it ideal for practicing your short game. The Palmer signature hole, the 17th, features spectacular views beyond the nine, ball-catching bunkers, and a long par four tee to green. The picturesque view from the green is ideal for a photo; just remember to smile after your time in the bunker sand. Turtle Bay creates a private golfing experience by encircling 100 acres of bird sanctuary and wetlands. The tee boxes and fairways are home to a variety of birds, including the venerable Nene goose and the endangered Albatross. Each course has a distinctly tropical feel thanks to the natural wetlands. After your round, head over to Sunset, a beachside bar, for a classic Mai Tai while you analyze your performance.
7. Ko Olina, Oahu
Ko Olina Golf Club is a must-play course with undulating Oahu fairways and mountains in the background. The lush green course contrasts with the rugged hills and water views, as well as the golfing playground. The location, which is just steps from a variety of resort properties, makes this course ideal for a morning round while still allowing time to visit the beach in the afternoon. Visit the charming statue of the diminutive golfer representing the legend of the ladybug as you make your way to the clubhouse.
8. Wailua Golf Course, Kauai
The public course you want to play is Wailua Golf Course. The lovely garden island of Kauai is a wonderful place to visit if you want to fulfill your golfing fantasies. The undulating fairways, hemmed in by lush vegetation, give the impression of being in a tropical forest. This perfect public course is forgiving and friendly, and you’ll love the layout and the affordable price.
9. Princeville Makai Golf Club, Kauai
Makai Golf Club in Princeville is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that is the epitome of a Kauai golf course. The views of Bali Hai and Hanalei Bay make it difficult for players to focus on the game at hand. As you must clear the impending cliffs and place your ball on the green without becoming a victim of the sprawling sand traps, the signature 7th green will test your risk/reward options.
10. Manele Golf Course, Lanai
On the small island of Lanai, the exclusive Manele Golf Course provides a golf respite for weary travelers. For a fun round, play this course with abandon. You can absorb the undulations, learn to read the tricky greens and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic surroundings that this Jack Nicklaus course is known for as you play again and again. The Manele Golf Course is part of the Four Seasons Resort.