Hawaiʻi has one of many highest numbers of golf programs per capita within the U.S., contemplating its dimension — and provides all kinds for all budgets and ability ranges.
Golf Programs by Island
| Island | Approximate Variety of Programs |
|---|---|
| Oʻahu | 40 programs |
| Huge Island | 16 programs |
| Maui | 13 programs |
| Kauaʻi | 9 programs |
| Lānaʻi | 2 programs |
| Molokaʻi | 1 course (leisure/native) |
Forms of Programs
- Public/Municipal – Inexpensive and accessible (like Wailua on Kauaʻi)
- Resort Programs – Excessive-end and scenic with lodge facilities (like Kapalua or Mauna Kea)
- Personal Golf equipment – Member-only or invitation-only
- Navy Programs – Accessible to lively obligation, retirees, and visitors
Professional Tip: “Kama‘aina charges” are particular fares for Hawai‘i residents with proof of residency. You also needs to ask if they provide reductions for active-duty navy, veterans, or visitors.
What Makes a Nice Golf Course?
1. Course Design & Structure
- A considerate structure that rewards technique, not simply distance.
- A mixture of gap lengths and kinds — selection retains it attention-grabbing.
- Clever use of pure terrain (elevation, water, bushes, wind).
- Signature holes you’ll bear in mind ceaselessly.
Nice design provides you choices, makes you suppose, and stays with you lengthy after the spherical.
2. Surroundings & Setting
- Pure magnificence enhances the expertise.
- Ocean views, mountain backdrops, forests, or dunes — relying on the placement.
- In Hawai‘i? Oceanfront or lava-lined holes can flip a great course right into a bucket-lister.
A stupendous course makes even a foul spherical really feel memorable.
3. Playability for All Talent Ranges
- Honest challenges: vast sufficient for inexperienced persons, tough sufficient for execs.
- Good tee selection (a number of choices based mostly on handicap).
- Greens which can be true however not merciless.
- Good bunkering and tough that punishes however doesn’t break your day.
4. Situation & Upkeep
- Easy, quick greens and tightly mowed fairways.
- Bunkers are well-raked and playable.
- Tee packing containers which can be degree and clear.
- Nicely-drained — no one desires to play on soggy greens or mud.
5. Vibe & Hospitality
- Pleasant, educated employees.
- Good tempo of play (no six-hour rounds).
- Professional store, driving vary, food and drinks choices.
- Native tradition or neighborhood that makes it really feel distinctive.
6. Memorability
- Programs with character stand out: quirky holes, dramatic views, distinctive wildlife (hi there, Makalei peacocks).
- Signature ending holes, risk-reward par-5s, or loopy elevation drops that make you say, “I can’t wait to play that once more.”
Bonus: Walkability
- Many golfers love a course that’s walkable with nice stream between holes. In some instances (like resort programs), carts are the norm — however walkable designs nonetheless are likely to “really feel” higher.
Sunny day on a tropical golf course fairway (Shutterstock)
The Finest Golf Programs in Hawaii
These programs present a steadiness of problem and playability, catering to a variety of ability ranges whereas showcasing the varied landscapes of Hawai‘i.
Oʻahu
Hawai‘i Prince Golf Membership – Ewa Seaside
This 27-hole course, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, provides vast fairways and comparatively flat terrain, making it appropriate for mid to excessive handicappers. Gamers have loved the course’s forgiving nature and the variability supplied by its three nine-hole layouts. The power options facilities together with a restaurant with a weekend breakfast buffet and locker room.
- Why it’s Nice: 27 holes (three 9s), comparatively flat – nice for mid to excessive handicappers.
- Designer: Arnold Palmer & Ed Seay
- Vibe: 27 holes (three 9-hole layouts – A, B, C), parkland-style with vast fairways and water hazards.
- Talent Stage: Nice for inexperienced persons to mid-handicappers. The structure permits flexibility, and there’s not an excessive amount of elevation change.
- Extras: A great apply facility, nice employees, and infrequently much less crowded than Ko Olina.
- Professional Tip: Play early to keep away from winds and afternoon warmth.
- Value Vary: ~$130–$180 (twilight and kamaʻāina charges decrease)
- On-line Reserving: Go to their web site to e book tee instances instantly: Hawai‘i Prince Golf Club Tee Times.
- Cellphone Reservations: Name (808) 944-4567 for help.
- Notes: Charges embrace shared cart, vary balls, and bottled water. Resident charges can be found with a sound Hawai‘i ID.
“The course was in nice situation. The greens have been quick however truthful. I’m a median golfer (16) and the course was not too tough.” – Golfer from Wayzata, MN.
Coral Creek Golf Course – Ewa Seaside
Recognized for its lovely design and attentive employees, Coral Creek provides a mixture of simple to reasonably tough holes. The course options vast fairways with water hazards to check accuracy. The driving vary is supplied with a shade cowl, enhancing the apply expertise.
- Why it’s Nice: Water options, forgiving structure, quick greens, not too crowded.
- Designer: Robin Nelson
- Vibe: Lush tropical landscaping, a number of water hazards, well-bunkered greens.
- Talent Stage: A little bit tighter than Hawai‘i Prince however nonetheless beginner-friendly.
- Situation: Recognized for good upkeep and good greens.
- Cool Contact: The course has a driving vary constructed right into a quarry – fairly distinctive!
- Value Vary: ~$100–$150
- On-line Reserving: Reserve tee instances by way of their web site: Coral Creek Golf Course Tee Times
- Cellphone Reservations: Contact the course at (808) 441-4653.
- Notes: Reservations might be made as much as 60 days upfront.
“The course was in nice situation, new GPS system in carts, fairways have been nice, greens in good situation operating round 10 (not dangerous).” – Golfer from Sydney, Australia
Maui
Maui Nui Golf Membership – Kihei
Praised for a wide range of gap designs and spectacular ocean views, Maui Nui offers a forgiving structure with wider fairways, making it approachable for golfers of all ranges. The course is taken into account Maui’s finest worth, providing a stable expertise with out the premium price ticket. Moreover, the well-equipped driving vary options TopTracer expertise, offering detailed suggestions on photographs.
- Why it’s Nice: Stable structure, ocean views, and a laid-back vibe.
- Designer: Invoice Newis
- Vibe: Ocean and mountain views, player-friendly structure, not too hilly.
- Talent Stage: Very approachable for inexperienced persons, however attention-grabbing sufficient for knowledgeable gamers.
- Situation: Good greens, fairways could be a bit dry in summer season, however total well-kept.
- Value Vary: ~$80–$120
- On-line Reserving: Ebook instantly on their web site: Maui Nui Golf Club Tee Times.
- Cellphone Reservations: For help, name (808) 874-0777.
- Notes: Twilight charges provide nice worth — particularly with these gorgeous sunset views.
“The course is in nice form! I purchased a Gamers Go final October and it was an awesome deal for the cash. I extremely advocate enjoying this course.” – Golfer on Tripadvisor
The Dunes at Maui Lani – Kahului
Providing a links-style expertise with Hawaiian aptitude, The Dunes is characterised by rolling terrain and spectacular mountain views. Golfers recognize the difficult structure and the course’s distinctive design, which contains pure dune formations. Whereas turf situations have confronted challenges, the general design and value make it a worthwhile play in Maui.
- Why it’s Nice: Hyperlinks-style, pure sand dunes which can be truthful for all ranges.
- Designer: Robin Nelson
- Vibe: True Hawaiian hyperlinks course – suppose rolling fairways, tall tough, wind!
- Talent Stage: More difficult as a consequence of uneven lies and bunkering, however very playable.
- Tip: Deliver additional balls — errant photographs into native areas might be arduous to seek out.
- Value Vary: ~$100–$140
- On-line Reserving: Reserve tee instances through their web site: The Dunes at Maui Lani Reservations.
- Cellphone Reservations: Contact the Professional Store at (808) 873-0422.
- Notes: All costs are per particular person for 18 holes and embrace using a shared golf cart. Riders are welcome, area accessible, and will probably be charged accordingly.
“Actually loved our spherical. Loads of sand as you’d count on. Difficult structure. Greens have been very sluggish. All in all, an actual good worth for the cash.” – Golfpass US
Waikoloa Village Golf Course (Shutterstock)
Huge Island
Waikoloa Village Golf Course – Waikoloa (NOT the seaside/resort programs)
Positioned upcountry, this course provides vast fairways and good greens, offering a relaxed tempo appropriate for vacationing {couples}. Waikoloa Village is acknowledged for its lovely surroundings and is taken into account one among Hawaii’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
- Why it’s Nice: Elevation adjustments, ocean breezes, affordability.
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Vibe: Up the hill from the resort space; cooler temperatures with lava rock edges and ocean views.
- Talent Stage: Extensive fairways and medium issue make it nice for informal rounds.
- Worth: The most effective offers on the island for a full 18-holes.
- Value Vary: ~$60–$100
- On-line Reserving: Schedule tee instances by way of their web site: Waikoloa Village Golf Course Tee Times.
- Cellphone Reservations: Name the Professional Store at (808) 883-9621.
“Good course, great employees. Booked by way of Golf Now and paid $50. Fairways and inexperienced in wonderful form.”
Makalei Golf Membership – North of Kailua-Kona
Set on the higher slopes of Mount Hualālai, Makalei presents difficult play with slim corridors and vital elevation adjustments. Golfers must be ready for a take a look at of accuracy and might have additional balls as a result of demanding structure. The course is thought for considerable wildlife, together with peacocks and pheasants.
- Why it’s Nice: Upcountry mountain course with cooler temperatures and peacocks roaming the fairways!
- Designer: Dick Nugent
- Vibe: Mountain course with wildlife, elevation adjustments, and plush forest.
- Talent Stage: Difficult lies and slim fairways problem all ranges however truthful structure.
- Cool Characteristic: The change in elevation provides you some distinctive tee photographs and nice views.
- Value Vary: ~$80–$120
- On-line Reserving: Ebook tee instances through their web site: Makalei Golf Club Tee Times.
- Cellphone Reservations: For help, contact (808) 325-6625.
“Nice course! Very difficult. A number of wildlife, very inexperienced and plush. Workers was tremendous good, count on rain most days within the afternoon.”
Kauaʻi
Wailua Municipal Golf Course – Līhuʻe
Usually thought to be the best municipal course within the Hawaiian Islands, Wailua options oceanfront holes and a basic design. Golfers recognize its affordability and the chance to play alongside locals, experiencing genuine Hawaiian golf.
- Why it’s Nice: The most effective muni programs within the U.S. Oceanfront holes, historic allure, and budget-friendly.
- Vibe: Initially opened within the 1930s, it’s a easy, basic design with actual allure.
- Talent Stage: Honest for all ranges, however wind and ocean-side holes add spice.
- Finest Worth: Legitimately one of many best deals in Hawaii.
- Tip: Deliver your digicam — particularly on holes 16 and 17 close to the seaside.
- Value Vary: ~$60–$80 (even much less for locals)
- Cellphone Reservations: To e book a tee time, name (808) 241-6666.
“Actually cheap charges and pleasant golfers throughout, good choice on the professional store and good driving vary.”
Puakea Golf Course – Līhuʻe
This course provides a pleasant ambiance with a structure that turns into extra participating because the spherical progresses. Whereas not as famend as a few of Kauaʻi’s different programs, Puakea delivers fulfilling holes at a extra accessible value level. The course is famous for its pure magnificence and informal allure.
- Why it’s Nice: Scenic jungle backdrop, forgiving structure, and fewer crowds than resort programs.
- Designer: Robin Nelson
- Vibe: Constructed on the foot of the Hā‘upu Ridge with jungle backdrops and vast open areas.
- Talent Stage: Extensive fairways and a relaxed structure, forgiving for larger handicaps.
- Enjoyable Truth: Initially half of a bigger resort plan that by no means totally materialized, it’s now a beloved standalone course.
- Situation: Generally is a little delicate after rain, however very scenic and casual-friendly.
- Value Vary: ~$90–$120
- On-line Reserving: Reserve tee instances by way of their web site: Puakea Golf Course Tee Times.
- Cellphone Reservations: Contact the course at (808) 245-8756.
- Notes: When reserving on-line on weekdays, choose the 9-hole choice to view accessible tee instances. If 18 holes are chosen, no tee instances will probably be proven as accessible. Charges will probably be adjusted for 9-hole play.
“Nice worth, nice views, nice golf, in case you are trying to golf on Kauai, positively hit up this place.”
Common Suggestions:
- Advance Reserving: It’s advisable to e book tee instances as early as potential, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons, to safe your most popular time slot.
- Cancellation Insurance policies: Familiarize your self with every course’s cancellation coverage to keep away from potential charges.
- Apparel: Make sure you adhere to the gown code of every course, sometimes requiring collared shirts and applicable golf apparel. And consider the climate!
