Hawaiʻi has one of many highest numbers of golf programs per capita within the U.S., contemplating its dimension — and presents all kinds for all budgets and ability ranges.
Golf Programs by Island
| Island | Approximate Variety of Programs |
|---|---|
| Oʻahu | 40 programs |
| Massive Island | 16 programs |
| Maui | 13 programs |
| Kauaʻi | 9 programs |
| Lānaʻi | 2 programs |
| Molokaʻi | 1 course (leisure/native) |
Sorts of Programs
- Public/Municipal – Reasonably priced and accessible (like Wailua on Kauaʻi)
- Resort Programs – Excessive-end and scenic with resort facilities (like Kapalua or Mauna Kea)
- Non-public Golf equipment – Member-only or invitation-only
- Army Programs – Out there to energetic responsibility, 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 format 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, timber, wind).
- Signature holes you’ll bear in mind perpetually.
Nice design provides you choices, makes you assume, 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 course right into a bucket-lister.
A fantastic course makes even a nasty spherical really feel memorable.
3. Playability for All Talent Ranges
- Honest challenges: large sufficient for freshmen, difficult sufficient for execs.
- Good tee selection (a number of choices based mostly on handicap).
- Greens which are true however not merciless.
- Good bunkering and tough that punishes however doesn’t smash your day.
4. Situation & Upkeep
- Easy, quick greens and tightly mowed fairways.
- Bunkers are well-raked and playable.
- Tee packing containers which are degree and clear.
- Effectively-drained — no one needs to play on soggy greens or mud.
5. Vibe & Hospitality
- Pleasant, educated workers.
- Good tempo of play (no six-hour rounds).
- Professional store, driving vary, foods 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 (whats up, 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 circumstances (like resort programs), carts are the norm — however walkable designs nonetheless are inclined to “really feel” higher.
Sunny day on a tropical golf course fairway (Shutterstock)
The Greatest 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 Seashore
This 27-hole course, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, presents large 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 ability 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 large fairways and water hazards.
- Talent Stage: Nice for freshmen to mid-handicappers. The format permits flexibility, and there’s not an excessive amount of elevation change.
- Extras: A superb observe facility, nice workers, and sometimes much less crowded than Ko Olina.
- Professional Tip: Play early to keep away from winds and afternoon warmth.
- Worth Vary: ~$130–$180 (twilight and kamaʻāina charges decrease)
- On-line Reserving: Go to their web site to guide tee instances straight: Hawai‘i Prince Golf Club Tee Times.
- Cellphone Reservations: Name (808) 944-4567 for help.
- Notes: Charges embody 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 had been quick however honest. I’m a mean golfer (16) and the course was not too tough.” – Golfer from Wayzata, MN.
Coral Creek Golf Course – Ewa Seashore
Recognized for its stunning design and attentive workers, Coral Creek presents a mixture of simple to reasonably tough holes. The course options large fairways with water hazards to check accuracy. The driving vary is supplied with a shade cowl, enhancing the observe expertise.
- Why it’s Nice: Water options, forgiving format, quick greens, not too crowded.
- Designer: Robin Nelson
- Vibe: Lush tropical landscaping, numerous water hazards, well-bunkered greens.
- Talent Stage: Just a little 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!
- Worth Vary: ~$100–$150
- On-line Reserving: Reserve tee instances by means of their web site: Coral Creek Golf Course Tee Times
- Cellphone Reservations: Contact the course at (808) 441-4653.
- Notes: Reservations could be made as much as 60 days prematurely.
“The course was in nice situation, new GPS system in carts, fairways had been nice, greens in good situation working round 10 (not unhealthy).” – Golfer from Sydney, Australia
Maui
Maui Nui Golf Membership – Kihei
Praised for quite a lot of gap designs and spectacular ocean views, Maui Nui supplies a forgiving format with wider fairways, making it approachable for golfers of all ranges. The course is taken into account Maui’s greatest worth, providing a strong expertise with out the premium price ticket. Moreover, the well-equipped driving vary options TopTracer know-how, offering detailed suggestions on pictures.
- Why it’s Nice: Strong format, ocean views, and a laid-back vibe.
- Designer: Invoice Newis
- Vibe: Ocean and mountain views, player-friendly format, not too hilly.
- Talent Stage: Very approachable for freshmen, however attention-grabbing sufficient for skilled gamers.
- Situation: Good greens, fairways is usually a bit dry in summer time, however total well-kept.
- Worth Vary: ~$80–$120
- On-line Reserving: E-book straight 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 Cross final October and it was an amazing deal for the cash. I extremely suggest 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 format and the course’s distinctive design, which contains pure dune formations. Whereas turf circumstances have confronted challenges, the general design and price make it a helpful play in Maui.
- Why it’s Nice: Hyperlinks-style, pure sand dunes which are honest for all ranges.
- Designer: Robin Nelson
- Vibe: True Hawaiian hyperlinks course – assume rolling fairways, tall tough, wind!
- Talent Stage: Tougher as a consequence of uneven lies and bunkering, however very playable.
- Tip: Deliver further balls — errant pictures into native areas could be arduous to search out.
- Worth 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 individual for 18 holes and embody the usage of a shared golf cart. Riders are welcome, area accessible, and will likely be charged accordingly.
“Actually loved our spherical. Loads of sand as you’ll anticipate. Difficult format. Greens had been very gradual. All in all, an actual good worth for the cash.” – Golfpass US
Waikoloa Village Golf Course (Shutterstock)
Massive Island
Waikoloa Village Golf Course – Waikoloa (NOT the seaside/resort programs)
Positioned upcountry, this course presents large fairways and good greens, offering a relaxed tempo appropriate for vacationing {couples}. Waikoloa Village is acknowledged for its stunning surroundings and is taken into account considered one of 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: Broad fairways and medium issue make it nice for informal rounds.
- Worth: Probably the greatest offers on the island for a full 18-holes.
- Worth Vary: ~$60–$100
- On-line Reserving: Schedule tee instances by means of their web site: Waikoloa Village Golf Course Tee Times.
- Cellphone Reservations: Name the Professional Store at (808) 883-9621.
“Good course, fantastic workers. Booked by means of Golf Now and paid $50. Fairways and inexperienced in glorious form.”
Makalei Golf Membership – North of Kailua-Kona
Set on the higher slopes of Mount Hualālai, Makalei presents difficult play with slender corridors and vital elevation adjustments. Golfers ought to be ready for a check of accuracy and may have further balls as a result of demanding format. 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 luxurious forest.
- Talent Stage: Tough lies and slender fairways problem all ranges however honest format.
- Cool Function: The change in elevation provides you some distinctive tee pictures and nice views.
- Worth Vary: ~$80–$120
- On-line Reserving: E-book tee instances through their web site: Makalei Golf Club Tee Times.
- Cellphone Reservations: For help, contact (808) 325-6625.
“Nice course! Very difficult. A lot of wildlife, very inexperienced and luxurious. Employees was tremendous good, anticipate rain most days within the afternoon.”
Kauaʻi
Wailua Municipal Golf Course – Līhuʻe
Typically 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: Probably the greatest muni programs within the U.S. Oceanfront holes, historic appeal, and budget-friendly.
- Vibe: Initially opened within the 1930s, it’s a easy, basic design with actual appeal.
- Talent Stage: Honest for all ranges, however wind and ocean-side holes add spice.
- Greatest Worth: Legitimately one of many best deals in Hawaii.
- Tip: Deliver your digital camera — particularly on holes 16 and 17 close to the seaside.
- Worth Vary: ~$60–$80 (even much less for locals)
- Cellphone Reservations: To guide a tee time, name (808) 241-6666.
“Actually cheap charges and pleasant golfers throughout, sensible choice on the professional store and good driving vary.”
Puakea Golf Course – Līhuʻe
This course presents a pleasant environment with a format that turns into extra participating because the spherical progresses. Whereas not as famend as a few of Kauaʻi’s different programs, Puakea delivers gratifying holes at a extra accessible worth level. The course is famous for its pure magnificence and informal appeal.
- Why it’s Nice: Scenic jungle backdrop, forgiving format, and fewer crowds than resort programs.
- Designer: Robin Nelson
- Vibe: Constructed on the foot of the Hā‘upu Ridge with jungle backdrops and large open areas.
- Talent Stage: Broad fairways and a relaxed format, forgiving for greater handicaps.
- Enjoyable Reality: Initially half of a bigger resort plan that by no means absolutely materialized, it’s now a beloved standalone course.
- Situation: Is usually a little gentle after rain, however very scenic and casual-friendly.
- Worth Vary: ~$90–$120
- On-line Reserving: Reserve tee instances by means 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 likely be proven as accessible. Charges will likely 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 guide tee instances as early as attainable, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons, to safe your most well-liked 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, usually requiring collared shirts and applicable golf apparel. And bear in mind the climate!
