Sun-drenched beaches, lazing by the pool, and maybe visiting volcanoes, jungles, waterfalls, and marine life are what most tourists associate with vacations in Hawaii. Golf enthusiasts visiting Hawaii may play on some of the most beautiful and difficult courses in the whole globe. Black lava rock on the Big Island, volcanic vistas on Maui, lush vegetation on Kauai, and historic courses on Oahu are just a few of the golfing experiences that each island has to offer.
Some of the greatest places to take in Hawaii’s breathtaking beauty are on the fairways, greens, and tees. From neighborhood public golf courses to upscale resort courses and country clubs, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top golfing locations in Hawaii. To get your game ready for the greatest Hawaii golf courses, choose your favorites and go the practice range.
This difficult course, which hosts the PGA TOUR’s Sentry Tournament of Champions driving directions every year, has expansive, steep fairways, significant elevation changes, and breathtaking ocean vistas from almost every hole. The course, which created by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, had a significant makeover in 2019 and has maintained its standing as one of Hawaii’s top golf courses.
Beach Course
This course, which created by Arnold Palmer and Frances Duane, regarded as being more user-friendly than the Plantation. Playing The Bay Course is an exhilarating experience thanks to views of the Pacific and the nearby Hawaiian islands, and its beautiful 17th hole is the only one in Maui that crosses the water.
On what was formerly a sugar cane farm, architect Robin Nelson created Puakea, which is open to the public. Elevation variations, ravines, volcanic cliffs, water hazards, ocean vistas, and stunning displays of Kauai’s lush flora are all part of the resort-quality course. This iconic resort course, which Robert Trent Jones designed and built in 1962, has broad, curved greens and sloping fairways. This course offers panoramic views of the sea and the islands of Lanai and Molokai from the coast to the West Maui slopes.
Golf Club King Kamehameha
On the Western Maui Mountains’ slopes is where you’ll find this exclusive golf course. Non-members may take advantage of the difficult course via the “Guest for a Day” program. The course nestled amid beautiful landscape, lakes, and woodlands on Kauai’s north shore, facing Hanalei Bay. The only Jack Nicklaus Signature course on Kauai, this award-winning coastal design has the longest run of shorefront holes in all of Hawaii. The course, which situated at Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences along Kalapaki Beach, provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Kauai’s highlands.
Playing golf at Kahili
This hillside course, located in the West Maui Mountains, debuted in 1991. With elevation changes, wind, and lengthy par fives, the par-72, 6,554-yard course offers stunning vistas and challenges for players of all skill levels. The course situated in a remote area, far from resorts and homes. The beachfront course, The Club at Kukui’ula, and other facilities are available to visitors at The Lodge at Kukui’ula. Even the most dedicated player will be distracted by the famed 14th hole’s breathtaking ocean vistas, one of the design’s many difficulties by Tom Weiskopf. The 15-acre practice area has a driving range, bunkers, and two greens.
With a total of 54 holes over three separate courses, they provide ocean vistas and altitudes up to 300 feet above sea level. The most difficult course is the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Wailea Gold Course, with its rocky topography, natural undulations, and lava rock cliffs. Golfers on the Blue Course may see Wailea, Mt. Haleakala, and the ocean from the sloping fairways. The Emerald Course renowned for its lush landscaping, coastal views, and user-friendly design.
Golf Courses on Lanai
The Manele Golf Course, the only 18-hole championship course on the island, is solely accessible to visitors of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Built on lava outcroppings, this Jack Nicklaus Signature course has cliffside greens, ravines, and ocean vistas from each hole.On Kauai’s south coast, this Robert Trent Jones Jr. creation situated next to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. The difficult course, which situated along a 150-foot cliff with vistas of the mountains, the ocean, and Poipu Bay, held the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 through 2006.