Top 5 Places to Golf on the Big Island

Without a doubt, the incredibly beautiful Big Island boasts natural wonders as far as your eyes can see. When on island, there is no lack of breathtaking scenery to see while kicking back and relaxing by the coast, or while checking out any of the best activities to do on the Big Island. Without a doubt, one of the most popular things to do in Hawai’i is golfing. Golf resorts are spread wide across the Hawaiian Islands, and a handful of the best ones are on Goddess Pele’s vibrantly magical Island of Hawai’i.

Whether you are a Hawai’i resident, visiting the Big Island for the first time, or planning your next awesome Hawai’i golf vacation, you are going to love learning more about the Big Island’s Top 5 Places to Golf in our list below. Welcome to the wonderful world of golfing on the Island of Hawai’i!

Waikoloa Beach Kings Course

Designed by world renowned duo Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, the Kings’ Course at Waikoloa Beach is pretty much the creme de la creme of Big Island golfing. This course is great for all levels, and most recognized for the Kings’ Course Signature Hole. Here, golf enthusiasts will find a pleasant challenge awaiting them at this short par 4. The wind is your friend or foe, pending weather, and the views of a widespread lava “moonscape” are truly winning.

Mauna Lani Resort’s Francis H. I’i Brown North & South Courses

Mauna Lani Golf Resorts championship North Course is truly spectacular! Built on a lava bed, this course offers gorgeous scenery, and borders a 230-acre archeological district on the far north end. Easily one of the most popular golf tournament venues on the Big Island, guests love the natural lava amphitheater at par 3 Hole No.17. Home to the renowned Hawai’i State Open, the South Course at Mauna Lani features one of the most photographed over-the-water golf course holes in the world, No.15. Mauna Lani Golf Resorts also features a keiki, kids, course, and golf instruction at the Mauna Lani Golf Academy.

Hapuna Golf Course

With a landscape that begins at sea level and elevates to 700-ft, the Hapuna Gold Course has one of the most naturally appealing environments for golfing on the Big Island. From all parts of this course, guests will have 360-degree views spanning from rampantly lush green scenery, to the mountains, and stretching to the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Arnold Palmer & Ed Seay, and built in 1992, the entire 18-hole par 72 course spans across approximately 6,900-yards. Hapuna’s Signature par 4 No. 12 offers golfers a true gift, which is a rewarding watercolor-like scene of the Island of Maui in the distance.

Mauna Kea Golf Course

Hosting stunning views from all vantage points, the Golf Course at Mauna Kea has drawn avid golfers since 1964. This Big Island golf resort has most definitely had a hand in paving the way for the overall golf culture in Hawaii. It is surely one of the most popular golf course within the Hawaiian Islands; it has been numerously regarded as the golf course with the best views of the Kohala Coast. Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., this award winning golf course features private and group golf lessons, a driving range, putting greens, an 18-hole championship course, 120 perfectly placed bunkers, and the infamous Number 3 Restaurant.

Waikoloa Village Golf Club 

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Waikoloa Village Golf Club is the second oldest golf course on the Big Island. This fun and challenging course offers vast fairways, rolling greens, forgiving landing areas, and spectacular views of the Kohala Mountains, the Kohala Coastline, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualalai and the outer Island of Maui’s Mt. Haleakala in the distance.