Kohanaiki golf course awarded Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary status

A golf course in a private club community on the Big Island’s Kona Coast is now the first in Hawaiʻi and among only 14 locations around the globe to be awarded special recognition from environmental nonprofit Audubon International.

Kohanaiki’s links were awarded Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary certification.

Gold Signature Sanctuary status is awarded to new developments, courses and resorts that go above and beyond to implement high-level sustainable design, construction and long-term ecological management. The process requires comprehensive natural resource management plans, habitat enhancements, environmental monitoring and verified sustainable practices.

Kohanaiki’s recognition is rooted in its stewardship efforts, which continue to expand throughout multiple ecological zones on the property. They reflect a comprehensive approach to environmental management.

Ongoing work includes maintenance and restoration of rare anchialine pond systems, dedicated habitat protection for the Hawaiian stilt, implementing native and drought-tolerant landscaping, innovative water conservation methods, wildlife protection, ecological buffering and low-impact golf course maintenance.

“A pillar of Kohanaiki is to embrace and protect the natural environment, which is reflected in everything we do on property,” said Kohanaiki President and Chief Executive Officer David Reese in a release about the award. “Achieving the Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary certification for our course showcases how our everyday practices and initiatives contribute to the greater good of the ecosystem to better the lives for not only our residents, but to Kona as well.”

Kohanaiki’s diligent green practices include improved hydrology, invasive species removal and long-term water quality monitoring to preserve its surrounding coastal ecosystems.

The property also supports dedicated habitat protection through predator control, reduced disturbance areas, water-level management and active monitoring during breeding season.

Additionally, the course expanded native and drought-tolerant landscaping to reduce irrigation demand while strengthening habitat connectivity, paired with advanced irrigation technologies and moisture-monitoring systems that conserve water without compromising turf or habitat health.

Other measures include seasonal wildlife protections, no-mow zones and refuge areas around sensitive nesting and foraging sites.

“We’re incredibly proud to be the first course in Hawai‘i to achieve Audubon International’s Gold Signature Sanctuary certification,” said Kohanaiki Director of Golf Course Maintenance and Grounds Luke Bennett in the release. “Protecting Kohanaiki’s unique natural resources — from our anchialine ponds to the nesting grounds of the [Hawaiian stilt] — guides our stewardship every day.”

Kohanaiki’s golf course is an 18-hole, par-72 layout designed by Rees Jones, founder of Rees Jones Inc., who is the son of renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. and has designed or renovated more than 300 golf courses throughout his six-decade career.

The private club community’s course — built across a lava landscape — stretches roughly 7,400 yards along the Kona Coast. It features wide fairways, large greens and multiple tee options, with several holes playing along the ocean.

Visit the Kohanaiki website to find additional information.