With the perfect climate, stunning scenery, and championship-level courses, Hawai’i is a golfer’s paradise. While there are more than 70 places to play throughout the islands, Big Island golf courses are amongst some of our favorites. Our list lets you choose from public, private, and resort courses set amongst majestic mountains, along the gorgeous coastline, and next to enchanting lava fields, offering a range of options that provide some of the most memorable courses in the state.
Explore the best of Big Island’s golf courses from their locations to their signature features and course designs. Whether you’re looking for a championship course on a resort or a chill game by the sea, you’ll find a spot that is tailored to your play.
Want to learn about more than just golfing? Request a copy of our complimentary Vacation Guide! This helpful handbook is packed with local recommendations on the best things to do in the area. Find out where to dine, what activities to try, and which historic sites to visit.
Four Seasons Hualalai Golf Course
Designed by the renowned golfer and course designer Jack Nicklaus, Hualalai Golf Course covers 7,000 yards. Otherworldly black lava fields surround this expertly groomed, 18-hole course. The resort also offers a complimentary golf tour and club rentals at their practice facility. Try something different and play glow-in-the-dark night golf. For a rental property to level up your golf trip, we recommend Hualalai Palm Resort Villa 140B, which sits adjacent to the course’s 15th hole! While this course is private, some of our rentals are located within the resort and offer access to the golf course.
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7,053
- Course Rating: 74.1
- Book Tee Time (Call the Club Shop)
Mauna Lani Golf Course
Whether you’re an avid golfer or just starting out, you’ll enjoy playing on both the north and south courses.
Mauna Lani South Course
Enjoy breathtaking ocean and island views at the more relaxed of the two courses, the South Course. Formerly the location of the Senior Skins Game, this course crawls through lava rock formed by the ancient Kaniku lava flow. Enjoy naturalistic views and be sure to snap a photo at the 15th hole, one of the most-photographed golf holes in the world!
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 6228
- Course Rating: 70.6
- Book Tee Time
Mauna Lani North Course
Easily the more challenging of the two courses at Mauna Lani, the North Course, while shorter, offers a parkland-style layout that is perfect for low handicappers looking for something a bit more difficult. The signature hole at this course is number 17, a par 3 tucked into a “natural lava amphitheater,” which makes for a great photo.
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 5377
- Course Rating: 66.1
- Book Tee Time
Mauna Kea Golf Course
Mauna Kea Golf Course is often considered a favorite Big Island golf course and offers some serious elevation changes. Designed in 1964 by golf architect Robert Trent Jones and, more recently, renovated by his son, Robert Jr., this 18-hole course is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the state. From the green, you have unparalleled views of the ocean’s waves crashing along the shoreline and the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea volcano.
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7370
- Course Rating: 77.2
- Book Tee Time
Makani Golf Club
Amateurs and experts alike will enjoy playing on this public 18-hole course positioned on the lower hills of Mauna Kea mountain. Designed by Perry Dye, this location offers five different tee boxes. The sloping mountain terrain creates a unique course carved into the natural setting, along with some water hazards that will try to throw you off.
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7116
- Course Rating: 74.4
- Book Tee Time
Mākālei Golf Club
Head to the west shore of the island along the Kona coast for an alternative experience to the typical coastal courses. Amid the abundant forest landscape, this course incorporates natural obstacles, including lava tubes and a century-old stone wall. Native plants and flowers surround the fairway and green, and wildlife, including peacocks and wild turkeys, are often spotted by players.
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 6698
- Course Rating: 72.4
- Book Tee Time
Kona Country Club
Along the west coast of Hawai’i, Kona Country Club is located in Keauhou, right by the Keauhou Bay. Sitting about 6 miles from Downtown Kailua-Kona for easy access, this is a great place to enjoy a game with breathtaking ocean views and coastal breezes. This Big Island golf course has been named one of the Top 100 Public Courses by Golf Digest. If you plan to play between November and March, you should keep an eye on the water, as you may just spot a Humpback whale!
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 6657
- Course Rating: 72
- Book Tee Time
Make Yourself at Home in a Private Homes Hawai’i Rental
The view of the golf course from Hualalai Resort Palm Villa.
While exploring the Big Island’s golf courses, enjoy a comfortable stay in one of our beautiful Private Homes Hawai’i properties, with concierge services, including vacation rental insurance and transportation throughout O’ahu and the Big Island. Whether you’re traveling with a large group or just taking a couple’s getaway, we have a home to suit your needs. Choose from beachfront properties and resort villas.
Dedicated golfers will love staying in this Hualalai Palm Villa. Located right on the 15th fairway of the Hualalai Golf Course, this three-bedroom townhouse includes a gorgeous outdoor lanai and spacious rooms. With these very special accommodations, you will have access to the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, which features a sports club, spa, and golf course as if you were staying at the resort.
Browse the complete catalog of available Big Island properties and start planning your Hawaiian getaway today!
Written by Terrance Davis
Terrance writes for Private Homes Hawai’i, highlighting all of O’ahu and the Big Island’s best attractions, events, and sites.