Destination: Big Island

From the beaches to the golf courses, there

is so much to see and do on Hawaii’s Big Island

As you land at Kona International Airport on the Big Island of Hawaii, you know you are approaching something special just by looking out the window. In those brief moments upon landing, you can see beautiful golf courses, lava fields, mountains, and the endless Pacific Ocean.

Welcome to the Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island—a paradise that offers everything you could want for a golf vacation. Would you like to play on fantastic resort golf courses? Check. Interested in some great public courses? Check. Want to relax on beautiful beaches with opportunities for surfing and snorkeling? Check and check. How about teeing off in the shadow of Mauna Kea, one of the tallest mountains? Check.

While islands like Oahu, Maui, and Kauai may receive more attention, the Big Island provides a complete Hawaiian experience with fewer crowds.

Here’s an overview of the golf offerings on the Big Island:

– **Waikoloa Beach Resort** features 27 holes, including the Kings’ Nine, which is surrounded by stunning natural lava formations. It’s essential to keep the ball in the fairway here. The resort itself offers more than just golf, boasting two shopping villages and two resorts—a Marriott and a Hilton. The Hilton covers 62 spacious acres, where you can take a tram or boat to navigate from one side to the other. Meanwhile, the Marriott enjoys a beautiful beachfront location, with breathtaking ocean views. During the right season, you might even spot whales swimming in the distance.

– **Mauna Kea Golf Course**, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1964, is the island’s starting point for golf excellence. Golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player all participated in an exhibition there. At the par-3 third hole, Player famously claimed he couldn’t carry his shot that far; a plaque commemorates that legendary round. Adjacent to Mauna Kea is the **Hapuna Golf Course**, which features a dramatic layout with holes that rise and fall toward the Pacific Ocean.

– The former Big Island Country Club has been renamed **Makani Golf Club**. Located on the hillside above Kona, this course offers a fantastic layout and magnificent views. With wide fairways and water hazards on several holes, including a striking island green on the par-3 17th hole and a dramatic finishing 18th hole, this course is worth the trip up the hill.

– **Mauna Lani Resort** is conveniently situated between the Waikoloa Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Resort, featuring two excellent courses. The signature 15th hole on the South Course is one of the most photographed golf holes in the world, and during the winter months, you might see humpback whales nearby.

– **Hualālai Resort** boasts a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and is the venue for the Champions Tour in January. This resort includes two courses, with the Nicklaus course being used for the PGA Champions event each January. The dramatic 17th hole is a par-3 located right at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, with a tee shot that carries over lava. Additionally, a private course is located nearby.

– **Kona Country Club** has recently undergone significant improvements, including an irrigation upgrade that closed the course for two years. These changes have resulted in outstanding tees, fairways, and greens. The course features several challenging long par-3 holes, ensuring you’ll need your best game, especially if the wind picks up. Additionally, some holes along the Pacific Ocean provide stunning scenery throughout your round.

– Inland, golfing remains a delight at **Makalei Golf Club**, situated up the hill from Kona Airport. This course is among the hilliest in the area, with a cart ride from the clubhouse to the driving range climbing 750 feet. Wildlife abounds here, including peacocks and wild boars.

– **Waikoloa Golf Village** is located at an elevation and features a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course that presents scenic views of the ocean. The course includes numerous challenging holes, and the contours of the fairways and greens will encourage you to utilize nearly every club in your bag. Two standout holes are the sixth, a par-3 that showcases the Kohala Coast and the Pacific Ocean, and the 12th, a downhill par-3.

In conclusion, the Big Island offers a remarkable mix of golf courses that cater to all skill levels amidst beautiful landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.