Golf in Hawaii: 7 must play golf courses in the Aloha state
12/30/2024 10:00 AM
Beaches, volcanoes and marine life are just three reasons why people flock to the idyllic island state of Hawaii.
With world-class culture, cuisine and the immense presence of surfing, the island is hugely popular with visitors.
However, don’t be fooled by the state’s worship of surfing; golf is also alive and thriving due to Hawaii being one of the most beautiful locations to play in the world.
With a warm, tropical climate, Hawaii is suitable for golfers to play year-round with its scenery, stunning ocean views, tropical landscapes and volcanic terrain.
Golf in the Aloha state – the only state not situated on the North American mainland – can be challenging with the varied terrain and mixed elevation providing a test that you may not face in other locations.
Not only are the courses beautiful, having been designed by legendary golf architects, but they also provide an opportunity to relax luxuriously while experiencing Hawaii’s incredible history and culture.
7. Ko Olina Golf Club
Designed by noted architect Ted Robinson, the Ko Olina Golf Club is renowned for its resort-style golf course lined with pristine fairways and multi-tiered greens.
It’s ideal for golfers of all levels, with its moderate length making good scoring more achievable for high handicappers in comparison to other resort-style golf courses.
There are several accommodation offers, from villas to beach clubs, ensuring luxury downtime between rounds.
6. Princeville Makai Golf Club
With stunning oceanfront holes and spectacular views, the Makai course, which is situated on the north shore of Kauai, is astonishing.
The course is implemented with seashore paspalum turf on all greens and fairways, which provides a first-class playing surface for all golfers.
5. Poipu Bay Golf Course
A former host of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, the location offers premium golfing facilities alongside a relaxing yet welcoming atmosphere.
The Poipu Bay full experience is second to none, with an ‘Aloha’ welcome tradition for all guests, with a citrus-scented towel and smile upon arrival.
Another coastal course, the combination of elite practice facilities, hospitality and scenery make this a hugely attractive golfing option when in Hawaii.
4. Wailea Golf Club
Offering exceptional value with rolling fairways and views of Mount Haleakalā, the incredible Wailea Golf Club is well worth a visit when playing golf in Hawaii.
The club has three courses, more than any other resort in the state and has something for every golfer, whether new or experienced or even for a quicker round at a shorter course.
3. Mauna Lani Golf Club
Possessing ocean views and lined with volcanic rock, this golf club is scenic yet challenging.
Home to an iconic 15th hole, which is one of the most famous over-the-water par 3s in the world, it is worth taking on the challenge as even if your game isn’t firing, the scenery will leave you with a smile.
During winter months, humpback whales can be seen just yards from some holes, with the Mauna Lani course an absolute necessity when exploring the Aloha State.
2. Turtle Bay – Arnold Palmer Course
Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, you already know this golf course will ooze with quality.
The idyllic Turtle Bay is located on the North Shore of Oahu and provides natural challenges that will provide the ultimate golfing fix.
By combining luscious greenery with some seaside magic, the Arnold Palmer Course is the next place to stop on your golf course hunt in Hawaii.
1. Kapalua Plantation Course
Situated on the West Maui Mountains, the Kapalua Plantation Course offers incredible ocean views on almost every hole.
Though this 7596-yard par 73 may seem daunting, the course possesses wide fairways and forgiving greens, making it perfectly playable for those of all standards.
In January, the Plantation Course will play host to The Sentry, the season-opening tournament of the PGA Tour, with its elevated nature and downhill tee shots making it both a must-watch and a must-play.
Past winners taking part this year include Open champion Xander Schauffele and two-time Major winner Justin Thomas.
READ MORE: If you had one last round to play – Royal Dornoch
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