Kailua-Kona, located on Hawaii's Big Island, is a haven for golfers seeking stunning landscapes, challenging courses, and a taste of paradise. Whether you're an avid golfer or a casual player, the golf courses in Kailua-Kona offer an array of experiences that cater to every skill level. Here’s a guide to the best golf courses in Kailua-Kona, HI, each promising an unforgettable golfing adventure.
Makalei Golf Club’s 18-hole Golf Course
Nestled on the slopes of Hualalai Mountain, Makalei Golf Club offers an 18-hole course that stands out for its unique topography and lush tropical environment. This public course is a hidden gem, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers of all levels.
Makalei's elevation changes and natural obstacles, including lava tubes and dense forests, add a distinctive character to the course. The fairways are lined with native Ohia trees and vibrant flora, while the greens are meticulously maintained. The course also offers spectacular views of the Kona coastline, enhancing the overall experience. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate sightings of wild turkeys and peacocks that roam freely across the grounds. Makalei Golf Club is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of nature and sport.
Makalei's elevation changes and natural obstacles, including lava tubes and dense forests, add a distinctive character to the course. The fairways are lined with native Ohia trees and vibrant flora, while the greens are meticulously maintained. The course also offers spectacular views of the Kona coastline, enhancing the overall experience. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate sightings of wild turkeys and peacocks that roam freely across the grounds. Makalei Golf Club is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of nature and sport.
Kona Country Club’s William Bell-Designed Course
Kona Country Club is a well-established name in Kailua-Kona’s golfing community. Designed by William Bell, this 18-hole championship course is renowned for its picturesque setting along the Pacific Ocean. The course has undergone recent renovations to enhance its features and ensure it remains a premier golfing destination.
Golfers can expect a challenging yet enjoyable round with ocean views on nearly every hole. The course is known for its well-manicured fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens. Holes like the par-3 12th, which plays directly towards the ocean, provide a memorable experience that combines the beauty of the landscape with the technical demands of the game. Kona Country Club is perfect for golfers who appreciate a traditional course with modern amenities and stunning views.
Golfers can expect a challenging yet enjoyable round with ocean views on nearly every hole. The course is known for its well-manicured fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens. Holes like the par-3 12th, which plays directly towards the ocean, provide a memorable experience that combines the beauty of the landscape with the technical demands of the game. Kona Country Club is perfect for golfers who appreciate a traditional course with modern amenities and stunning views.
Kohanaiki Golf Course
Kohanaiki Golf Course offers a private, world-class golfing experience on a course designed by renowned architect Rees Jones. This 18-hole course is part of an exclusive residential community, providing a luxurious setting for golfers who seek privacy and top-notch facilities.
The course at Kohanaiki is meticulously designed to blend with the natural landscape, featuring lava rock formations, ancient Hawaiian sites, and panoramic ocean views. Each hole offers a unique challenge, with water hazards, strategic bunkering, and rolling greens. The par-3 7th hole is particularly notable, with its green set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, creating a visually stunning and technically demanding experience. Kohanaiki’s commitment to excellence in course maintenance and guest services ensures a premier golfing experience for its members and their guests.
The course at Kohanaiki is meticulously designed to blend with the natural landscape, featuring lava rock formations, ancient Hawaiian sites, and panoramic ocean views. Each hole offers a unique challenge, with water hazards, strategic bunkering, and rolling greens. The par-3 7th hole is particularly notable, with its green set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, creating a visually stunning and technically demanding experience. Kohanaiki’s commitment to excellence in course maintenance and guest services ensures a premier golfing experience for its members and their guests.
Makani Golf Club’s Public Course
Formerly known as Big Island Country Club, Makani Golf Club offers an 18-hole public course catering to locals and visitors. Located at an elevation of 2,500 feet, this course provides cooler temperatures and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Makani Golf Club is known for its challenging layout, which was designed by Perry Dye. The course features water hazards on nine holes, including the signature par-3 17th, where the green is situated on an island. The layout requires strategic shot-making and precise club selection, making it an engaging test for golfers of all abilities. The course’s elevation and lush fairways create a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for a relaxing round of golf.
Makani Golf Club is known for its challenging layout, which was designed by Perry Dye. The course features water hazards on nine holes, including the signature par-3 17th, where the green is situated on an island. The layout requires strategic shot-making and precise club selection, making it an engaging test for golfers of all abilities. The course’s elevation and lush fairways create a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for a relaxing round of golf.
Hualalai Golf Course
Situated within the luxurious master-planned community of Hualalai, the Hualalai Golf Course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that epitomizes elegance and challenge. This exclusive 18-hole course is reserved for resort guests and Hualalai Club members, offering a pristine golfing experience in a breathtaking setting.
The course is designed to take full advantage of the natural contours of the land, featuring black lava rock, lush greenery, and oceanfront holes. The par-3 17th hole is a standout, playing directly along the coast, with the ocean serving as both a hazard and a backdrop. The course’s immaculate condition and attentive service provide a world-class golfing experience. Golfers can enjoy complimentary use of the practice facilities and benefit from professional instruction to enhance their game.
The course is designed to take full advantage of the natural contours of the land, featuring black lava rock, lush greenery, and oceanfront holes. The par-3 17th hole is a standout, playing directly along the coast, with the ocean serving as both a hazard and a backdrop. The course’s immaculate condition and attentive service provide a world-class golfing experience. Golfers can enjoy complimentary use of the practice facilities and benefit from professional instruction to enhance their game.
Hokulia’s Exclusive Jack Nicklaus 18-Hole Golf Course
Hokulia boasts another masterpiece by Jack Nicklaus, offering an 18-hole course that is both challenging and visually stunning. This private course is part of an exclusive residential community, ensuring a tranquil and luxurious environment for its members.
The Hokulia course is designed to showcase the natural beauty of Hawaii, with expansive ocean views, dramatic elevation changes, and meticulously maintained fairways and greens. Each hole offers a unique challenge, with water features, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens that require precise shot-making and strategic play. The par-4 5th hole is particularly memorable, with its tee shot offering a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the Kona coastline. Hokulia’s commitment to excellence in course design and maintenance makes it a premier golfing destination for those seeking an elite and exclusive experience.
The Hokulia course is designed to showcase the natural beauty of Hawaii, with expansive ocean views, dramatic elevation changes, and meticulously maintained fairways and greens. Each hole offers a unique challenge, with water features, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens that require precise shot-making and strategic play. The par-4 5th hole is particularly memorable, with its tee shot offering a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the Kona coastline. Hokulia’s commitment to excellence in course design and maintenance makes it a premier golfing destination for those seeking an elite and exclusive experience.
Experience World-Class Golf
Kailua-Kona, HI, offers a diverse array of golf courses, each providing a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and luxury. From the lush, tropical surroundings of Makalei Golf Club to the exclusive oceanfront splendor of Hualalai Golf Course, there’s something for every golfer in this Hawaiian paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, the golf courses in Kailua-Kona promise an unforgettable experience. So pack your clubs, book your tee time, and discover why Kailua-Kona is a top destination for golf enthusiasts from around the world.
Find Your Dream Golf Course Home with Frank Schenk
If you’re inspired by the stunning golf courses in Kailua-Kona, HI, and are considering making this paradise your home, Frank Schenk can help you find the perfect property. Specializing in real estate in Kailua-Kona, HI, Frank Schenk offers expert advice and personalized service to guide you on your home-buying journey. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious estate overlooking a world-class golf course or a cozy home near your favorite fairways, let Frank Schenk assist you in discovering your dream home in this golfer’s paradise.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
