Top Golf Courses in Hawaii

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Key Takeaways

Hawaii boasts over 100 golf courses, including notable ones like Kapalua Plantation, Mauna Kea, and Wailea Golf Club.
Each course offers a unique experience amidst lush landscapes and ocean vistas, showcasing Hawaii's tropical beauty.
Courses are designed by renowned architects, incorporating natural elements like water hazards and native vegetation.

Hawaii Best In State Rankings evaluate courses based on user reviews, highlighting exceptional conditions, scenic views, and unique challenges.

Best Golf Courses in Hawaii

With over 100 golf courses scattered across the islands, you'll find some of the most exceptional and challenging links in the world, including the renowned Kapalua Plantation Course, Mauna Kea Golf Course, Wailea Golf Club, and the exclusive Nanea Golf Club. Each of these courses offers a unique experience that will test your skills and leave you in awe of Hawaii's natural beauty.

Kapalua Plantation Course, a PGA Tour favorite, boasts a par-73 layout and breathtaking ocean views.

Mauna Kea Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and signature par-three hole that plays over the Pacific Ocean.

The Wailea Golf Club on Maui features three distinct courses – Gold, Emerald, and Blue – each known for exceptional maintenance and picturesque landscapes.

Lastly, the exclusive Nanea Golf Club on the Big Island, designed by David McLay Kidd, is praised for its world-class design and limited access, making it a coveted experience among golfers.

When it comes to golf in Hawaii, these top courses offer an unparalleled experience that will challenge your skills and leave you enchanted by the islands' natural beauty.

Unique Course Characteristics

As you step onto Hawaii's golf courses, you'll discover a diverse range of unique characteristics that set each course apart, from dramatic elevation changes to stunning ocean vistas. Each course has its own distinct features that will challenge and delight you.

Course	Unique Characteristics	Notable Features
Kapalua Plantation Course	Longest in Hawaii, diverse terrain, challenging elevation changes	Par-73 layout, breathtaking views
Mauna Kea Golf Course	Stunning ocean views, dramatic landscapes	Signature par-three hole over the Pacific
Wailea Golf Club	Three distinct courses, unique challenges, stunning vistas	Gold Course recognized as most challenging
Ko Olina Golf Club	Strategic play, tiered greens, water features	Scenic and player-friendly layout
Turtle Bay Resort Golf Course	Scottish links-style layout, tropical jungle elements	Two 18-hole courses, wide fairways, ocean vistas

From the Kapalua Plantation Course's challenging elevation changes to Mauna Kea Golf Course's stunning ocean views, each course offers a unique experience. The Wailea Golf Club's three distinct courses provide a range of challenges, while Ko Olina Golf Club's strategic play and scenic layout make it a must-play. Turtle Bay Resort Golf Course's two 18-hole courses offer a unique blend of Scottish links-style and tropical jungle elements. With so many unique characteristics, you'll find a course that suits your style and skill level.

Golfing Experience in Paradise

You'll find that Hawaii's golf courses offer an unparalleled golfing experience in paradise, where lush tropical landscapes, dramatic elevation changes, and stunning ocean vistas come together to create a truly unique and unforgettable round of golf. As you tee off, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.

On Maui, the Kapalua Plantation Course's challenging layout and stunning ocean views make it a must-play for enthusiasts. The Mauna Kea Golf Course on the Big Island offers a unique experience with its significant elevation changes and ocean vistas.

Meanwhile, courses like the Wailea Golf Club on Maui feature three distinct 18-hole layouts, each designed to enhance the natural beauty of the Hawaiian landscape. If you're looking for an exclusive experience, the Manele Golf Course on Lanai, designed by Jack Nicklaus, offers cliffside greens and panoramic ocean views, accessible only to Four Seasons Resort guests.

Whatever your skill level, Hawaii's golf courses promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling like you're golfing in paradise.

Course Rankings and Reviews

Golfers seeking to tee off at the best courses in Hawaii can rely on the Hawaii Best In State Rankings, which provide an extensive evaluation of the state's golf courses based on user reviews and continuous feedback.

Updated annually, these rankings reflect the collective opinions of golfers like you, ensuring that the top courses are accurately represented. To qualify, courses must have at least five reviews, which are then weighted to prioritize newer feedback, giving you a realistic picture of current course conditions and player experiences.

User reviews highlight exceptional course conditions, scenic views, and unique challenges, contributing to the overall satisfaction and popularity of courses like Kamehameha Golf Club and Mauna Lani Golf. By considering these reviews, you'll get a sense of what to expect from the best golf courses in Hawaii, from the quality of the greens to the breathtaking scenic views.

Your feedback is encouraged, as it helps maintain accurate rankings and improve the golfing experience, making it a valuable resource for golfers seeking the best golf in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Golf Course Designs

Designing Hawaiian golf courses requires a deep understanding of the islands' unique landscapes. Renowned architects like Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr. carefully weave challenging layouts into the volcanic terrain, oceanfront holes, and lush tropical scenery. As you step onto these courses, you'll appreciate the meticulous attention to detail that has gone into crafting an unforgettable golfing experience.

Here are some key features that make Hawaiian golf course designs stand out:

Incorporation of natural elements: Many courses incorporate water hazards, native vegetation, and dramatic elevation changes to enhance the aesthetic appeal while promoting environmental sustainability.
Spectacular scenery: Courses like the Kapalua Plantation Course offer breathtaking views, making them a favorite among PGA Tour players.

Unique landscapes: From volcanic terrain to oceanfront holes, each island offers a distinct golfing experience.

Whether you're playing public golf or enjoying a private course, Hawaiian golf course designs guarantee an unforgettable experience amidst some of the world's most stunning natural beauty.

Island-Hopping Golf Adventures

As you plan your island-hopping golf adventure, you'll want to prioritize courses that offer unparalleled views and a taste of golfing in paradise.

With Hawaii's unique landscapes and diverse courses, you'll have ample opportunities to tee off amidst stunning ocean vistas, lush tropical landscapes, and dramatic elevation changes.

Golfing in Paradise

Immerse yourself in the ultimate island-hopping golf adventure, where Hawaii's diverse landscapes and unique courses await your every swing. With over 70 courses across the islands, you'll experience volcanic roughs, coastal views, and breathtaking elevation changes.

Here are four must-play destinations to add to your island-hopping itinerary:

Ko Olina Golf Club on Oahu, known for its challenging play and stunning ocean views.
Princeville Makai Golf Club on Kauai, offering dramatic ocean and mountain vistas.
The Plantation Course at Kapalua on Maui, a championship-caliber course with breathtaking elevation changes and ocean views.

Each course offers a unique experience, allowing you to hone your skills and take in the breathtaking scenery.

As you island-hop, you'll discover why Hawaii is a golfer's paradise. With its rich volcanic soil, tropical climate, and stunning landscapes, Hawaii provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable golfing adventure.

Golf Courses With Views

Get ready to tee off at some of Hawaii's most visually stunning golf courses, where dramatic ocean vistas, lush landscapes, and challenging play come together to create an unforgettable island-hopping golf adventure.

You'll be treated to breathtaking scenery at courses like Kapalua Plantation Course, home to the PGA TOUR's Sentry Tournament of Champions, which offers panoramic views of the coastline and lush landscapes.

On Kauai, Princeville Makai Golf Club showcases spectacular ocean and mountain views, enhancing the golfing experience with its eco-friendly design and diverse tee options.

Over on Maui, the Wailea Gold course provides sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and ocean, making it a must-play.

Meanwhile, Turtle Bay Resort Golf Course features two courses, both offering picturesque views, with the Arnold Palmer Course incorporating water hazards and lush tropical landscaping into its scenic layout.

Unfortunately, Mauna Kea Golf Course and Poipu Bay Golf didn't make this list, but rest assured, they're just as visually stunning.

With these courses, you'll be spoiled for choice on your island-hopping golf adventure.

Teeing Off in Tropical Landscapes

Stepping onto the lush, emerald fairways of Hawaii's golf courses, you're immediately enveloped in a tropical paradise, where the majestic scenery and challenging layouts combine to create an unforgettable golfing experience.

As you tee off, you'll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with courses carefully crafted to take advantage of the island's dramatic landscapes.

Here are some of the top courses that showcase Hawaii's tropical landscapes:

Mauna Kea Golf Course: With its dramatic ocean views and signature par-three hole that plays over the Pacific Ocean, this course is a must-play for any golfer.
Wailea Golf Club: Featuring three distinct courses, each offering panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding mountains, this club caters to golfers of all skill levels.
Ko Olina Golf Club: Combining strategic layouts with water features and lush landscaping, this course enhances the overall experience of teeing off in an island paradise.

Each of these courses offers a unique and unforgettable golfing experience, set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii's tropical landscapes.

Golfing in Hawaii's Natural Beauty

As you step onto Hawaii's golf courses, you'll be surrounded by the state's unique natural beauty, characterized by dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and lush greenery.

You'll have the opportunity to experience oceanfront holes that offer breathtaking views, and navigate through courses that incorporate Hawaii's tropical climate into their design.

From the elevation changes to the strategic water features, every aspect of these courses is carefully crafted to take advantage of the island's stunning natural environment.

Hawaiian Landscapes

With over 50 golf courses scattered across the islands, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to experiencing Hawaii's natural beauty on the links. From volcanic rock formations to lush tropical vegetation, each course offers a unique landscape that challenges and inspires.

Here are four reasons why Hawaiian landscapes make golfing in the Aloha State truly unforgettable:

Stunning ocean views: Many courses boast breathtaking ocean vistas, elevating the golfing experience to new heights.
Natural lava formations: Courses like Mauna Kea feature natural lava landscapes, adding an extra layer of challenge and beauty to your game.
Lush tropical vegetation: The integration of native plants and sustainable landscaping practices creates a visually stunning environment that's as challenging as it's beautiful.

As you navigate the links, you'll appreciate the meticulous attention to detail that goes into preserving Hawaii's ecology while creating a world-class golfing experience.

Oceanfront Holes

You'll encounter some of the most breathtaking holes in golf when you tee off at Hawaii's oceanfront courses, where the Pacific Ocean's turquoise waters and dramatic shoreline vistas create an unforgettable experience.

At Mauna Kea Golf Course, you'll face the signature par-three hole, playing over the Pacific Ocean's waves.

The Ocean Course at Hokuala on Kauai takes it to the next level, boasting the longest stretch of shorefront holes in Hawaii, offering breathtaking views of both the ocean and surrounding mountains.

Manele Golf Course on Lanai is renowned for its cliffside greens that overlook the ocean, providing a dramatic backdrop for each shot.

At the Turtle Bay Resort's Arnold Palmer Course, you'll encounter multiple holes that run alongside the coastline, enhancing the natural beauty of the golfing experience.

And, at Mauna Lani's South Course, the 15th hole features an iconic over-the-water shot, showcasing Hawaii's unique volcanic landscape combined with ocean views.

With each shot, you'll be immersed in Hawaii's stunning natural beauty, making for an unforgettable golfing experience.

Tropical Climate

Golfing in Hawaii's tropical climate means teeing off amidst year-round warm temperatures and gentle trade winds that create ideal playing conditions, attracting players from around the world to the islands' diverse landscapes.

You'll experience the BEST Hawaii Golf in this stunning backdrop, where lush fairways and well-maintained greens await.

Here are four reasons why Hawaii's tropical climate makes it a golfer's paradise:

Year-round warm temperatures: Enjoy comfortable playing conditions, free from harsh weather extremes.

Gentle trade winds: These consistent breezes provide a revitalizing challenge to your game.
Diverse landscapes: From coastal courses with Pacific Ocean vistas to mountainous layouts surrounded by tropical flora, each course offers a unique experience.

As you navigate the courses, you'll appreciate the attention to detail that goes into maintaining these world-class facilities.

With its unique combination of natural beauty and ideal playing conditions, Hawaii's tropical climate is the perfect setting for an unforgettable golfing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Hawaiian Island Has the Best Golf Courses?

When evaluating the best golfing experience, you'll find that Oahu's diverse golf options, Kauai's picturesque courses, Maui's breathtaking views, Lanai's meticulously manicured greens, and Molokai's rugged golfing terrain each offer unique challenges, making it tough to pick just one island as the best.

Where Do the Pros Play Golf in Hawaii?

You'll find pros teeing off at PGA Tour events like the Sentry Tournament of Champions, where they tackle Kapalua's challenging par-73 layout, and the Sony Open in Hawaii, which attracts top golfers with its oceanfront setting and favorable Hawaii weather.

What Is the Number One Golf Course in Maui?

You'll find the best Maui golfing experience at the Plantation Course, where celebrity golfers converge for the Sentry Tournament of Champions, and you can relish course amenities, breathtaking ocean views, and challenging play amidst lush tropical landscapes.

How Many Golf Courses Are on the Big Island of Hawaii?

You'll discover approximately 15 golf courses on the Big Island, boasting a rich golf history, thoughtfully designed courses that incorporate scenic views, and hosting local tournaments that challenge players of all levels.

Conclusion

As you stand on the lush green fairway, the warm tropical breeze whispers secrets of the ancient islands, and the majestic volcanoes rise like giants on the horizon.

With every swing, the sweet scent of plumeria and the rhythmic crash of the Pacific waves harmonize in perfect symphony.

In Hawaii's top golf courses, the boundaries between nature and sport blur, and the experience transcends mere recreation, becoming a spiritual odyssey.