Best Golf Courses in Hawaii: Top Island Picks for Every Player

Hawaii’s golf courses stand out worldwide for their dramatic oceanfront settings, lava-strewn fairways, and designs by golf legends. These venues offer more than just play—they immerse you in volcanic landscapes, trade winds, and aloha spirit. Whether you’re a low-handicapper chasing birdies or a casual player savoring views, the islands deliver unmatched experiences. This guide highlights premier destinations across Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai, drawing from expert rankings and player favorites.

Why Golf in Hawaii Excels

The archipelago’s unique geology shapes extraordinary courses. Ancient lava flows create natural bunkers, while Pacific breezes test shot-making. Many resorts pair 18 holes with luxury stays, spas, and luaus. Peak season runs December to April for drier weather, but summer brings fewer crowds and lush greens. Expect green fees from $200 to $500+, with resort packages easing costs. Public access varies—some elite clubs require stays or memberships, but public gems abound.

• Diverse terrains: Cliffside drops, jungle fringes, and desert-like expanses.
• Designer prestige: Nicklaus, Jones family, Palmer signatures elevate play.
• Year-round appeal: Mild temps (70-85°F) suit all skill levels.

Big Island: Volcanic Drama Meets Fairway Perfection

The Big Island’s courses weave through black lava fields and along Kohala Coast, offering raw power and serenity. Home to several top-10 ranked layouts, it’s ideal for serious golfers.

Manele Golf Course

Perched on Lanai’s cliffs, this Jack Nicklaus masterpiece (1993) tops many lists for sheer spectacle. Signature holes plunge toward the sea, with winds amplifying drama. Par 72, 7,000+ yards, it demands precision—carry shots over gorges thrill pros and terrify amateurs alike. Four Seasons Resort Lanai guests enjoy priority; non-guests book via tee times. Recent rankings place it #1 in Hawaii.

Mauna Kea Golf Course

Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s 1964 design on Kohala Coast set Hawaii’s gold standard. Renovated, it features the famed 3rd hole—a 400-yard par 4 over ocean cliffs. Lush fairways contrast rugged lava, with Mauna Kea views. Par 72, slopes to 140; winds challenge approaches. Westin Hapuna Beach Resort access; fees around $300.

Nanea Golf Club

David McLay Kidd’s private 2003 gem in Kailua-Kona emphasizes natural contours. Oceanfront holes with fescue and bunkers evoke Scottish links. Exclusive to members and guests, it’s ranked highly for conditioning and strategy.

Hualalai Golf Courses

Jack Nicklaus’ 1996 layout at Four Seasons Hualalai offers dual courses: the ocean-hugging main and Ke’olu’s inland variety. Pristine, with pineapple-lined fairways and black lava hazards. Resort-exclusive; top-tier service includes forecaddie options.

Big Island Quick Stats Table

Maui: Lush Layouts and Plantation Legacy

Maui blends plantation-era courses with modern resorts, where humpback whales might breach mid-round. Kapalua reigns supreme.

Kapalua Plantation Course

Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore’s 1991 redesign hosts the PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament. Plantation house backdrop, with holes climbing ridges for panoramic views. Par 73, 7,411 yards; wind-swept closing stretch is legendary. Ritz-Carlton Kapalua access; public-friendly.

Wailea Resort Courses

Robert Trent Jones Jr. crafted Gold, Blue, and Emerald—Gold and Emerald top rankings. Gold’s ocean holes and Emerald’s waterfalls create variety. Par 72 each; Wailea Resort guests get perks. Fees $300-400.

Wailea Gold Course

RTJ Jr.’s 1994 track rolls through rolling terrain with Maui Channel vistas. Challenging par 5s reward bold play. Highly rated for scenery and pace.

Kauai: Garden Isle Greens

Kauai’s rainforested north shore and south coast deliver intimate, scenic rounds.

Makai Golf Club at Princeville

Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s 1971 course, remodeled 2010, hugs cliffs with Hanalei Bay views. Ocean holes 15-17 are bucket-list material. Par 72, 7,178 yards; public via 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

Hokuala Ocean Course

Nicklaus’ 1998 design (renovated 2016) features carryovers and wetlands. Par 72; top-10 contender for playability.

Poipu Bay Golf Club

RTJ Jr.’s 1991 former Senior Tour site overlooks Pacific. Dramatic par 3s; now public-ish via Grand Hyatt.

Oahu: Accessible Excellence

Oahu packs punch with urban-proximate gems, balancing challenge and convenience.

Ko Olina Golf Club

Ted Robinson’s four nines form varied 18s near Honolulu. Lagoon views, palm-lined; public with resort ties. Tripadvisor favorite.

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

Nestled by mountains, this 18-hole par 72 (6,609 yards, slope 138) offers Oahu’s best vistas. Luxury club vibe.

Kapolei Golf Club

Rated #8 public by GolfPass 2025, this Oahu standout impresses with conditions and value. Public access, top-25 Hawaii.

Planning Your Hawaii Golf Trip

Book 6-12 months ahead for peaks. Resorts like Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton bundle stays with tees. Fly into island hubs: Kona/Lihua for Big Island, Kahului for Maui. Rent carts (mandatory), pack layers for winds. Eco-tip: Many courses conserve water via native grasses.

• Best for luxury: Hualalai, Nanea.
• Public picks: Kapalua, Kapolei.
• Signature holes: Manele’s 12th cliff par 3, Mauna Kea’s 3rd.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the top-ranked golf courses in Hawaii?

Manele, Kapalua Plantation, Mauna Kea lead lists from Golf Course Gurus and Top 100.

Are Hawaii golf courses public?

Many are resort-public; privates need guest status. Kapalua, Ko Olina welcome all.

Best time for Hawaii golf?

December-April for dry; shoulder seasons save money.

How much do green fees cost?

$250-600, lower off-peak or twilight.

Which island has the best golf?

Big Island for quantity, Maui for tournaments.

Pro Tips for Island Links

Club up into winds, favor low irons on carries. Post-round, unwind with poke bowls or mai tais. Pair golf with hikes, beaches for full aloha.