Big Island Golf Courses
The Golf Capital's Volcanic Masterpieces
Written by a Local Golf Expert
Leilani AkoWhere Fire Meets Fairway
The Big Island is alive. You feel it in the ground, see it in the endless fields of black lava, and witness it on the 16 golf courses that call this island home. This is the golf capital of Hawaiʻi, where the world's best designers came to test their vision against the raw power of Pele, the volcano goddess.
The contrast of pristine green fairways against the stark, black ʻaʻā is a sight you will never forget. Here, golf courses aren't just built on the land—they're carved from ancient lava flows, creating the most dramatic and unique playing surfaces in the world.
Big Island golf courses are masterpieces of engineering and vision. Playing here means experiencing golf in its most dramatic natural setting, where every shot is framed by volcanic majesty.
Premier Big Island Golf Courses
Mauna Kea Golf Course
The Vibe: The legendary trailblazer. A historic, iconic course that proved golf could not only exist on lava rock, but be transcendent because of it.
Designer: Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1964, the course has been respectfully renovated and updated by his son, Rees Jones, preserving its timeless character.
Historic Achievement: This was the first resort course on the island and the first in the world to be built on an ancient lava flow. The design features dramatic elevation changes, large undulating greens, and 120 strategically placed bunkers.
Signature Hole:
The par-3 3rd hole is one of the most famous and photographed golf holes in the world. When owner Laurance Rockefeller hosted the "Big Three"—Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player—in 1964, only Palmer managed to hit this 250-yard green over a churning ocean inlet, instantly cementing the hole's legendary status.
World-Class Amenities
- • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel access
- • On-cart GPS systems
- • Full-service pro shop
- • Private lessons available
- • "Unlimited Golf Package" for dedicated players
Hualālai Golf Course
The Vibe: An exclusive, private resort course that is impeccably conditioned and serves as the annual host for the PGA Tour Champions. This is where the legends of the game come to play.
Designer: This is the first course on Hawaiʻi Island designed by the one and only Jack Nicklaus, showcasing his mastery of strategic golf course design.
Landscape: The par-72 layout is a masterclass in routing, weaving through the dramatic black lavascape of Kaʻūpūlehu. While the lava provides a stunning backdrop, Nicklaus designed generous landing areas, making it challenging but fair.
Exclusive Experience
- • Four Seasons Resort Hualālai guests only
- • Hualālai Golf Hale instruction center
- • Residents' Beach House dining
- • Host to Mitsubishi Electric Championship
- • Spectacular ocean views and shoreline finish
Big Island Golf at a Glance
Mauna Kea Golf Course
Kohala Coast • Resort • $$$$ • Historic lava pioneer
Hualālai Golf Course
Kona Coast • Private • $$$$ • Nicklaus design
Mauna Lani (North & South)
Kohala Coast • Resort • $$$$ • Through lava fields
Hapuna Golf Course
Kohala Coast • Resort • $$$$ • Palmer links-style
Waikoloa Beach Resort
Kohala Coast • Resort • $$$$ • Two RTJ II courses
Volcano Golf & Country Club
Volcano • Public • $$ • 4,000 ft elevation
Naniloa Country Club
Hilo • Public • $$ • Rainforest setting
Sea Mountain Golf Course
Ka'u • Public • $$ • Black sand beach views
🔗 Explore Hawaiian Golf
ℹ️ Big Island Golf Facts
- Total Courses: 16 courses
- Famous For: Volcanic landscapes
- First Lava Course: Mauna Kea 1964
- PGA Champions: Hualālai hosts event
- Unique Feature: Golf on active volcano
⏰ Best Playing Conditions
- Kona/Kohala Coast - Consistently sunny
- Early morning - Before trade winds
- Volcano area - Cooler temperatures
- Year-round play possible