Teeing Off in Paradise
Your ultimate guide to Hawaii's world-class golf courses
Written by Local Golf Expert
Leilani AkoGolf in Hawaii: A Conversation with the ʻĀina
"There's a moment on the 3rd tee at Mauna Kea, with the Pacific churning in the cove below, where you understand that golf in Hawaii isn't just a game. It's a conversation with the ʻāina, the land itself."
— Leilani Ako, Local Golf Expert
Our golf story is a journey through time, a reflection of the islands' own transformation. It begins not with grand resorts, but in the late 1890s with Scottish plantation managers who carved out the first fairways on Oahu's fertile soil, bringing their beloved sport to a new paradise.
From this humble beginning rose the Moanalua Golf Club, established in 1898 as the oldest course in Hawaii. This agricultural foundation soon gave way to visionaries like Laurance Rockefeller, who looked upon fields of black lava and saw potential, ushering in the age of resort golf in the 1960s.
Why Hawaii is Golf's Greatest Destination
🌺 Year-Round Perfect Weather
With trade winds and consistent temperatures, Hawaii offers ideal golf conditions 365 days a year.
🏝️ Dramatic Volcanic Landscapes
Play through lava fields, tropical jungles, and along dramatic ocean cliffs for unforgettable views.
🏆 Championship Pedigree
Home to PGA Tour events and courses designed by legends like Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus.
💎 Variety for Every Budget
From world-class resort courses to exceptional municipal tracks, Hawaii has options for every golfer.
Explore Golf by Island
Oʻahu - The Heartbeat
40+ courses from historic Moanalua to championship Ko Olina
Big Island - Golf Capital
Legendary Mauna Kea and dramatic lava field courses
Maui - Valley Isle Glamour
Kapalua Plantation and luxury resort courses with whale watching
Kauaʻi - Garden Isle Beauty
Ocean Course at Hōkūala and stunning North Shore views
⛳ Hawaii Golf by Numbers
- Total Courses: 75+
- Oldest Course: 1898
- PGA Tour Events: Multiple
- Best Playing Season: Year-round!
🚀 Quick Access
💡 Local Expert Tip
"When it's breezy, swing easy. Hawaii's trade winds are constant - take more club and make a smooth swing for better ball flight."
— Leilani's #1 Golf Tip
🔗 More Hawaii Adventures
Must-Play Hawaiian Golf Courses
Mauna Kea Golf Course
Big Island • Resort
The legendary course with the world's most famous par-3 3rd hole
Kapalua Plantation
Maui • Resort
Home to The Sentry PGA Tour event with dramatic elevation changes
Ocean Course Hōkūala
Kauai • Resort
Longest continuous oceanfront stretch in Hawaii
Moanalua Golf Club
Oahu • Historic
Hawaii's oldest golf course, established in 1898