Planning Your Big Island Golf Playbook

Planning Your Big Island Golf Playbook

A great golf trip is about more than just the courses; it's about smart planning. Knowing the local weather patterns, how to secure the best tee times, and what to pack can make the difference between a good vacation and a perfect one. Here's my insider advice to help you prepare for your Big Island golf adventure.

Best Time of Year to Golf

The Big Island is famous for its diverse microclimates, with 10 of the world's 15 climate zones found right here. But for golfers, it's simpler. The main golf corridor on the Kona-Kohala coast is one of the driest, sunniest places in all of Hawaii, with great weather year-round.

Hawaii really only has two seasons: kau (summer, from May to October) and hoʻoilo (winter, from November to April). The winter months are slightly cooler and see a bit more rain, but the weather is very localized. If a shower pops up, it's often brief, and a sunny spot is usually just a short drive away.

Wind Timing is Everything

The biggest factor isn't the month, it's the time of day. The trade winds, which blow from the northeast, are a blessing that keeps the islands cool, but they almost always pick up in the afternoon. For the calmest and best playing conditions, I always recommend booking a morning tee time.

However, if you're looking for a deal, nearly every course offers "twilight rates" in the afternoon that are significantly cheaper precisely because of the windier conditions. If you don't mind a challenge, playing in the afternoon is a great way to save some money.

Booking Tee Times as a Non-Resort Guest

Securing your spot on the first tee is straightforward if you know how to approach it.

What to Pack for Island Golf

Packing correctly ensures you're comfortable and can focus on your game.

The Ultimate Hawaiian Vacation

A trip to the Big Island is often part of a larger Hawaiian adventure. Many of our visitors "island hop" to experience the unique character of each island. If your travels take you to our sister island of Oahu after your golf rounds here, there are a couple of experiences I always recommend to round out your trip.

For Adrenaline-Pumping Action (Oahu)

After you've tested your nerve on Mauna Kea's 3rd hole, you might be looking for a different kind of thrill. If your plans include a stop on Oahu and you want to keep the adventure going, I always tell people to head to Coral Crater Adventure Park in Kapolei.

It's an outdoor playground for all ages. Their ATV tours are a fantastic way to tear up some dirt trails and see a different side of the island, with options for two-seater ATVs that are great for couples or families. For a high-flying experience, the 6-line zipline course that soars through the jungle canopy is an absolute blast.

They also have an "Adventure Tower" with climbing walls and an 18-element obstacle course for anyone who wants to test their inner ninja. It's a perfect way to add some high-octane fun to your vacation.

For a Touch of History (Oahu)

No visit to Hawaiʻi is complete without understanding its past. The islands' beauty is matched by the depth of their history. Whether you're coming from the Big Island or another neighbor island, a visit to Pearl Harbor on Oahu is essential.

It's the most important historical site in the Pacific and a place of profound reflection. The experience begins with a powerful documentary film before you take a U.S. Navy-operated boat out to the memorial itself.

Standing on the USS Arizona Memorial, which rests above the sunken battleship where 1,177 crewmen lost their lives, is a deeply moving experience that provides a perspective that stays with you long after you've left. You can also visit the Battleship Missouri, where the surrender was signed to end WWII, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. It's a day of remembrance that truly grounds your Hawaiian vacation in a deeper context.

A Final Aloha

The Big Island doesn't just offer golf courses; it offers adventures. Each fairway is a story written in lava and grass, a testament to the power of nature and the vision of those who dared to build here. From the wind-swept cliffs of the Kohala Coast to the cool, misty highlands of a volcano, the diversity of golf here is unmatched.

It's a place where you can be humbled by the challenge, awestruck by the beauty, and connected to the powerful spirit of the land all in a single round.

I hope this helps you find your own story here, whether it's conquering a world-famous par 3 or discovering a hidden gem that you can't wait to tell your friends about. The greatest joy for those of us who call this place home is sharing its magic with others.

May your drives be long, your putts be true, and your time on our island be unforgettable.