The Best Golf Courses in the Hawaiian Islands: Tee Off in Paradise

The Best Golf Courses in the Hawaiian Islands: Tee Off in Paradise

Hawaii isn't just a paradise for surfers, hikers, and beach lovers—it's also a golfer's dream destination. With its dramatic landscapes, stunning ocean views, and lush, tropical greenery, the Aloha State is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual golfer, the Hawaiian Islands offer a variety of courses that will leave you in awe of both their design and their natural surroundings.

Here’s a look at some of the best golf courses in Hawaii that should be on every golfer's bucket list.

1. Kapalua Plantation Course (Maui)

Location: Lahaina, Maui
Par: 73
Length: 7,411 yards
Designed by: Ben Crenshaw & Bill Coore

The Kapalua Plantation Course is one of Maui’s most iconic courses and a frequent host of the PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament of Champions. Set on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, this course offers dramatic elevation changes, sweeping coastal views, and lush fairways. The par-73 layout is challenging but fair, with wide fairways and large greens. However, it’s the panoramic ocean views that steal the show, particularly on holes like the par-5 18th, which seems to stretch right into the Pacific. For any golfer visiting Maui, this course is a must-play.

2. Princeville Makai Golf Club (Kauai)

Location: Princeville, Kauai
Par: 72
Length: 7,223 yards
Designed by: Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Located on the lush island of Kauai, the Princeville Makai Golf Club is a true gem in the world of Hawaiian golf courses. This course offers not only a challenge for golfers but also incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. The course has been updated and redesigned in recent years but still retains the charm and natural beauty of Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s original design. Notable holes include the par-3 17th, which requires a shot over the ocean with breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay. With its pristine conditions and unique setting, Princeville Makai is one of the finest courses in Hawaii.

3. Waialae Country Club (Oahu)

Location: Honolulu, Oahu
Par: 70
Length: 7,044 yards
Designed by: Seth Raynor

Waialae Country Club, located just east of Honolulu, is one of the premier golf clubs on Oahu and another course that regularly hosts PGA Tour events, notably the Sony Open in Hawaii. With its location along the coastline, Waialae offers incredible ocean views, palm trees lining the fairways, and a course layout that’s both challenging and fair. The course design by Seth Raynor provides a mix of strategic doglegs and beautifully framed holes that require accuracy over distance. The greens are fast and tricky, adding to the challenge, but it’s the overall scenic beauty that will keep you coming back.

4. Hualalai Golf Course (Big Island)

Location: Kailua-Kona, Big Island
Par: 72
Length: 7,100 yards
Designed by: Jack Nicklaus

The Hualalai Golf Course is located on the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and is often regarded as one of the best courses in Hawaii, if not the entire country. Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, the course is set against a backdrop of lava fields, swaying palm trees, and spectacular ocean views. The layout is challenging, with several holes that play alongside the Pacific Ocean, creating stunning vistas. The course also features unique elements like the par-3 7th hole, which requires a tee shot over a natural lava ravine. Whether you’re staying at the resort or just visiting, Hualalai is a bucket-list course for serious golfers.

5. Makena Golf & Beach Club (Maui)

Location: Kihei, Maui
Par: 72
Length: 7,000 yards
Designed by: Arnold Palmer & Ed Seay

Makena Golf & Beach Club is another hidden gem on Maui that offers a unique blend of challenge and beauty. Set on the southern coast of Maui, this course is renowned for its oceanfront holes and rolling terrain that takes golfers through volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, and coastal cliffs. Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, Makena offers a memorable experience with its mix of open fairways and tricky greens. The course features several holes with direct views of the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal place for golfers who enjoy both a challenge and a picturesque setting.

6. The Club at Kukui'ula (Kauai)

Location: Poipu, Kauai
Par: 72
Length: 7,100 yards
Designed by: Tom Weiskopf

For a more exclusive and tranquil golf experience, the Club at Kukui'ula is a private course that offers an unforgettable round of golf. Located on the sunny south shore of Kauai, this Tom Weiskopf-designed course is set within a private, lush resort community and provides an experience of both serenity and challenge. The course features fairways lined with tropical vegetation, stunning ocean views, and a series of holes that meander through the island’s natural terrain. It’s a true Hawaiian golf experience, one that is made even better by the island's natural beauty.

7. Nanea Golf Club (Big Island)

Location: Kailua-Kona, Big Island
Par: 72
Length: 7,199 yards
Designed by: David McLay Kidd

Nanea Golf Club is a private, members-only club located on the Big Island that is regarded as one of the most exclusive and beautiful courses in Hawaii. Designed by David McLay Kidd, Nanea blends seamlessly into the rugged Hawaiian landscape, with fairways that wind through volcanic rock, native plants, and views of the Pacific Ocean. The course is challenging, with multiple risk-reward holes and blind shots, but it offers a serene, remote atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else. While not open to the public, if you have the opportunity to play here, it’s an experience like no other.

Why Play Golf in Hawaii?

Beyond the high-quality courses, golf in Hawaii offers something special. The natural beauty of the islands is unparalleled, with courses set amidst lush valleys, towering volcanoes, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. The weather is warm year-round, making it a perfect golfing destination no matter when you visit. The aloha spirit is alive on the greens, and whether you're playing a challenging course or simply soaking in the views, you’ll feel the relaxation and calm that comes with being in such a pristine environment.

Whether you choose to play on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, Hawaii's golf courses will not only test your skills but also immerse you in an unforgettable setting. So pack your clubs, book your tee time, and get ready to tee off in paradise. Your next golf adventure awaits in Hawaii!