Uncover Hawaii’s Top Rated Golf Courses and Experience The Best

If you’re looking for the top golf courses in Hawaii, you’re in luck. Hawaii is home to some of the most spectacular and scenic golf courses in the world, offering a variety of challenges, views and experiences for golfers of all skill levels.

Whether you want to play on a volcanic landscape, a tropical paradise, or a cliffside overlooking the ocean, Hawaii has it all. Here are some of the top golf courses in Hawaii that you should check out on your next trip.

Top Golf Courses in Hawaii

Mauna Kea Golf Course

Located on the Big Island, Mauna Kea Golf Course is one of Hawaii’s oldest and most revered courses. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1964, the course features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, white sand bunkers, and lush fairways that contrast with the black lava rocks. The signature hole is the par-3 third, which requires a tee shot over an ocean cove to a green guarded by bunkers and waves. Mauna Kea Golf Course is a classic test of golf that will challenge and delight you.

Wailea Golf Club

Wailea Golf Club is a premier golf destination on Maui, offering three championship courses: the Blue, the Gold and the Emerald. Each course has its own character and charm, but they all share the same breathtaking views of the ocean and the mountains.

Wailea’s Blue course is the resort’s original layout and is the oldest and most forgiving one. It was designed by Arthur Jack Snyder and is loved by golf enthusiasts for its charm and challenges. The course features coral sand bunkers and wide fairways that offer risk-reward choices, making it a fun play every time. Its sloping fairways and strategically placed bunkers require skillful playing. The greens can sometimes be perplexing, but the fabulous vistas of Wailea, Mt. Haleakala, the ocean, and Maui’s neighboring isles make it worth the challenge.

The Gold Course is known for its challenging layout, characterized by strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and lava outcroppings. Designed by the renowned architect Robert Trent Jones II, the Gold Course has received numerous accolades from industry experts, including Golfweek, Golf Digest, Golf Advisor, and Golf Magazine.

The Emerald Golf Course is a scenic course that is designed to be enjoyed by all golfers, regardless of their skill level. With its colorful flowers, water features, and breathtaking views, the course is a delight for the senses. It was masterfully designed by Robert Trent Jones II to be both fun and challenging, and it offers women- and couples-friendly features. The course will test your club selection and ball placement skills, while also providing an enjoyable experience.

Manele Golf Course

Manele Golf Course, designed by Nicklaus, is a masterpiece located on the island of Lanai. The course is situated on a cliff above Hulopoe Bay, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and neighboring islands. The course is renowned for its three ocean-cove holes, including the par-3 12th, which was inspired by Pebble Beach’s famous seventh hole. Manele Golf Course is a must-play for any golfer visiting Hawaii, as it offers a unique combination of beauty, challenge, and fun in an exceptional setting.

Kapalua: Plantation

Kapalua: Plantation is one of Hawaii’s most famous golf courses, as it hosts the PGA Tour’s season-opening event every year. The course was designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, who used the land’s natural contours to create a links-style layout that blends with the environment.

With its wide fairways, generous greens, deep bunkers and dramatic elevation changes, the lengthy par-73 course spanning 7,596 yards is a challenge for pros but playable for average golfers. The signature hole is the par-5 18th, which offers a thrilling downhill tee shot and a stunning view of Molokai Island.

Turtle Bay Resort Arnold Palmer Golf Course

The Arnold Palmer Golf Course in Turtle Bay is another renowned golf course on Oahu’s north shore, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. The course winds through wetlands, forests and coastal dunes, offering a variety of challenges and scenery.

The golf course presents a unique challenge to golfers as they navigate through two distinct landscapes. The front nine is designed in a Scottish Links style layout, while the back nine has a more tropical setting and winds through lush green surroundings.

The course is shaped like a horseshoe and surrounds the Punahoʻolapa marsh, which is a 100-acre wetland and bird sanctuary. Water hazards are present on 14 of the Palmer holes. The signature 17th hole offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean from the green, while the hole itself is dotted with nine bunkers, making it both scenic and challenging.

The course is home to abundant wildlife, including sea turtles, monk seals and whales. The signature hole is the par-4 17th, which plays along the ocean and requires an accurate approach to a narrow green.

Poipu Bay Golf Course

Poipu Bay Golf Course is a Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed gem on Kauai’s south shore. The course boasts spectacular views of the mountains and the ocean and ancient stone walls and heiau (temples) that add to its historical charm.

The course features rolling fairways, water hazards and trade winds that test your skills. The signature hole is the par-4 16th, which plays along a 150-foot cliff above crashing waves.

When is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Golfers?

Hawaii is a paradise for golfers, with some of the most spectacular and scenic golf courses in the world. But when is the best time to visit Hawaii for golf? The answer depends on what you’re looking for: weather, prices, crowds, or events. In this section, we’ll help you decide when to plan your golf trip to Hawaii based on these factors.

Weather

Hawaii has a pleasant climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 78°F in winter to 85°F in summer. However, there are some variations depending on the season and the island. Summer is generally drier and hotter, while winter is rainier and cooler. The trade winds also affect the weather, creating a wetter windward side and a drier leeward side on each island.

If you want to enjoy the sun and the breeze, summer is a great time to visit Hawaii for golf, especially from June to August. The courses are in excellent condition, the ocean is calm and clear, and the surf is up on the south shores. However, summer is also the peak season for tourism, so expect higher prices and more crowds.

If you prefer cooler temperatures and less humidity, winter is a good option, especially from December to February. The courses are still in good shape, the ocean is rougher and colder, and the surf is up on the north shores. Winter is also the best time to see humpback whales, who migrate to Hawaii from November to May. However, winter is also a busy season, especially during the holidays, so book early and be prepared for rain.

The best time to visit Hawaii for golf weather is between March and September, when it sees the least rain and the highest temperatures. This is also when you’ll find fewer visitors and lower rates.

Prices

Hawaii is an expensive destination, but you can save money by traveling during the off-season or shoulder season. The off-season is from September to November and from April to May, when demand is low and prices are cheaper. The shoulder season is from June to August and from December to March, when demand is moderate and prices are reasonable.

The most expensive time to visit Hawaii for golf is during the peak season, which coincides with school breaks and holidays. July is the busiest month for visitor arrivals, followed by December. During these months, airfare and hotel rates are at their highest, and availability is limited.

The best time to visit Hawaii for golf prices is from September to October or from April to May, when you can find great deals on flights and accommodations.

Crowds

Hawaii attracts millions of visitors every year, but some months are more crowded than others. The busiest months are July and December when families travel during summer break and winter holidays. The slowest months are September and October, when kids are back in school and travelers are fewer.

The best time to visit Hawaii for golf crowds is from September to October or from April to May, when you can enjoy more space and privacy on the courses.

Events

Hawaii has a rich culture and history that is celebrated throughout the year with various events and festivals. Some of the most popular events for golfers include:

  • Sony Open in January: A PGA Tour event that takes place at Waialae Country Club on Oahu.
  • Mitsubishi Electric Championship in January: A PGA Tour Champions event that takes place at Hualalai Golf Course on the Big Island.
  • Sentry Tournament of Champions in January: A PGA Tour event that takes place at Kapalua Plantation Course on Maui.
  • LPGA Lotte Championship in April: An LPGA Tour event that takes place at Ko Olina Golf Club on Oahu.
  • Maui Jim Maui Invitational in November: A college basketball tournament that takes place at Lahaina Civic Center on Maui.

The best time to visit Hawaii for golf events is anytime of the year, as there is always something happening on the islands. However, some events may require advance booking or registration, so plan ahead if you want to attend them.

Other Activities to Do in Hawaii

Hawaii is a paradise not only for golfers but also for anyone who loves nature, culture, and adventure. There are so many things to do and see in Hawaii that you’ll never get bored. Here are some other activities you can enjoy on your next trip to Hawaii.

Snorkeling and Diving

Hawaii has some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world, with clear water, colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. You can swim with sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays and even sharks, or explore sunken ships and lava tubes. Some of the best places to snorkel and dive in Hawaii are Hanauma Bay on Oahu, Molokini Crater on Maui, Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island and Tunnels Beach on Kauai.

Hiking and Biking

Hawaii has some of the most scenic and varied hiking and biking trails in the world, ranging from easy to challenging, from coastal to mountainous, from lush to arid. You can hike to waterfalls, volcanoes, rainforests and canyons, or bike along beaches, cliffs and valleys. Some of the best places to hike and bike in Hawaii are Diamond Head on Oahu, Haleakala National Park on Maui, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Waimea Canyon on Kauai.

Surfing and Paddleboarding

Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing and paddleboarding, and has some of the best waves and conditions for both sports. You can learn from local instructors, rent equipment or bring your own, and enjoy the thrill of riding the waves. You can also try stand-up paddleboarding, a great way to explore the calm waters and see the marine life. Some of Hawaii’s best places to surf and paddleboard are Waikiki on Oahu, Kaanapali on Maui, Kona on the Big Island and Hanalei Bay on Kauai.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Hawaii has a rich and diverse culture and history you can learn more about by visiting its cultural and historical sites. You can see ancient temples, royal palaces, sacred stones and petroglyphs, or experience traditional music, dance, art and cuisine. You can also visit museums, memorials and monuments that tell the stories of Hawaii’s past and present. Some of the best places to visit for culture and history in Hawaii are Iolani Palace on Oahu, Lahaina Town on Maui, Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island and Kilauea Lighthouse on Kauai.

These are just some of the top golf courses in Hawaii that you can enjoy on your next vacation. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing round or a challenging test, Hawaii has something for everyone. Book your tee times today and experience the aloha spirit on the links.