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The best golf courses on the big island

If you’re looking for the best golf courses on the Big Island of Hawaii, you’re in the right place. A round or two of golf is the perfect way to relax during your Big Island vacation. 

If you’re visiting the other islands in Hawaii, make sure to check out the 15 best golf courses in Maui, the 8 best golf courses in Kauai, and the best Oahu Golf Courses.

DO I NEED A RENTAL CAR on the Big Island?

Yes, you definitely need a rental car on the Big Island. The island is large (although it is drivable), and public transportation is limited. To access these golf courses on the Big Island, you’ll want to rent a car. I recommend a Jeep for even more fun.

I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They have the best rates and free cancellation. You won’t pay until you pick up your car, and cancellation is free. 

Best Golf Courses on the Big Island

Here are the best golf courses on the Big Island, listed by location. I will also share whether they are a public, resort, or private golf courses. If you need a quick reminder on Big Island geography, check this out:

Now that you have an idea of the layout of the Big Island let’s get to the golf courses on the Big Island. You may be hungry after all of that golfing, so check out the best restaurants on the Big Island when you’re done.

Golf Courses Near the Volcano

Do you want to play a round of golf near a volcano? You’re in luck; you can do that on the Big Island!

Volcano Golf and Country Club – Public

You probably won’t have the chance to play golf near the rim of a volcanic crater too often. So, take advantage of it while on vacation on the Big Island! This 18-hole course is located at the rim of the Kilauea crater.

During your game, you will find yourself checking out views of Mauna Loa (currently erupting for the first time in almost 40 years!) and Mauna Kea.

Address: 99-1621 Piimauna Drive, Volcano, Hawaii

Website: https://volcanogc.com/

Golf Courses in Kona

The largest town on the “tourism side” of the island, Kona, is likely near where you’ll be staying. Fortunately, many of the best golf courses on the Big Island are in or near Kona. 

Kona Country Club – Public

If you are staying in downtown Kona, this is the closest golf course on the Big Island for you. William Bell designed this course in 1966. There is a blow hole there at hole 13.

The hole is called puka in Hawaiian. If you happen to play here between the months of November and March, be prepared to be distracted by humpback whale sightings.

Address: 78-7000 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Website: http://www.konacountryclub.com/

Hokulia Golf Club – Private

The Hokulia Golf Club is one of the signature Jack Nicklaus courses. Every hole offers spectacular views of the ocean. As you go from hole to hole, you will find yourself passing by cultural sites. Take the time to stop and learn a little about each one.

Address: 81-6636 Pu’u Ohau Place, Kealakekua, Hawaii

Website: https://www.hokuliaclub.com/

Makalei Golf Course – Public

This public golf course on the Big Island offers everyone a challenge, no matter their skill level. A stone wall, lava tubes, and cinder cones all offer unique challenges during each round.

As you are playing, do not be surprised if you see wild turkeys, pheasants, and other wildlife.

Address: 72-3890 Hawaii Belt Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Website: https://www.makalei.com/

Golf Courses on the Kohala Coast

The Kohala Coast area is the “resort area” just north of Kona town and north of the airport. So, it makes sense that the area would have plenty of golf courses!

Hualalai Golf Club – Resort

There are actually two golf courses at this resort. Jack Nicklaus designed the Hualalai Golf Course. He designed the course to be challenging amongst all the natural Hawaiian landscape.

The other golf course is only open to Premier Members and their guests. So, you will only be allowed to play that one if you are invited.

Address: 72-100 Kaupulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Website: https://www.hualalairesort.com/golf/

Mauna Lani Resort Francis H. II Brown North Course – Resort

This golf course on the Big Island was designed and constructed on top of a lava bed. The 18 holes are on rolling terrain. To the north of this course, you will discover an archaeological district. During your game, make sure you capture a selfie at hole 17. It is the course’s signature hole.

Address: 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Kamuela, Hawaii

Website: https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/north-course/

Mauna Lani Resort Francis H. II Brown South Course – Resort

The south course at this resort is more challenging than the north course. The rugged land was created by prehistoric lava flow. It was that lava that created the difficulties many golfers experience while playing here.

If you’re looking for a great place to stay, Mauna Lani is an incredible resort too!

Address: 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Kamuela, Hawaii

Website: https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/south-course/

Mauna Kea Golf Course – Resort

The Mauna Kea Golf Course was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones back in 1964. His son, Rees Jones, has made modern improvements since then. Those improvements have turned it into one of the best golf courses on the Big Island.

Mauna Kea is a beautiful resort as well, one of the best luxury resorts on the Big Island.

Address: 62-100 Kauna’oa Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

Website: https://www.maunakearesort.com/golf/mauna-kea-golf-course

Makani Golf Club – Public

The Makani Golf Club is considered the hidden gem of the Big Island. This course offers an authentic Hawaiian golfing experience for all skill levels. Perry Dye designed the course. The 18 holes are all on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea.

Address: 71-1420 Mamalahoa Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Website: https://www.makanigolfclub.com/

Waikoloa Village Golf Course – Public

Robert Trent Jones II designed the Waikoloa Village Golf Course. The fairways are generous. The putting areas are forgiving. Plus, this area of the island stays dry and warm almost all year long. It is the perfect golf destination!

Address: 68-1798 Melia Street, Waikoloa Village, Hawaii

Website: https://www.thevillagecourse.com/

Waikoloa Beach Course – Public

There are three 9-hole courses at Waikoloa Beach Course. They are Beach Nine, Lakes Nine, and Kings’ Nine. You can play one, two, or all three during your visit. The goal at this golf course on the Big Island is to design your own perfect game and show off your skills.

Address: 600 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, Hawaii

Website: https://www.waikoloabeachgolf.com/

Hapuna Golf Course – Resort

The Hapuna Golf Course is located at the same resort as the Mauna Kea Golf Course. You may want to play them both because Hapuna offers a few things Mauna Kea doesn’t. This course has dramatic elevation changes, as well as desert terrain.

Address: 62-100 Kauna’oa Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

Website: https://www.maunakearesort.com/golf/hapuna-golf-course

Golf Courses on the Hamakua Coast 

The Hamakua Coast is beautiful and very different from the other side of the island. I highly recommend the scenic drive, and why not a round of golf while you’re there?

Hamakua Country Club – Public

This is the second oldest golf course on the Big Island. It was founded back in 1926. This is a challenging course. You can choose from a couple of different layouts. One is easier than the other.

Address: 45-3280 Mamalahoa Highway, Honooka’a, Hawaii

Website: https://hamakuagolf.com/

Golf Courses in Hilo

If you venture to Hilo, you’ll find two golf courses on this side of the island. While you’re here, check out 20 things to do in Hilo.

Naniloa Volcano Golf Course – Semi-Private

The Naniloa Volcano Golf Course only has 9 holes. Alexander Kahapea designed it in 1970. It is the perfect course for those days you want to play but don’t have much time.

Address: 93 Banyan Drive, Hilo, Hawaii

Website: https://www.grandnaniloahilo.com/things-to-do-hilo-hawaii/golf-course/

Hilo Municipal Golf Course – Public

This is the only municipal golf course on the Big Island. Willard Wilkinson designed this course in 1951. It is a favorite course of the locals. So, if you want to spend time with the locals, this is the golf course for you.

Address: 340 Haihai Street, Hilo, Hawaii

Website: https://www.parks.hawaiicounty.gov/facilities-parks/hilo-municipal-golf-course

golf courses on the big island

Here are all of the golf courses on the Big Island. The Big Island is so diverse that you’ll feel like you’re in a completely different destination when you choose a course in Hilo or Hamakua vs. a golf course in Kona.

When planning a Big Island vacation, you also won’t want to miss 30 things you should never do in Hawaii and Hawaii FAQ.

Do you have a favorite golf course on the Big Island? If so, make sure to let me know in the comments. 

More Big Island vacation ideas

For more Big Island travel tips, check out some of my most popular blog posts:

• Kona Coffee Farm Tours
• 50 things to do on the Big Island
• Where to find sea turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii
• The Best Happy Hours in Kona

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