Championship Golf

The Big Island’s Kohala Coast stands as Hawai’i’s undisputed golf capital, offering a collection of world-class championship courses unmatched anywhere in the Pacific. For residents of Nānā Kai, this translates to year-round access to legendary layouts designed by golf’s greatest architects**—Jones, Nicklaus, Fazio, Palmer, and Weiskopf—all within a convenient 10-to-30-minute drive.

These courses are carved through dramatic black lava flows, framed by azure Pacific waters, and blessed with near-perfect playing conditions 365 days a year. Whether you seek the prestige of ultra-private club membership or the flexibility of world-class resort play, the Big Island delivers an unparalleled golf lifestyle.

1.
Mauna Lani south course

Kohala Coast | Par 72 | 6,938 Yards | $259–$310
19 min drive from Nānā Kai

The Reigning Champion. Crowned the #1 public golf course in Hawaii by GolfPass in 2025, Mauna Lani South represents the pinnacle of accessible luxury golf. Designed by Homer Flint, Raymond Cain, and Robin Nelson, this course weaves through 16th-century lava flows with a grace that makes every hole feel both ancient and timeless.

The Experience: The 15th hole—one of the most photographed par-3s in the world—demands a precise tee shot over jagged black lava to a green surrounded by turquoise ocean. From 1990 to 2000, this course hosted the televised Senior Skins Game, welcoming legends like Palmer, Nicklaus, and Player.

Why It Matters: Wide fairways and approachable greens make this forgiving yet strategic, ideal for entertaining guests or sharpening your game before club championships.

2.
Mauna Lani North Course

Kohala Coast | Par 72 | 6,913 Yards | $259–$310
19 min drive from Nānā Kai

The Insider’s Choice. Ranked #2 in Hawaii, the North Course offers a more intimate, shot-making experience than its celebrated sibling. Built atop ancient *pahoehoe* lava, the course rolls through kiawe forests with a 230-acre protected archaeological district bordering its northern edge.

The Experience: The par-3 17th hole sits within a natural lava amphitheater—a geological masterpiece where elevated tees surround a green cradled at the base of volcanic rock. Feral goats roam freely, adding charm to the island’s most unique “neutral hazard.”

Why It Matters: Preferred by locals and serious golfers seeking nuance over spectacle, this is where you play to test your skills, not just your camera.

3.
Mauna Kea Golf Course

Kamuela/Kohala Coast | Par 72 | 7,370 Yards | $185–$295
24 min drive from Nānā Kai

The Legend. Built in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones Sr. for Laurance Rockefeller, Mauna Kea is the course that put Hawaiian golf on the global map. Consistently ranked in Golf Digest’s Top 100, it has recently undergone a meticulous renovation by Rees Jones, restoring its challenging bunkers, undulating greens, and strategic brilliance.

The Experience: The iconic 3rd hole—a 260-yard par-3 over crashing Pacific waves to a cliffside green—is among the most photographed golf holes on Earth. The course features dramatic elevation changes from sea level to 300 feet, with over 120 perfectly placed bunkers demanding both power and precision.

Why It Matters: Playing Mauna Kea is a rite of passage for any serious golfer—a chance to walk the same fairways as the game’s greatest champions.

4.
Hualālai Golf Club
(Nicklaus Course)

Kaupulehu-Kona | Par 72 | 7,117 Yards | Resort Guests Only
30 min drive from Nānā Kai

The Champions’ Stage. Home to the PGA Champions Tour’s Mitsubishi Electric Championship, this Jack Nicklaus masterpiece is reserved exclusively for Four Seasons Hualālai guests and members. Set dramatically against black lava fields, the course offers immaculate conditioning and a layout that challenges legends while remaining enjoyable for all skill levels.

The Experience: Seamlessly integrated with the Four Seasons Resort, guests enjoy priority tee times, premium practice facilities, and access to the members-only Ke’olu Course designed by Tom Weiskopf. Panoramic views of the Pacific, Maui, and four volcanic mountains frame nearly every shot.

Why It Matters: This is golf as lifestyle—where world-class play meets five-star resort amenities and the quiet exclusivity that defines Big Island luxury.

5.
Kūki’o Golf Club
(Championship Course)

Kona-Kohala Coast | Par 72 | 7,419 Yards | Private Members Only
28 min drive from Nānā Kai

The Pinnacle of Exclusivity. As the only Tom Fazio-designed course in Hawai’i**, Kūki’o represents the ultimate in private golf. This ultra-exclusive 7,419-yard championship layout flows through black lava rock, natural vegetation, and dramatic elevation changes, offering Pacific Ocean panoramas from multiple holes.

The Experience: Members enjoy a professional caddie program, extravagantly stocked comfort stations, and access to a 10-hole short course for warm-ups or family play. No tee times necessary—this is equity club golf at its finest.

Why It Matters: Kūki’o is where discretion meets distinction. Membership is exclusive to property owners within Kūki’o, Manini’ōwali, and Ka’ūpūlehu—making it one of the world’s most coveted golf addresses.

6.
Hapuna Golf Course

Kohala Coast | Par 72 | 6,875 Yards | $125–$225
22 min drive from Nānā Kai

The Hidden Gem. Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay in 1992, Hapuna delivers a links-style experience with dramatic elevation changes from sea level to 750 feet. Recognized by the USGA as one of the most environmentally sensitive courses in the United States, it blends seamlessly into indigenous grasses and transplanted kiawe trees.

The Experience: The signature 12th hole tees off from 700 feet, offering panoramic views across the Kohala Coast with Maui visible in the distance. Recently closed for renovations with a scheduled November 2025 reopening, the course will return with enhanced playability and even more stunning vistas.

Why It Matters: Consistently ranked among Hawaii’s top courses, Hapuna offers championship golf at exceptional value—a favorite among both locals and discerning visitors.

7.
Waikoloa Kings’ Course

Waikoloa | Par 72 | 7,074 Yards | $145–$191
15 min drive from Nānā Kai

Scottish Links Meet the Tropics. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, the Kings’ Course blends Scottish links traditions with Hawaiian influences—featuring double greens, deep pot bunkers, and “drivable” par-4s. Opened in 1990, it was named one of Golf Digest’s Best New Resort Courses** its inaugural year.

The Experience: The course offers four tee options (5,459 to 7,074 yards), making it accessible for all skill levels while maintaining championship challenge from the tips. The drivable par-4 5th hole and dramatic par-5 18th are the most photographed holes on the course.

Why It Matters: Weiskopf described it as “a second-shot course, much like Augusta National”—where your tee shot dictates the difficulty of your approach. This is strategic golf at its finest.

8.
Waikoloa Beach Course

Waikoloa | Par 70 | 6,566 Yards | $110–$145
16 min drive from Nānā Kai

Oceanfront Elegance. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in 1981, this resort-style course features emerald fairways carved through ancient lava fields with direct ocean views. The 12th hole offers one of Hawaii’s most dramatic vistas—showcasing golf course, lava rock, and Pacific in a single frame.

The Experience: Wide fairways, large greens, and strategic low-lying bunkers create scoring opportunities while maintaining visual drama. The course has hosted **LPGA events** including the Takefuji Classic and Match Play Championship.

Why It Matters: With a slope rating of 130, this is championship golf without the intimidation factor—perfect for building confidence or hosting a corporate outing.

9.
Makani Golf Club

Waikoloa/Kohala | Par 72 | 6,582 Yards | $105–$145
24 min drive from Nānā Kai

The Best Value Champion. Opened in 1997 and formerly known as Big Island Country Club, Makani consistently ranks among Hawaii’s top independent daily-fee courses. Situated at higher elevation, the course offers **cooler temperatures, moderate trade winds, and sweeping island panoramas.

The Experience: Country club-style landing areas, excellent maintenance, and a welcoming atmosphere make this a local favorite. The layout rewards thoughtful strategy over raw power, with generous fairways and well-protected greens.

Why It Matters: At $105–$145, Makani delivers championship-caliber golf at exceptional value—ideal for frequent play without resort pricing.

10.
Makalei Golf Club

Kailua-Kona (Slopes of Hualālai) | Par 72 | 7,091 Yards | $105–$145
37 min drive from Nānā Kai

The Mountain Sanctuary. Perched between 1,800 and 2,850 feet on the lush slopes of Mount Hualālai, Makalei offers a cool, forested escape from coastal golf. Designed by Dick Nugent, this scenic layout features bent grass greens (rare in Hawaii), historic stone walls, lava tubes, and cinder cones.

The Experience: Wildlife including peacocks, pheasants, and wild turkeys roam freely through the forest setting. The famous par-3 17th hole features an island green, while multiple tee placements (5,242 to 7,091 yards) accommodate all skill levels. On clear days, Mount Haleakalā on Maui is visible from the 8th hole.

Why It Matters: Half of the 18 holes feature water hazards, adding strategic complexity to this multi-elevation masterpiece. For golfers seeking variety and cooler temperatures, Makalei is the perfect complement to coastal play.

The Golfer’s Paradise