Hawaii is home to approximately 75 golf courses, making it a paradise for golfers. The islands offer a variety of courses, from challenging championship layouts to scenic resort courses with breathtaking ocean views. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Hawaii's courses provide a diverse range of golfing experiences.
Hawaii’s diverse topography, climate, and coastline make it an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts. With 75 courses spread across the islands, golfers have a wide range of options, from lush resort courses to more rugged, traditional layouts. The islands' golf courses are not only known for their beauty but also their challenge, with some courses featuring natural obstacles such as water hazards, volcanic rock, and strong winds. The combination of stunning landscapes and world-class course design makes Hawaii a must-visit for golfers.
Oahu, the most populous of the Hawaiian islands, boasts the most golf courses in the state, with approximately 30 courses available for public and private play. Honolulu, the capital city, offers a number of prestigious courses, including the famous Ala Wai Golf Course and the Ko Olina Golf Club, which is a favorite for resort guests and locals alike. Oahu's golf courses cater to all skill levels, offering both scenic coastal views and more challenging inland courses.
Additionally, Oahu is home to several top-rated courses used in professional tournaments, such as the Sony Open in Hawaii. The island's range of courses allows golfers to choose between easy-going resort courses or more challenging championship-style layouts.
While Oahu leads in the number of golf courses, each of Hawaii’s islands offers unique golfing experiences, catering to different preferences and skill levels:
Maui, known for its stunning beaches and tropical landscapes, is home to some of the most famous and luxurious golf courses in Hawaii. The island has approximately 15 golf courses, including the renowned Wailea Golf Club, which features three championship courses, and the Kapalua Plantation Course, host of the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions. Maui’s golf courses are famous for their scenic beauty, often offering sweeping ocean views, lush greenery, and rolling fairways. The island's diverse course offerings cater to golfers of all levels.
The Big Island is another popular golfing destination, with approximately 15 courses scattered across its diverse landscape. Known for its volcanic terrain, the Big Island offers a range of courses that feature unique challenges, such as lava rock hazards and dramatic elevation changes. One of the island's most famous courses is the Mauna Kea Golf Course, which is set against the backdrop of the Mauna Kea volcano and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, the Waikoloa Beach Resort area features some excellent courses, including the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Kings' Course.
Although Kauai has fewer courses than the other islands, it still offers a great golfing experience. With only about 7 golf courses, Kauai’s offerings are more intimate but still stunning, set against the island’s lush, tropical backdrop. The Kauai Lagoons Golf Club and the Princeville Makai Golf Club are two of the island’s most famous courses, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and tropical vegetation. Kauai's courses are known for their tranquility and beauty, providing a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere for golfers.
Lana’i and Moloka’i are smaller islands that offer a more serene golfing experience. Lana’i is home to two golf courses, including the well-known Manele Golf Course, which is set in a picturesque location overlooking the ocean. Moloka’i, while not as developed in terms of golfing infrastructure, offers a few small, local courses that are perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful round of golf.
Hawaii’s golf courses stand out not only for their beautiful settings but also for their unique challenges. Many of the courses take advantage of the islands' natural terrain, incorporating volcanic rocks, oceanfront holes, and tropical vegetation into their design. Additionally, Hawaii's courses often feature unpredictable weather patterns, such as gusty winds or sudden rain showers, which add an extra layer of difficulty for players.
Whether you're playing on Oahu’s bustling courses or the tranquil greens of Kauai, Hawaii’s golf courses offer stunning views and world-class designs. With courses suitable for all skill levels, Hawaii is an ideal destination for golfers seeking both a challenge and a relaxing experience in paradise.
Given the lush landscapes and sprawling courses, it’s a great idea to use a golf cart for getting around the course. Many Hawaiian courses offer golf carts to make your round easier and more enjoyable. A golf cart will help you navigate the sometimes hilly terrain, allowing you to focus on your game rather than on walking long distances between holes.
With the use of a golf cart, you can also take in the stunning views without the physical exertion of walking the entire course, making your golf experience more enjoyable. Plus, carts equipped with GPS can help you navigate the course more easily, ensuring you make the most of your time in this tropical paradise.
Hawaii’s 75 golf courses offer a diverse range of golfing experiences, each with its unique challenges and scenic beauty. Whether you're visiting Oahu for its abundance of courses or exploring Maui’s luxurious resorts, Hawaii’s golf scene has something for everyone. To make your experience even more enjoyable, consider using a golf cart to make your round more comfortable and efficient. With breathtaking views and world-class course designs, Hawaii is truly a golfer’s paradise.
