20 of the Best Golf Courses in Hawaii in 2025

Hawaii offers some of the most breathtaking golf experiences in the world, with courses spanning across its diverse islands from Oahu to the Big Island. These courses blend championship designs with stunning natural backdrops of volcanic landscapes, ocean views, and lush tropical vegetation. You’ll find options ranging from accessible public courses to exclusive resort destinations, each providing unique playing experiences that showcase Hawaii’s natural beauty.

When planning your Hawaiian golf getaway, understanding the variety of courses available helps you make the most of your trip. The archipelago boasts designs from legendary architects like Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Sr., alongside newer masterpieces that have hosted professional tournaments. Weather conditions remain favorable year-round, making Hawaii an ideal destination for golfers seeking both challenge and paradise in one location.

1. Poipu Bay Golf Course

Poipu Bay Golf Course offers a panoramic 18-hole championship layout that once hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Located on Kauai’s sunny south shore, this Robert Trent Jones Jr. design beautifully integrates the natural landscape with challenging play for golfers of all skill levels.

The course is known for its exceptional service, greeting each player with a warm “Aloha” and chilled citrus-scented towels. Golf carts come equipped with interactive GPS systems showing hole layouts, pro tips, and yardage information to enhance your playing experience.

Practice facilities include chipping and putting greens where you can warm up before your round. The professional staff offers clinics and private lessons to help improve your game, and club rentals are available if you didn’t bring your own equipment.

As you play through the course, you’ll enjoy breathtaking ocean views and may even spot humpback whales during winter months. The closing holes along the ocean create a memorable finish to your round at one of Hawaii’s premier golfing destinations.

Rating: 4.4 (388 reviews)
Location: 2250 Ainako St, Koloa, HI 96756
Contact: (808) 742-8711
Website: Visit Website

2. Mauna Lani Golf

Mauna Lani Golf stands out as one of Hawaii’s premier golfing destinations, boasting two championship 18-hole courses. The North Course offers a parkland-style experience winding through Kiawe forests with occasional ocean views, while the South Course features generous fairways surrounded by ancient lava fields.

For those seeking a quick round, the Wikiwiki Course provides a 9-hole walking experience perfect for families and golfers of all skill levels. You can enjoy this shorter course before heading to dinner at the Halani Restaurant with its Mediterranean menu.

The South Course is particularly famous for its 15th hole, considered one of the most photographed over-water golf holes worldwide. As you play through the ancient Kaniku lava flow, you’ll encounter breathtaking views that showcase Hawaii’s unique volcanic landscape against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

Mauna Lani offers various experiences beyond standard play, including professionally guided lessons, clinics for all skill levels, and a popular Sunset Golf Tour. This guided cart tour provides historical insights about the PGA Senior Skins Game while offering prime photo opportunities as the sun sets over the course.

Rating: 4.8 (352 reviews)
Location: 68-1050 Makaiwa Pl, Waimea, HI 96743
Contact: (808) 885-6655
Website: Visit Website

3. Turtle Bay Golf

Located on the stunning North Shore of O’ahu, Turtle Bay Golf offers an exceptional golfing experience with breathtaking oceanfront views and lush tropical surroundings. The centerpiece is the Arnold Palmer Golf Course, designed to accommodate players of all skill levels while providing a challenging and rewarding round.

This premier public golf course sits adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu and has earned recognition from prestigious organizations including Golf Digest, the Champions Tour, and the LPGA Tour. The course features pristine greens and top-tier practice facilities that cater to both casual players and serious golfers.

Beyond the championship course, Turtle Bay offers a family-friendly putting course, professional instruction at their Golf Academy, and a well-stocked Golf Shop. You’ll find apparel from leading brands like TravisMathew, Lululemon, and Nike, along with high-performance equipment and rental options.

When you visit, you can meet with PGA Professionals who can help enhance your game while enjoying one of Hawaii’s most picturesque golfing destinations. The combination of professional facilities and natural beauty makes this a must-play course during your Hawaiian golf adventure.

Rating: 4.2 (321 reviews)
Location: 57-049 Kuilima Dr, Kahuku, HI 96731
Contact: (808) 293-8574
Website: Visit Website

4. Kapalua Golf – The Plantation Course

Perched on the northwestern shore of Maui, Kapalua’s Plantation Course offers one of the most breathtaking golfing experiences in Hawaii. Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, this championship course hosts the PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions each January.

The course’s dramatic elevation changes provide both challenges and rewards for golfers of all skill levels. You’ll navigate through 7,596 yards of stunning fairways that offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands.

Wind is often a significant factor here, adding an extra dimension to your game. The 18th hole deserves special mention – a downhill par 5 that provides a memorable finishing experience with the vast blue ocean as your backdrop.

You’ll find the facilities match the excellence of the course. The well-maintained grounds and professional staff ensure your experience extends beyond just the spectacular play.

Rating: 4.7 (816 reviews)
Location: 2000 Plantation Club Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (877) 527-2582
Website: Visit Website

5. The Ocean Course At Hokuala

The Ocean Course at Hokuala stands as one of Hawaii’s premier golfing destinations, offering an unforgettable experience on Kauai’s eastern shore. This Jack Nicklaus Signature course boasts the longest stretch of oceanfront golf in Hawaii, with breathtaking coastal views that complement the challenging layout.

You’ll navigate through lush mango and guava groves, along stark sea cliffs, and across fairways that showcase panoramic ocean vistas. The course’s design seamlessly incorporates the natural beauty of Kauai while providing a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels.

For those looking to improve their game, the Hokuala Teaching Center features PGA instructors and innovative training technology to help lower your handicap. The facility regularly hosts regional tournaments and group events, making it an ideal venue for competitive play.

Whether you’re a serious golfer or simply seeking a memorable round in paradise, the Ocean Course delivers an exceptional experience that combines world-class golf with the natural splendor of the Garden Isle.

Rating: 4.4 (114 reviews)
Location: 3132 Ninini Point St, Lihue, HI 96766
Contact: (808) 241-6000
Website: Visit Website

6. Manele Golf Course

Nestled on the stunning island of Lanai, Manele Golf Course offers an unparalleled golfing experience with breathtaking ocean views. This Jack Nicklaus Signature course is part of the Four Seasons Resort, providing luxury amenities alongside world-class golfing.

The course features complimentary club rentals for resort guests playing after noon, making it convenient if you’re staying on the property. Family-friendly policies allow kids 17 and under to play for free after noon when accompanied by a paying adult, perfect for introducing younger generations to the sport.

Manele offers exceptional instruction opportunities including private lessons, a Two-Day Golf School, and Trackman Technology to analyze and improve your swing. Their professional staff includes Director Scott Ashworth, a distinguished golf professional who has twice been named Golf Professional of the Year by the PGA Aloha Section.

The course maintains its pristine condition under the careful supervision of Superintendent Seril Shimizu, a Hawaii native with advanced degrees in agriculture and turfgrass management. Various golf experiences are available, including their premium “Member for a Week” package with unlimited golf and amenities.

Rating: 4.9 (77 reviews)
Location: Lanai City, HI
Contact: (808) 565-4000
Website: Visit Website

7. Kona Country Club

Nestled in scenic Keauhou just 6 miles from downtown Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island, Kona Country Club offers an exceptional golfing experience with spectacular ocean views. You’ll enjoy consistently pleasant sunny skies and gentle ocean breezes while playing on this magnificent 18-hole course.

The club provides excellent facilities to help improve your game. You can practice at the grass driving range, putting and chipping green, or the dedicated short game area that includes bunker practice. These amenities make it an ideal destination for golfers looking to refine their skills before hitting the course.

Convenience is another advantage of Kona Country Club, with its proximity to hotels and condos making it easily accessible for visitors. The fully stocked pro shop ensures you have everything needed for your round, while the friendly service enhances your overall experience at this premier golfing destination.

The course layout takes full advantage of the stunning Hawaiian coastal setting, with several holes offering breathtaking ocean views that might momentarily distract you from your game. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or occasional player, the picturesque environment creates a memorable round of golf.

Rating: 4.3 (209 reviews)
Location: 78-7000 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 322-2595
Website: Visit Website

8. Mauna Kea Golf Course

Designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. and recently renovated by his son, Mauna Kea Golf Course stands as one of Hawaii’s premier golfing destinations. The championship course is dramatically built on a black lava field, offering stunning cliff walks and panoramic ocean views throughout your round.

The newly renovated course now features environmentally sustainable Platinum Paspalum turf on its fairways and greens, providing you with a smoother and more consistent playing surface. Golf carts come equipped with on-board GPS to help determine yardages and distances to holes, enhancing your playing experience.

With five sets of tees ranging from 5,102 to 7,370 yards, Mauna Kea accommodates players of all skill levels while maintaining its challenging character. The course boasts impressive statistics with a 76.8 rating and 143 slope from the championship tees, making it a true test of golf.

While playing, you can enjoy service from the signature beverage cart offering blended cocktails, wraps, sandwiches, and snacks. The facilities include a driving range, practice putting greens, a full-service pro shop, and rental clubs available for visitors.

Rating: 4.5 (222 reviews)
Location: 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Contact: (808) 882-5400
Website: Visit Website

9. Nanea Golf Club

Nanea Golf Club stands as one of Hawaii’s most exclusive golfing destinations. Located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, this private club offers an exceptional golf experience that blends seamlessly with the natural Hawaiian landscape.

The course was designed by David McLay Kidd and opened in 2003. Its layout takes advantage of the sloping terrain on the western slopes of Hualalai, providing challenging play and spectacular ocean views from nearly every hole.

What makes Nanea truly special is its Scottish links-inspired design adapted to Hawaii’s unique volcanic setting. The fairways are wide and the greens are generous, but strategic bunkering and the ever-present trade winds add complexity to your round.

Membership at Nanea is invitation-only, making it one of the most exclusive clubs in Hawaii. If you’re fortunate enough to secure a tee time through a member connection, you’ll experience some of the finest golf the islands have to offer.

Rating: 4.8 (47 reviews)
Location: 72-2921 Kaupulehu Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 930-1300

10. Ko Olina Golf Club

Nestled on Oahu’s western shore, Ko Olina Golf Club offers an exceptional golfing experience designed by renowned architect Ted Robinson. The 18-hole championship course features challenging multi-tiered greens and impressive water features that test your skills while providing breathtaking views.

What makes this course stand out is its unique layout with no parallel fairways, ensuring each hole provides a distinct experience. The meticulous design incorporates Hawaii’s natural beauty while maintaining a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels.

The club offers comprehensive amenities including a golf academy with private lessons, beginner classes, and junior programs. After your round, you can unwind at Roy’s Ko Olina restaurant, which serves delicious cuisine for both dine-in and carryout options.

Ko Olina Golf Club provides convenient transportation with a free shared shuttle service from Waikiki and Kahala (minimum of two golfers required), making it easily accessible even if you’re staying in Honolulu.

Rating: 4.5 (883 reviews)
Location: 92-1220 Aliinui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707
Contact: (808) 676-5300
Website: Visit Website

11. Wailea Golf – Three Premier Golf Courses on Maui, Hawaii

Wailea Golf offers three distinct championship courses on Maui that provide some of Hawaii’s most memorable golfing experiences. Located in the scenic Wailea Resort area, these courses combine challenging play with breathtaking ocean and island views.

The Gold Course stands as the crown jewel, having earned multiple honors as one of America’s top 100 resort courses. Its masterful design and visual appeal make it a must-play for serious golfers visiting the island.

The Emerald Course features lush landscaping and expansive ocean vistas, providing a more forgiving yet still satisfying experience. Many players find this course particularly therapeutic, with its beautiful scenery and thoughtful layout creating a perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment.

The Blue Course, a classic island beauty, winds through the heart of Wailea with panoramic views of the ocean and resort. This course effectively tests your golfing skills while immersing you in the natural beauty that makes Hawaiian golf so special.

Rating: 4.6 (224 reviews)
Location: 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 875-7450
Website: Visit Website

12. The Club at Hōkūliʻa

Nestled along three miles of stunning Kona coastline, The Club at Hōkūliʻa offers an exceptional golfing experience away from Hawaii’s crowded resort areas. The Jack Nicklaus Signature course weaves through 1,260 acres of uncrowded terrain, providing breathtaking ocean views and challenging play.

Golf Digest recognizes this private course as the 4th best on Hawaii Island and 6th best in the entire state. The undulating landscape contrasts lush green fairways against dramatic black lava fields, creating a visually striking experience as you navigate each hole.

You’ll appreciate the spacious layout that gives you room to breathe while enjoying the authentic Hawaiian atmosphere. After your round, you can unwind at the outdoor bar with panoramic sunset views or dine under the stars at the open-air Pavilion Restaurant.

The club’s central Kona Coast location makes it an ideal base for exploring the island’s attractions. You can complement your golfing experience with hiking shoreline trails, paddling from Nawawa Bay, or visiting nearby Kailua-Kona for local markets and dining.

Rating: 4.7 (94 reviews)
Location: 81-6636 Pu’u Ohau Place, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Website: Visit Website

13. Makani Golf Club

Located on the lower slopes of Hualalai, Makani Golf Club offers a truly unique Hawaiian golfing experience. The cooler climate and light winds create perfect playing conditions as you navigate this Perry Dye-designed course.

The par 72 layout features wide fairways and water hazards on half of its 18 holes, making it both challenging and enjoyable regardless of your skill level. With five sets of tee boxes, you can customize the difficulty to match your game.

What sets Makani apart are the breathtaking views. As you play, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of five major mountains and panoramic ocean scenery that adds to the memorable experience. This public course welcomes both visitors and residents daily.

Remember to book your tee time in advance, especially during busy periods and weekends. For those looking to play later in the day, twilight golf starts at 2 PM, though completion of all 18 holes isn’t guaranteed.

Rating: 4.5 (367 reviews)
Location: 71-1420 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 325-5044
Website: Visit Website

14. Kapolei Golf Club

Located on Oahu’s western coast, Kapolei Golf Club offers a world-class golfing experience with stunning island views. This Michael Graves-designed course features strategic water features, pristine fairways, and challenging bunkers that test golfers of all skill levels.

The course’s layout takes advantage of the natural terrain, with elevation changes providing both challenging play and spectacular vistas. You’ll find yourself navigating through mature palm trees and native Hawaiian landscaping that frame each hole beautifully.

After your round, the club’s restaurant serves elevated island-inspired cuisine for breakfast and lunch. The dining area provides scenic golf-course views, making it the perfect spot to relax with a beer or glass of wine while reflecting on your game.

Kapolei Golf Club regularly hosts professional tournaments, including LPGA events, demonstrating its reputation as one of Hawaii’s premier golfing destinations. The professional staff ensures exceptional service throughout your visit.

Rating: 4.4 (779 reviews)
Location: 91-701 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707
Contact: (808) 674-2227
Website: Visit Website

15. Hawaii Prince Golf Club

Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, Hawaii Prince Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience with three interchangeable nine-hole courses. This design gives you 27 holes that can be played in different combinations, creating varied challenges for all skill levels.

Set on 270 acres in Ewa Beach, the course treats you to breathtaking views of the rain-carved Waianae Mountains. The layout features lush green fairways strategically lined with white sand bunkers and complemented by ten lakes that add both beauty and challenge to your round.

Whether you’re looking to test your skills on a championship-level course or improve your game with lessons from experienced professionals at the Island Pacific Golf Academy, Hawaii Prince Golf Club delivers. The facility is well-maintained and provides excellent playing conditions year-round.

You can also consider this venue for tournaments or special events, as the manicured greens and mountain backdrops create a stunning setting for any occasion.

Rating: 4.3 (622 reviews)
Location: 91-1200 Fort Weaver Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Contact: (808) 944-4567
Website: Visit Website

16. Emerald Golf Course

The Emerald Golf Course at Wailea offers one of Hawaii’s most visually spectacular golfing experiences. Set against the backdrop of Maui’s stunning coastline, this 18-hole course features lush tropical foliage, serene palm trees, and a lake that adds both beauty and challenge to your game.

You’ll enjoy expansive ocean views throughout your round, making it difficult to keep your eyes on the ball at times. The thoughtfully designed layout provides therapy for the senses while still testing your golfing abilities. Every hole offers something special, with meticulously landscaped surroundings creating a truly immersive experience.

The Emerald stands out even among Wailea’s collection of exceptional courses. While not as demanding as its sibling the Wailea Gold, the Emerald delivers a perfect balance of challenge and playability that appeals to golfers of various skill levels. You’ll find yourself planning your next round before you’ve even finished the current one.

The course’s design takes full advantage of the natural beauty of Maui, incorporating the island’s topography to create a distinctive golfing adventure that remains memorable long after you’ve returned home.

Rating: 4.8 (300 reviews)
Location: Wailea Golf Club Dr, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 875-7450
Website: Visit Website

17. Kiahuna Golf Club

Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones II, Kiahuna Golf Club offers an exceptional golfing experience in the sunny Poipu area of Kauai. This 18-hole, par 70 course seamlessly integrates with the island’s natural beauty, winding through tropical landscapes and ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites.

The ocean-view course presents both scenic vistas and strategic challenges as you navigate through lava rock formations with mountain panoramas serving as your backdrop. The rolling fairways and consistent ocean breezes add elements that will test your skill while you enjoy the stunning surroundings.

What makes Kiahuna truly special is its unique blend of sport and Hawaiian heritage. You’ll appreciate the course’s excellent conditions and the relaxed island atmosphere that permeates your entire golfing experience. Its convenient location near Poipu’s resorts and beaches makes it an ideal addition to your Kauai vacation itinerary.

The practice area and pro shop provide everything you need for a complete golf outing, while the Mexican terrace restaurant offers a perfect spot to relax after your round.

Rating: 4.2 (389 reviews)
Location: 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Poipu, HI 96756
Contact: (808) 742-9595
Website: Visit Website

18. Hapuna Golf Course

Nestled along the breathtaking Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hapuna Golf Course offers a premier golfing experience with stunning ocean views. This Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed masterpiece weaves through the natural contours of the land, providing challenging play for golfers of all skill levels.

The course features dramatic elevation changes that showcase panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the island’s volcanic landscapes. You’ll find the strategic layout incorporates Hawaii’s natural elements, with prevailing winds adding an extra dimension to your game.

Hapuna Golf Course is part of the prestigious Mauna Kea Resort, allowing you to enjoy top-notch amenities and service. The well-maintained fairways and greens provide excellent playing conditions year-round, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts visiting the Big Island.

The signature holes take advantage of the sloping terrain and offer memorable experiences with risk-reward opportunities that will test your decision-making skills. When playing at Hapuna, remember to bring your camera along with your clubs – the scenery is simply spectacular.

Rating: 4.5 (206 reviews)
Location: Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, 62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Contact: (808) 880-3000
Website: Visit Website

19. Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

Nestled between the majestic Mount Olomana and Ko’olau Mountains, Royal Hawaiian Golf Club offers one of the most visually stunning golfing experiences on Oahu. This par-72 championship course opened in 1993 as the first collaboration between acclaimed architects Peter and Perry Dye.

The course underwent a significant redesign by golf hall-of-famer Greg Norman, enhancing its natural beauty and playability. As you navigate the 18 holes, you’ll be treated to breathtaking tropical landscapes that showcase Hawaii’s lush environment at its finest.

The verdant setting provides a peaceful escape that feels worlds away from the busier tourist areas. With 6,609 yards of challenging terrain, the course offers a satisfying test for golfers of various skill levels while maintaining a slope rating of 138.

The impressive 45,000-square-foot clubhouse serves as the perfect place to relax after your round, allowing you to reflect on your game while surrounded by the remarkable scenery that makes this course so special.

Rating: 4.2 (793 reviews)
Location: 770 Auloa Rd, Kailua, HI 96734
Contact: (808) 262-2139
Website: Visit Website

20. The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course

The Dunes at Maui Lani stands out as Hawaii’s only golf course built on naturally occurring dune terrain, offering a unique links-style experience on Maui. Unlike most modern courses, minimal earth-moving occurred during its design, preserving the natural landscape and creating an old-school feel that golf purists appreciate.

The course features 18 holes of challenging play that takes advantage of the island’s natural topography. Hole #1 sets the tone with its dogleg left design and risk-reward options off the tee, allowing you to either play it safe or attempt to shorten the hole with a well-placed draw.

When playing at The Dunes, you’ll experience a completely different style of golf than typically found in Hawaii. The natural dune setting creates a playing environment reminiscent of traditional Scottish links courses, making it a refreshing change from the resort-style courses found elsewhere on the islands.

You can enhance your experience at The Dunes by downloading their mobile app, which includes an interactive scorecard, GPS functionality, and the ability to measure your shots as you navigate this distinctive course.

Rating: 4.3 (599 reviews)
Location: 1333 Maui Lani Pkwy, Kahului, HI 96732
Contact: (808) 873-0422
Website: Visit Website