Discover 75+ championship golf courses across Hawaii's islands featuring tropical beauty, ocean views, and year-round play
Hawaii offers 75+ golf courses across six islands, combining championship-caliber designs with breathtaking tropical scenery. From volcanic mountains to oceanfront cliffs, Hawaii's courses feature unique challenges including strong trade winds, lava outcroppings, and seaside water hazards.
Hawaii hosts three prestigious PGA Tour and Champions Tour events annually, including The Sentry at Kapalua, Sony Open at Waialae, and Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai. With year-round perfect weather and courses ranging from affordable municipal links to exclusive resort championship layouts, Hawaii attracts golfers worldwide.
Hawaii's championship courses host prestigious professional tournaments and consistently rank among America's best golf courses.
📍 Kapalua, Maui
Home to The Sentry (formerly Tournament of Champions) each January, Hawaii's most famous resort course features dramatic elevation changes and views spanning the entire northwest coast of Maui. Par 73, 7,596 yards.
Green Fees: $469 standard, $439 resort guests
Visit Website📍 Honolulu, Oahu
Hosts the Sony Open in Hawaii each January, the PGA Tour's first full-field event of the year. Private club designed by Seth Raynor in 1927, featuring 144 of the world's finest golf pros annually.
Status: Private (PGA Tour event only)
📍 Kaupulehu-Kona, Big Island
Jack Nicklaus design hosting the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai (PGA Tour Champions) each January. Extended through 2030, this semi-private course features volcanic lava formations and spectacular ocean views.
Status: Semi-Private (Four Seasons guests only)
Visit Website📍 Koloa, Kauai
Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006. Features 18 championship holes along Kauai's sunny south shore with oceanfront play and spectacular coastal views.
Visit Website📍 Kohala Coast, Big Island
Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1964, recently renovated by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Famous for the par-3 3rd hole playing over 175 yards of ocean. Consistently ranked among Hawaii's top courses.
Visit Website📍 Lanai
Jack Nicklaus signature course ranking as Hawaii's highest-rated public course. Features three holes built on seaside cliffs above Hulopoe Bay, including the iconic par-3 12th and dogleg-right par-4 17th. Ranks 59th on America's 100 Greatest Courses.
Access: Four Seasons guests only
Visit WebsiteOahu has more golf courses than any other Hawaiian island, with 40+ public, private, and municipal courses ranging from casual municipal links to elegant resort courses.
📍 Kahuku, North Shore
Two championship courses: Arnold Palmer Course and George Fazio Course. The Palmer course runs along the stunning north shore coastline with dramatic ocean views. Rates start at $140 for 9 holes, $240 for 18 holes.
Visit Website📍 Kapolei, West Oahu
Ted Robinson-designed championship course featuring dramatic elevation changes, lush tropical landscaping, and ocean views. Dynamic pricing updated daily, includes cart rental and range balls.
Visit Website📍 Kaneohe, Windward Side
Consistently ranked among Hawaii's most challenging courses, set against the dramatic Ko'olau Mountain Range. Features steep elevation changes, deep ravines, and lush tropical vegetation. Dick Nugent design.
📍 Kailua, Windward Side
Pete and Perry Dye design showcasing dramatic elevation changes and spectacular Ko'olau Mountain views. Features natural ravines, streams, and challenging tropical terrain.
Visit Website📍 Kapolei, West Oahu
Championship public course that has hosted PGA Tour Champions Pacific Links Championship (2012-2014), LPGA Hawaiian Open (1996-2001), and LPGA Lotte Championship (2021). Ted Robinson design.
Visit Website📍 Ewa Beach, West Oahu
Public championship course featuring water on 11 holes, tropical landscaping, and challenging play suitable for all skill levels. Robin Nelson design.
📍 Honolulu, Waikiki
One of the busiest municipal courses in the United States, positioned at the edge of Waikiki. Affordable play with convenient location makes it popular with locals and tourists.
Fees: See Honolulu municipal rates
📍 Kaneohe, Windward Side
One of Oahu's oldest municipal courses, built in 1953. Features scenic mountain views and affordable rates for budget-conscious golfers.
📍 Kahuku, North Shore
Scottish links style course with ocean views from eight holes, often buffeted by brisk trade winds. Affordability and accessibility make this a beloved local gem.
📍 Waipahu, Central Oahu
Municipal course offering affordable golf in central Oahu location.
📍 Ewa Beach, West Oahu
Municipal course providing budget-friendly golf on the west side.
Maui features 15 golf courses including championship resort courses at Kapalua and Wailea, plus affordable municipal options. Home to The Sentry (PGA Tour) at Kapalua Plantation.
📍 Kapalua
Championship course hosting The Sentry. Par 73, 7,596 yards with dramatic elevation changes. Green fees: $469 standard, $439 resort guests.
📍 Kapalua
Arnold Palmer-designed course featuring ocean views and tropical landscaping. More forgiving than Plantation Course.
📍 Lahaina
Par 71, 6,700 yards championship course at Kaanapali Beach Resort. Features ocean and mountain views.
📍 Lahaina
Par 70, 6,400 yards offering more accessible play for mid-level golfers with spectacular coastal views.
Visit Website📍 Wailea
Championship course featuring dramatic elevation changes and ocean views. Most challenging of Wailea's three courses.
📍 Wailea
Mid-level difficulty with tropical landscaping and ocean views. Beautiful design for all skill levels.
📍 Wailea
Par 72 course offering spectacular views of neighboring islands. More forgiving layout than Gold Course.
Visit Website📍 Wailuku
Some of the best views on Maui with three holes adjacent to the beach. Non-residents $66, Maui County residents $17.
Visit Website📍 Kahului
Public course featuring links-style design with ocean breezes and mountain views. Affordable rates with twilight discounts.
📍 Wailuku
Public course offering challenging play with West Maui Mountain views at reasonable rates.
📍 Kihei
Public course in South Maui with affordable rates and mountain views.
📍 Pukalani
Semi-private course in upcountry Maui with cooler temperatures and scenic views.
📍 Makena
Resort course featuring Robert Trent Jones Jr. design with ocean and island views.
Known as the "Golf Capital of Hawaii," the Big Island features 17 golf courses with world-class resort courses along the Kohala Coast. Home to Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Mauna Lani championship courses.
📍 Kohala Coast
Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1964, renovated by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Famous for the par-3 3rd hole playing 175+ yards over ocean. Consistently ranked among Hawaii's best courses.
Visit Website📍 Kaupulehu-Kona
Jack Nicklaus design hosting Mitsubishi Electric Championship (PGA Tour Champions) annually through 2030. Semi-private, reserved for Four Seasons Hualalai guests.
Visit Website📍 Kohala Coast
Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay design opened in 1992. Currently closed for renovations with scheduled reopening November 2025. Features dramatic links-style design and ocean views.
📍 Kohala Coast
36 holes of championship golf between North Course and South Course. Features lava flows, ocean holes, and historic Hawaiian fishponds. Both courses offer stunning Kohala Coast scenery.
📍 Waikoloa
Two 18-hole championship courses: Waikoloa Kings and Waikoloa Beach. 18 holes $85, 9 holes $70. Green fees include shared cart, water, and practice facilities.
Visit Website📍 Kailua-Kona
Semi-private/public championship course formerly known as Big Island Country Club. Open to public play with challenging layout and mountain views.
Visit Website📍 Kailua-Kona
Resort course featuring oceanfront holes and tropical landscaping in west Hawaii. Two distinct nine-hole layouts.
📍 Kailua-Kona
Public course offering challenging play at elevation with cooler temperatures and panoramic views.
📍 Honokaa
One of Hawaii's best budget options at just $20 for all-day play regardless of holes played. Kids under 17 play free. Located one hour northwest of Hilo.
📍 Hilo
Affordable municipal course on the east side with lush tropical setting and mountain views. Budget-friendly rates for all golfers.
📍 Waikoloa
Public course offering more affordable rates than resort courses with challenging Robert Trent Jones Jr. design.
📍 Hilo
Resort course near Hilo Bay with tropical setting and affordable rates.
📍 Pahala
Remote resort course near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offering unique volcanic landscape golf experience.
Known as the "Garden Isle," Kauai features nine golf courses at seven locations. Quality over quantity, with Princeville Makai and Poipu Bay consistently ranking among Hawaii's best courses.
📍 Princeville
Robert Trent Jones Jr. design from 1971, renovated in 2010. Classic 18-hole, 7,233-yard par 72 championship course featuring dramatic ocean views and challenging cliffside holes.
📍 Lihue (formerly Kauai Lagoons)
Features the longest stretch of oceanfront golf holes in Hawaii. Jack Nicklaus design offering spectacular ocean views and challenging coastal play.
📍 Lihue
Prestigious municipal course that has hosted USGA's U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship three times. Excellent quality at budget-friendly rates.
📍 Lihue
Expanded to 18 holes, designed by Robin Nelson. Offers affordable play with mountain and garden views in east Kauai.
📍 Koloa
Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that hosted PGA Grand Slam of Golf 1994-2006. 18 championship holes on Kauai's sunny south shore with spectacular ocean views.
Visit Website📍 Poipu
Located in Poipu resort area, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Offers more forgiving play with tropical beauty and ocean breezes.
📍 Kalaheo
Nine-hole course at slightly more than $1 per hole, making it hands-down Kauai's most affordable. Donated to the public by sugar magnate Walter McBryde. Sweeping panoramic views.
Hawaii's smaller islands offer intimate golf experiences with fewer crowds and stunning natural beauty.
📍 Lanai
Jack Nicklaus signature course ranking as Hawaii's highest-rated public course. Features three holes on seaside cliffs above Hulopoe Bay. Ranks 59th on America's 100 Greatest Courses. Access limited to Four Seasons guests.
Visit Website📍 Kualapuu
Currently Molokai's only operational golf course. Nine holes, par 34 with all-around ocean views. Offers authentic local golf experience in peaceful setting.
Phone: (808) 567-6000
Hawaii's trade winds significantly impact play:
Winter months offer easier playing conditions when trade winds stop for weeks at a time.
Hawaii offers consistent playing conditions:
Golf is excellent year-round with remarkably consistent weather.
Hawaii golf spans wide price range:
Twilight rates (after 1-2 PM) offer 30-50% discounts at many courses.
Best value courses across Hawaii:
Nanea Golf Club on the Big Island (private) ranks 59th on America's 100 Greatest Courses. For public access, Manele Golf Course on Lanai (Jack Nicklaus design) is Hawaii's highest-ranked public course, featuring three spectacular ocean-cove holes. Kapalua Plantation Course on Maui is Hawaii's most famous resort course, hosting The Sentry PGA Tour event annually. Mauna Kea Golf Course on the Big Island, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is consistently rated among the state's top courses with its iconic par-3 3rd hole playing over 175 yards of ocean.
Hawaii has 75+ golf courses across six islands. Breakdown by island:
Oahu has more golf courses than any other Hawaiian island, offering the greatest variety from municipal links to exclusive resort courses.
It depends on your priorities:
Big Island (Hawaii Island) is known as the "Golf Capital of Hawaii" with world-class Kohala Coast courses including Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Mauna Lani. Best for championship resort golf and PGA Champions Tour events.
Maui offers premium resort golf at Kapalua (PGA Tour's The Sentry) and Wailea, plus excellent value courses. Best for luxury golf vacations and tournament atmosphere.
Oahu provides the most variety with 40+ courses ranging from budget municipal options to Turtle Bay and Ko Olina resorts. Best for variety and convenience to Honolulu.
Kauai emphasizes quality over quantity with relaxed pace at top courses like Princeville Makai and Poipu Bay. Best for scenic beauty and less crowded conditions.
Hawaii golf prices span a wide range:
Budget Options ($17-66): Municipal courses like Waiehu (Maui), Ala Wai (Oahu), Wailua (Kauai). Hamakua Country Club (Big Island) offers all-day play for just $20.
Mid-Range ($70-140): Quality public courses like Waikoloa Beach ($85/18 holes), Coral Creek, Hawaii Kai.
Premium Resort ($200-300): Turtle Bay starts at $240, Ko Olina uses dynamic pricing, Wailea and Mauna Lani in this range.
Championship Resort ($400-500): Kapalua Plantation $469 standard ($439 resort guests), Hualalai (resort guests only).
Money-Saving Tips: Play twilight rates (after 1-2 PM) for 30-50% discounts. Municipal courses offer excellent value. Resort guests receive preferred rates. Book tee times early for best availability and rates.
Hawaii hosts three prestigious professional golf tournaments annually:
The Sentry (PGA Tour) - Held each January at Kapalua Plantation Course, Maui. Features elite field of previous year's PGA Tour winners. Hawaii's most famous golf event with dramatic cliff-side holes and elevation changes.
Sony Open in Hawaii (PGA Tour) - Held each January at Waialae Country Club, Oahu. First full-field event of the PGA Tour season with 144 of world's finest pros. Played at private club since 1965.
Mitsubishi Electric Championship (PGA Tour Champions) - Held each January at Hualalai Golf Course, Big Island. Champions Tour season-opening event extended through 2030. Jack Nicklaus design exclusive to Four Seasons Hualalai guests.
Hawaii offers excellent golf year-round with yearly temperature variation of only 2 degrees.
May-October (Dry Season): Best overall weather, particularly May-June. Highest temperatures, least rainfall. However, trade winds present 83-95% of time in summer, making play more challenging.
November-March (Winter): Slightly cooler and wetter, but trade winds stop for weeks at a time (present only 42-60% of time), providing easier playing conditions when calm. Many golfers prefer winter for this reason.
Best time of day: Play early morning or late afternoon when winds are lighter. Wind tends to increase midday. Twilight rates (after 1-2 PM) offer significant savings.
Peak season: December-March attracts most visitors. Book tee times weeks in advance during peak season, especially at resort courses. Summer offers better availability.
Trade winds are almost always a factor when golfing in Hawaii and significantly impact play:
Wind frequency: Trade winds blow 83-95% of time in summer, 42-60% of time in winter. Typically from northeast direction. Strongest during midday, lighter morning and afternoon.
Impact on play: Demand shot-making skills and invite creative golf. Club up when playing into wind. Low ball flight helps in windy conditions. Coastal courses more exposed than inland mountain courses.
Course selection: Ko Olina and courses with natural windbreaks offer some protection. Links-style courses like Kahuku and Hamakua are most exposed. Elevation courses may have different wind patterns.
Best strategy: Accept wind as part of Hawaii golf experience. Play earlier or later in day for calmer conditions. Winter months when trade winds stop for extended periods provide easiest playing conditions.
Most resort courses welcome public play, though policies vary:
Fully public resort courses: Kapalua (Maui), Ko Olina and Turtle Bay (Oahu), Waikoloa Beach (Big Island), Mauna Lani (Big Island), Poipu Bay and Princeville (Kauai). Anyone can book tee times, though resort guests receive preferred rates and booking windows.
Resort guests only: Hualalai (Big Island) - Four Seasons guests exclusively. Manele (Lanai) - Four Seasons guests only. These semi-private courses require resort stay for access.
Private clubs: Waialae (Oahu), Nanea (Big Island), Kukio (Big Island), Kohanaiki (Big Island), Honolulu Country Club - require membership or member invitation, closed to public.
Booking tip: Resort courses offer 10-20% discounts for resort guests. Book tee times directly through resort concierge for best rates and availability. Public players should book well in advance during peak season.
Hawaii golf offers experiences found nowhere else:
Volcanic landscape: Black volcanic lava rock as natural hazards and course features. Ancient lava flows integrated into design at Big Island courses. Unique geologic formations create dramatic backdrops.
Oceanfront play: Longest stretch of oceanfront holes at Hokuala, Kauai. Cliffside holes at Manele playing over ocean. Dramatic seaside water hazards unlike mainland courses. Three ocean-cove holes at Manele including par-3 12th.
Tropical beauty: Volcanic mountains, palm trees, flowering tropical plants. Diverse wildlife including sea turtles, tropical birds. Gold standard for golf course aesthetics worldwide.
Year-round play: Consistent temperatures with only 2-degree yearly variation. No winter closure or frost delays. Play championship golf 365 days per year.
Trade winds challenge: Constant wind demands creative shot-making and strategy unlike mainland golf. Forces low ball flight and club selection adjustments.
Yes! Hawaii offers excellent budget golf options across all islands:
Best budget courses: Hamakua Country Club (Big Island) - $20 all-day, kids under 17 free. Kukuiolono (Kauai) - $1 per hole, nine holes. Waiehu Municipal (Maui) - $17 Maui residents, $29 Hawaii residents, $66 non-residents. Ala Wai, Pali, Kahuku (Oahu) - Municipal rates under $70. Wailua Municipal (Kauai) - Quality USGA-hosted course at budget price.
Money-saving strategies: Twilight rates (after 1-2 PM) provide 30-50% discounts at resort courses. Resident rates if staying extended periods. Weekday play typically cheaper than weekends. Package deals combining multiple rounds. Book directly with courses for best rates.
Quality budget courses: Municipal courses maintain good conditions at fraction of resort prices. Wailua hosted USGA championships. Many public courses under $100 offer excellent experiences. Don't sacrifice quality for savings - budget options in Hawaii are legitimate courses.
Trip planning: Mix resort rounds with budget courses to extend your golf vacation. Play premier courses like Kapalua once, then supplement with affordable municipal golf. Budget $20-70 per round at municipal courses versus $200-400+ at resorts.
USA Golf: Comprehensive USA Golf Sites including Associations, Education, Juniors, Golf News, Pro Players, Professional Golf, Seniors, and Women's Golf across all 50 states
Last updated on November 24, 2025