Golf Hawaii: Why Mauna Kea and Mauna Lani are Essential Play

If you call yourself a golfer, your bucket list probably has some heavy hitters: Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, maybe Pinehurst. But if you haven't booked a flight to the Big Island of Hawaii specifically to tackle Mauna Kea and Mauna Lani, your list is missing its soul. This isn't just about the golf; it’s about the visceral thrill of launchng a Pro V1 over a churning Pacific inlet while ancient black lava rock waits to swallow any mistake.

The Big Island offers a brand of "lava golf" that you can't find anywhere else. While other islands have lush jungles, the Kohala Coast is a stark, beautiful moonscape where emerald fairways are carved directly into prehistoric volcanic flows. In 2026, Hawaii remains one of the top three golf destinations in the world, and the Mauna Kea and Mauna Lani resorts are the absolute crown jewels of the archipelago.

Why is Mauna Kea the ultimate "bucket list" course?

Mauna Kea is the course that put Hawaii on the global golf map. When Robert Trent Jones Sr. first stood on this coastline in 1964, people thought he was crazy for trying to build a course on top of jagged, unforgiving lava. What he created was a masterpiece that set the standard for island golf and remains a Top 100 benchmark today.

The experience here is defined by the 3rd hole. It is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful and intimidating par 3s on the planet. From the championship tees, it’s a massive 272-yard carry across a crashing ocean bay. Even from the resort tees (about 179 yards), the wind coming off the Pacific makes it feel like you're trying to land a ball on a moving postage stamp. If you par this hole, you’ve earned a story you'll tell in the clubhouse for the next twenty years.

The rest of the course is just as dramatic. Jones Sr. used the natural elevation changes to create "hard-par, easy-bogey" holes that demand respect. The bunkers are deep, the greens are tiered, and the views of the ocean are constant. It’s a physical and mental test that leaves you exhausted but grinning.

What makes the Mauna Lani South Course so iconic?

If Mauna Kea is the brawny champion, the Mauna Lani South Course is the scenic soulmate. This is the course that hosted the Senior Skins Game for eleven years, and it is arguably the most photographed course in Hawaii. It snakes through the rugged a'a lava of the Kaniku flow, creating a visual contrast of black rock and bright green grass that looks like it was generated by AI.

The South Course is home to the signature 15th hole, a par 3 that rivals Mauna Kea's 3rd for "most iconic in Hawaii." It requires a shot over a turquoise ocean cove to a green framed by palm trees and crashing waves. While the South Course is generally more approachable and scenic for the average golfer, don't let the beauty fool you; the lava on either side of the fairway is "one and done." If your ball goes in, it’s staying there.

For those who want a sterner challenge, the Mauna Lani North Course is often the favorite among low handicappers. It plays through kiawe forests and across more rolling terrain, offering a more nuanced tactical experience compared to the raw ocean-side drama of the South.

How do you plan the perfect Big Island golf trip?

Planning a trip to the Kohala Coast requires a bit of strategy to maximize your "fun per round" ratio. Both Mauna Kea and Mauna Lani are full-service luxury resorts, meaning you don’t actually have to leave the property to find world-class dining, spas, or even top-tier tennis and pickleball.

To get the most out of your visit, stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel for at least part of your trip. It has a mid-century modern soul that feels like "Old Hawaii" in the best way possible. When you aren't golfing, the beach at Kaunaʻoa Bay is consistently ranked one of the best in the world. Pro tip: play Mauna Kea in the morning to avoid the afternoon tradewinds, then head to Mauna Lani for a late-afternoon round when the sunset reflects off the lava rocks.

Why the Big Island beats the other islands for golf

While Maui has Kapalua and Kauai has Poipu Bay, the Big Island offers a sense of scale and variety that's hard to beat. Because the island is so large and the landscape so varied, you can be golfing in a desert-like lava field in the morning and driving through a lush rainforest by lunch.

The pace of life on the Big Island is also a bit slower than Oahu or Maui. It’s less "tourist trap" and more "outdoor playground." For a "golf hack" who just wants to enjoy the game in a spectacular setting, this environment is perfect. You aren't just playing a round; you're having an adventure.

What is there to do on the Big Island if you don't golf?

The Big Island is far more than just a golf destination; it is a diverse ecosystem that offers everything from alpine tundras to tropical rainforests. While the golfers are battling the lava on the Kohala Coast, non-golfers can explore a "greatest hits" reel of Hawaiian nature. From the thundering 442-foot Akaka Falls to the hidden white sands of Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay), the island is a playground for anyone who loves the outdoors.

The Kona coffee scene is a world-class experience in its own right and worth a dedicated day of exploration. Because 100% Kona coffee only grows in a very specific volcanic soil on the slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa, visiting a high-elevation coffee farm offers a unique look at agricultural craftsmanship.

• Coffee Farm Tours: Many estates like Kona Joe or Greenwell Farms offer walk-through tours of their orchards where you can taste the difference between different roast profiles.

• Beach Hopping: For the best swimming and snorkeling, head to the parks around Waikoloa and North Kona, where the water is consistently calm and turquoise.

• Waterfalls: Most of the island’s famous falls are located on the lush Hilo side (the east), which is a scenic two-hour drive from the golf resorts.

Whether you're looking for the thrill of a manta ray night dive or just a quiet morning with a cup of the world's best caffeine, the Big Island ensures that every traveler—golfer or not—has plenty to write home about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which course should I play first, Mauna Kea or Mauna Lani?

Start with Mauna Lani South to get your feet wet and enjoy the scenery. It’s a great introduction to "lava golf" and is generally a bit more forgiving for your first round on the island. Save Mauna Kea for your second or third day once you've adjusted to the Hawaiian winds and the way the ball travels in the tropical air.

Is Mauna Kea too difficult for high-handicap golfers?

It is a challenging course, but it’s not unfair. The key for high handicappers is to play the correct tees. If you try to play from the back, the ocean carries will be demoralizing. From the resort tees, the carries are manageable, and the experience of being on such a legendary layout is worth a few extra strokes on your card.

What is the best time of year to golf on the Big Island?

The Kohala Coast is famous for having nearly 350 days of sunshine a year. However, the winter months (December–March) can be busier and slightly more prone to "Kona Low" storms. May through October offers the most consistent weather, though it can get quite warm in the afternoons.

Do I need to bring my own clubs or are rentals available?

Both resorts offer premium rental sets, usually the latest models from major brands. If you're only playing two rounds, renting can save you the hassle of hauling a bag. However, if you're a "gear head" or playing 4+ rounds, bringing your own sticks is the way to go, especially since you'll want your familiar wedges for those tricky lava-adjacent lies.

Are there other courses nearby worth playing?

Absolutely. If you have time, Hapuna Golf Course (Mauna Kea's sister course) is an Arnold Palmer design that offers incredible elevation changes and ocean views from every single hole. It’s often a bit more affordable than the big two but provides a fantastic, challenging round.