9 Must-Visit Hawaii Golf Course Destinations for Tropical Golf Bliss
Picture this: You’re standing on the first tee, trade winds gently rustling through palm fronds overhead, while the Pacific Ocean stretches endlessly before you. The volcanic peaks of ancient mountains frame your view as you prepare to play golf in one of the world’s most spectacular settings. This is what awaits you when you discover the 9 Must-Visit Hawaii Golf Course Destinations for Tropical Golf Bliss โ where championship-caliber golf meets paradise.
Hawaii’s golf courses offer something truly magical that you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. From courses carved into ancient lava flows to clifftop layouts overlooking pristine beaches, each destination promises an unforgettable experience that combines world-class golf with breathtaking natural beauty.
Key Takeaways
- Big Island leads the way with newly renovated courses at Mauna Kea Resort, offering ocean views and volcanic landscapes
- Water challenges on Maui have temporarily affected some courses, but alternative destinations remain spectacular
- Oahu’s North Shore features exclusive coastal golf experiences with upcoming enhancements
- Each island offers unique terrain from sea-level coastal holes to elevated mountain courses
- 2026 brings exciting updates with course renovations and new facilities opening across the islands
The Big Island: Volcanic Majesty Meets Championship Golf ๐
1. Mauna Kea Golf Course
The crown jewel of Hawaiian golf has been transformed for 2026. Originally designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1964, Mauna Kea Golf Course recently completed an extensive renovation led by Robert Trent Jones Jr., enhancing fairways, bunkers, and greens while preserving the spectacular ocean and coastal views that made this course famous [1].
What makes it special:
- Dramatic elevation changes from sea level to mountain slopes
- Iconic oceanfront holes with crashing waves below
- Newly renovated greens and fairway conditions
- Historic significance as one of Hawaii’s first resort courses
The signature third hole remains one of golf’s most photographed par-3s, requiring a carry over crashing Pacific waves to a green perched on volcanic rock.
2. Hapuna Golf Course
Great news for golf enthusiasts โ Hapuna Golf Course is reopening in 2026 after recent updates and renovations to its greens and fairways. This Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay-designed masterpiece measures just under 6,900 yards with elevation changes from sea level to 750 feet, creating diverse playing conditions throughout your round [1].
Key features:
- Stunning views of Maui and the Pacific
- Links-style layout with natural lava rock hazards
- Trade wind challenges that test every aspect of your game
- Newly renovated playing surfaces for optimal conditions
3. Mauna Lani Resort Courses
The North and South Courses at Mauna Lani offer contrasting styles on the same property. The South Course features dramatic holes carved through ancient lava flows, while the North Course provides a more traditional resort experience with lush tropical landscaping.
Highlights include:
- The famous 15th hole on the South Course, played over ancient fishponds
- Petroglyphs visible along several fairways
- Consistent trade winds that require strategic club selection
- Two distinct golf experiences in one location
Oahu: Urban Sophistication Meets Coastal Beauty ๐๏ธ
4. The North Shore Club
Exclusivity meets natural beauty at The North Shore Club, featuring a David McLay Kidd-designed golf course that showcases Oahu’s legendary North Shore. Beginning in late 2026, this course will undergo phased enhancements while maintaining member access, promising even better conditions for this already spectacular layout [3].
What sets it apart:
- Dramatic coastal holes with views of world-famous surf breaks
- Links-style design that works with natural terrain
- Upcoming enhancements to elevate the experience further
- Private club atmosphere with limited public access
5. Ko Olina Golf Club
Located on Oahu’s sunny west side, Ko Olina Golf Club offers a Ted Robinson design that incorporates water features, tropical landscaping, and mountain views. The course provides a perfect complement to the nearby resort lagoons and beaches.
Notable features:
- Four resort lagoons visible from multiple holes
- Challenging water hazards on nearly every hole
- Consistent year-round playing conditions
- Easy access from Waikiki and Honolulu
6. Turtle Bay Resort Courses
The Palmer and Fazio Courses at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore provide two championship layouts with distinctly different personalities. The Palmer Course offers links-style golf along the coastline, while the Fazio Course winds through tropical forests and wetlands.
Course highlights:
- Palmer Course: Oceanfront holes with trade wind challenges
- Fazio Course: Jungle golf with elevation changes and water features
- Sea turtle sightings from coastal holes
- Two courses, two completely different experiences
Maui: Tropical Paradise Golf (With Current Considerations) ๐บ
7. Wailea Resort Courses
While some Maui courses face water challenges, Wailea Resort continues to offer exceptional golf on the island’s sunny south side. The Gold, Emerald, and Blue courses each provide unique experiences with views of neighboring islands and Haleakala Crater.
Course distinctions:
- Gold Course: Championship layout with dramatic elevation changes
- Emerald Course: More forgiving with spectacular views
- Blue Course: Oceanfront holes with whale watching opportunities (in season)
Note: Always check current course conditions before booking, as Hawaii’s climate can affect course availability.
8. Makena Golf & Beach Resort
The Makena South Course offers one of Maui’s most scenic golf experiences, with holes that play along ancient lava flows and provide panoramic ocean views. The course design takes full advantage of the natural terrain while offering fair challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
Special features:
- Holes carved through ancient lava rock
- Views of Molokini Crater and Kahoolawe Island
- Native Hawaiian plants and wildlife throughout
- Dramatic finishing holes along the coastline
9. Kauai: The Garden Isle’s Hidden Gems ๐ฟ
Princeville Resort Courses on Kauai’s dramatic North Shore complete our list of must-visit destinations. The Makai Course, redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Jr., offers cliff-top golf with some of the most spectacular ocean views in Hawaii.
Kauai golf highlights:
- Cliff-top holes 200 feet above the Pacific
- Views of the Na Pali Coast’s dramatic cliffs
- Consistent trade winds and tropical weather
- Less crowded than other Hawaiian destinations
Planning Your Hawaiian Golf Adventure ๐
When planning your tropical golf getaway, consider these essential tips:
Best Times to Visit:
- April-May and September-October: Ideal weather with fewer crowds
- Winter months: Whale watching season from coastal holes
- Summer: Consistent conditions but higher resort rates
What to Pack:
- Lightweight, breathable golf attire
- Extra golf balls (ocean holes can be unforgiving!)
- Sunscreen and hat for tropical sun protection
- Camera for incredible scenery shots
Booking Considerations:
- Reserve tee times well in advance, especially during peak season
- Check current course conditions before traveling
- Consider staying at resort properties for easier tee time access
- Factor in travel time between islands if playing multiple destinations
Current Industry Updates for 2026 โ ๏ธ
It’s important to note that Hawaii’s golf industry has faced some challenges recently. The extreme drought affecting West Maui led to the closure of both Plantation and Bay courses at Kapalua Resort in September 2025, with Maui County Water Supply imposing Stage 2 water restrictions [2]. The PGA Tour’s season-opening event was relocated from Kapalua due to these conditions [2].
However, this situation has also sparked important conversations about water infrastructure and sustainability. TY Management Corp. has proposed investing more than $30 million to purchase the West Maui water system to address regional water issues [4], demonstrating the golf industry’s commitment to finding long-term solutions.
Pro tip: Always verify current course conditions and water restrictions before booking your Hawaiian golf vacation. Many courses remain in excellent condition, but it’s wise to confirm availability.
Conclusion
The 9 Must-Visit Hawaii Golf Course Destinations for Tropical Golf Bliss offer experiences that transcend ordinary golf. From the newly renovated courses at Mauna Kea Resort to the dramatic coastal holes of Kauai’s North Shore, each destination provides its own slice of paradise.
While recent water challenges on Maui remind us of the importance of sustainable tourism, the majority of Hawaii’s golf courses continue to offer world-class experiences in settings that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else on Earth.
Ready to book your tropical golf adventure? Start by researching current course conditions and availability, then prioritize the destinations that match your skill level and scenic preferences. Whether you choose the volcanic drama of the Big Island, the coastal beauty of Oahu, or the garden paradise of Kauai, you’re guaranteed memories that will last a lifetime.
Remember to book tee times early, pack appropriate gear for tropical conditions, and most importantly, take time to appreciate the incredible natural beauty that surrounds you on every hole. After all, this is golf in paradise โ savor every moment! ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ๐บ
References
[1] Course Overview – https://www.maunakearesort.com/golf/course-overview/
[2] Extreme Drought Leads Pga Tour To Shift Plans For 2026 Season Opening Event R2210 – https://www.turfnet.com/news.html/extreme-drought-leads-pga-tour-to-shift-plans-for-2026-season-opening-event-r2210/
[3] The North Shore Club Defines A New Era Of Private Coastal Living On Oahus North Shore – https://resident.com/press-releases/2026/02/26/the-north-shore-club-defines-a-new-era-of-private-coastal-living-on-oahus-north-shore
[4] Community Skeptical Of Golf Course Owners Proposal To Buy West Maui Water System – https://mauinow.com/2026/02/28/community-skeptical-of-golf-course-owners-proposal-to-buy-west-maui-water-system/
