There are more than 80 spectacular golf courses located on the six major Hawaiian Islands – Oahu, Länai, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Hawaii’s Big Island – ranging from award-winning resorts and public courses to municipal layouts and private facilities. So we highly suggest the golf destination of Hawaii, and here’s why.
Hawaii offers a 365-day-a-year golf experience unlike any other place in the world so these islands have long been a favorite place for pros to visit. And with good reason. According to a recent Golf Magazine poll, Hawaii is home to eight of ‘Golf’s Finest Properties’ in the US. And the most world-renowned golf course designers have left their stamp. Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Jr., Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Ted Robinson, among others, found inspiration amidst the islands’ dramatic cliffs, sterling beaches, lava fields, and rolling hills.
Golfers also appreciate the modern infrastructure of the resorts and golf courses. Many of Hawaii’s courses have undergone significant renovations to enhance the overall golf experience. Accommodations surrounding these great courses range from luxurious resorts and moderate hotels to family-friendly condos and quaint bed and breakfast establishments. The only difficulty is choosing.
With its ideal temperate climate year-round, the Hawaiian Islands offer the perfect venue for golf adventures. Temperatures hover around 80 degrees most days, give or take a few degrees during summer and winter months.
Oahu – There are more golf courses on Oahu than any other island. You can choose from public and private courses, ranging from casual municipal links to elegant resort courses. They offer not only superb challenges but also spectacular vistas. The backdrop for a shot here might be forested mountains, desert-like terrain, or the impressive sweep of the Pacific.
There are even courses built on former ranch lands, fields of sugar cane, and seaside layouts that resemble British links. Constant sunshine makes for long hours of dependable golfing weather, and the spectacular surrounding scenery quiets the mind and stirs the heart. (Photo – Turtle Bay Golf Course – Oahu)
Länai – The Experience at Koele is an 18-hole championship course designed by legends Greg Norman and Ted Robinson. Each and every hole is graced with awe-inspiring vistas, from mountain ravines to Pacific expanses to neighboring Maui and Molokai across the channel.
Along the southern coast, Jack Nicklaus created one of his most famous masterpieces, The Challenge at Manele. Set on the cliffs, this target-style course roams across several hundred acres of natural lava outcroppings, using plunging ravines, native kiawe, and trees as natural hazards. Both courses consistently rank among the best in the world by travel publications and guides. (Photo – Manele Golf Course – Lanai)
Maui – This island boasts several courses ranked at or near the top of the ‘world’s best’ lists. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine a more dramatic setting for these 18-hole masterpieces, with fairways abutting ancient lava flows, tees surrounded by palm groves, and greens arched by rainbows created in the ocean mist.
Indeed, it is difficult to imagine a more dramatic setting for these 18-hole masterpieces, with fairways abutting ancient lava flows, tees surrounded by palm groves, and greens arched by rainbows created in the ocean mist.
The island is home to several public and resort courses and is the setting for many of the world’s most famous professional tournaments. (Photo – Wailea Emerald Golf Club – Maui)
Kauai – Golfers go on location to Kauai for the spectacular scenic backdrops. The courses are crafted by nature and are helped along by some of the game’s most talented architects. The views are so spectacular, they could be considered an obstacle.
The views are so spectacular, they could be considered an obstacle.
Each of Kauai’s courses has its own definition of breathtaking and there’s always one nearby no matter where you stay. Whichever one you choose, you can count on breathtaking views hole after hole. (Photo – Kauai Lagoons Golf Club – Kauai)
Molokai – Golfing on Molokai is as unassuming as you might expect it to be. For example, at the lovely Ironwood Hills Golf Course, it’s okay to just show up for a tee time.
There are no golf pros. Not even a clubhouse. Talk about a relaxing round! Just take your time and enjoy the cool, upcountry air and splendid views from this unique course.
(Photo – Kaluakai Golf Course borders Kepuhi Beach – Molokai)
Hawaii’s Big Island – There are magnificent courses on Hawai‘i’s Big Island carved out of ancient lava flows, nestled among historical Hawaiian landmarks, and fronting some of the most beautiful coastlines of the Pacific.
The striking contrasts of lush green fairways, pure white bunkers, jet-black lava flows, and turquoise blue Pacific waters make for some of the most scenic holes anywhere.
(Photo – Waikoloa Beach Resort – Big Island)
A golf vacation to Hawaii yields a host of activities and unique experiences. So even if someone in your family isn’t as avid a golfer as you, everyone will look forward to the vacation because of the wide range of activities offered on the islands. Those who make the effort to break away from these incredible courses can enjoy world-class shopping, from top-shelf internationally recognized brands to those unique, only in Hawai‘i brands found around the state in places like Kaläkaua Avenue in Waikïkï and the Shops at Wailea on Maui. After a day of golf, visitors can also look forward to the healing powers of Hawaiian spas, where masseuses practice ancient techniques to soothe and tone muscles. Water sports like snorkeling, surfing, and swimming add to the perfect complement of activities. And sumptuous meals of Hawai‘i’s famous Pacific Rim cuisine found at the multitude of gourmet restaurants on the islands cap off the incredible days.
Via Go Hawaii