Hawaii isn’t just about beaches and surfboards; it’s a world-class golf destination. With year-round playable weather, stunning ocean views, and volcanic backdrops, it’s no wonder both tourists and kamaʻāina love the local greens. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious golf lover, Hawaii offers diverse courses to suit every skill level and preference.
Oʻahu: The Gathering Place for Golf
Oʻahu isn’t just the heartbeat of Hawaii’s culture and nightlife—it’s also a golfer’s playground, blending scenic landscapes with a deep-rooted game history. From mist-covered mountainside fairways to coastal courses offering sweeping ocean views, Oʻahu provides a rich mix of public gems, historic greens, and resort-level challenges. Whether searching for a quiet morning tee time near Honolulu or a lush tropical escape deep in the Koʻolau range, the island delivers variety and unforgettable rounds at every turn.
Moanalua Golf Course – Hawaii’s First
Established in 1898, Moanalua Golf Course holds the title of Hawaii’s first golf course. Its historical roots and old-school charm make it a must-play for history buffs and golf purists. Located centrally, it’s easily accessible and offers a unique glimpse into the island’s golfing past.
Fort Shafter Golf Course – A Military Secret
Fort Shafter Golf Course is a hidden gem, primarily available to military personnel but accessible to some visitors. This quiet, peaceful course boasts views of Honolulu and provides a serene golfing experience away from the crowds.
Koʻolau Golf Club – More Than Just Golf
Koʻolau Golf Club is renowned for its challenging layout amidst a jaw-dropping setting. With dramatic mountain vistas and a rainforest ambiance, it’s not just a golf course but also a popular venue for weddings and events.
Royal Hawaiian Golf Club – Savage Beauty on the Greens
Nestled in Maunawili Valley, the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club offers a stunning, lush course often nicknamed “Jurassic Park” by golfers. It provides a good balance of challenge and scenery, making it a favorite among locals and visitors.
Royal Kunia Country Club – Great for Visitors
Royal Kunia Country Club is very visitor-friendly, located near Waikīkī, and offers affordable rates. With panoramic views of Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor, its playable layout is excellent for families and beginners.
More Oʻahu Picks: Local Favorites
Ewa Beach Golf Club and Coral Creek are local favorites. They are known for their value, pace of play, and laid-back atmosphere. These courses offer a genuine local golfing experience that’s both enjoyable and affordable.
Maui: Island Greens with Valley Views
Maui brings a unique magic to the game—crisp upcountry air, sweeping valley views, and golden sunsets over the Pacific turn every round into something special. The Valley Isle offers a relaxed pace and various courses catering to weekend players and seasoned pros. From breezy coastal layouts to cooler elevations with panoramic backdrops, golfing on Maui feels personal, scenic, and refreshingly laid-back.
Pukalani Country Club – Upcountry Gem
Pukalani Country Club is situated in Maui’s upcountry, offering a cooler climate and elevation for a pleasant golfing experience. Less crowded and great value, it boasts lush views and a friendly atmosphere with local charm.
Bonus Maui Courses to Know
Maui is also home to the renowned Wailea Golf Club and Kapalua Plantation Course. These courses are famous for hosting PGA events and providing luxury golf experiences with oceanfront holes and high-end amenities.
Big Island: Volcanic Vistas and Championship Play
The Big Island delivers a golfing experience that’s as bold and varied as its landscape, where black lava fields meet emerald fairways, and oceanfront holes come with postcard-worthy views. Home to some of Hawaii’s most prestigious championship courses, this island offers both luxury and challenge, with layouts crafted by golf legends and backdrops you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re aiming for a bucket-list round or a laid-back afternoon on the coast, the Big Island’s courses bring power, beauty, and pure aloha to the game.
Mauna Kea Golf Course
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Mauna Kea Golf Course features clifftop holes, lava rock hazards, and postcard-worthy views. It’s one of the priciest courses on the island but offers an unforgettable golfing experience.
Hualālai Golf Course
Part of the Four Seasons Resort, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Hualālai Golf Course is perfectly manicured. Exclusive and serene, it’s one of the most scenic and relaxing courses on the Big Island.
Kona Country Club
Kona Country Club is a well-maintained public course with great ocean holes. Located close to Kailua-Kona, it’s ideal for visitors seeking a reasonably priced and easily accessible golfing option.
Kauaʻi: Golfing the Garden Isle
Kauaʻi may be known for its lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and quiet charm, but for golfers, it’s also home to some of the most breathtaking courses in the world. The Garden Isle offers a slower pace and a deeper connection to nature, where fairways hug the coastline and tee shots soar against backdrops of jagged green peaks. Whether you’re after a championship-level challenge or a peaceful round with the sound of waves in the background, golfing on Kauaʻi blends serenity with unforgettable scenery in a way only this island can.
Princeville Makai Golf Club
Princeville Makai Golf Club is frequently ranked among the most beautiful courses worldwide with oceanfront fairways, dramatic cliffs, and unforgettable sunsets. Golfers often enjoy wildlife sightings while playing.
Poʻipū Bay Golf Course
Formerly home to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, Poʻipū Bay Golf Course offers a breathtaking coastal stretch where trade winds add to the challenge. The course is known for its excellent service, rental clubs, and friendly staff.
Tips for Booking Your Hawaii Golf Trip
Planning a golf trip to Hawaii takes more than just packing your clubs—it’s about timing, choosing the right island mix, and knowing how to get the most out of every tee time. With high demand for popular courses and unique local quirks to consider, a little preparation goes a long way. From saving money with twilight rates to understanding dress codes and rental options, these tips will help you hit the fairways smoothly and make the most of your golf getaway in paradise.
- Book Early: Especially for top-tier resort courses, tee times can fill up quickly.
- Consider Twilight Hours: Playing during twilight can offer savings and cooler temperatures.
- Rent Clubs: If you’re island-hopping, renting clubs can save on luggage fees.
- Dress Code: Some courses require collared shirts and soft spikes—check ahead to ensure compliance.
Local Etiquette and Culture in the Course
Golfing in Hawaii has its rhythm—one that blends respect, aloha, and a genuine connection to the land. While the game may follow familiar rules, local etiquette adds an extra layer that visitors should know before stepping onto the green. Whether it’s keeping pace, showing courtesy to course staff, or simply understanding the importance of mālama ʻāina (caring for the land), embracing the island way of golf helps ensure a warm welcome and a smooth round from the first tee to the final putt.
- Respect the Land (Mālama ʻĀina): Carefully treat the course and surroundings.
- Maintain Pace: Slow play can frustrate locals—keep up your pace.
- Leave Nature Intact: Avoid taking rocks or plants as souvenirs.
- Engage with Aloha: Smile, talk story, and enjoy the camaraderie on the course.
Is Hawaii Worth It for Golf?
Absolutely. Hawaii offers a diverse range of golfing experiences for every type of player, from weekend warriors to low handicappers. Each island provides a unique golfing adventure, making it a worthwhile destination for enthusiasts.
Golf in Hawaii is about more than just the game; it’s about immersing yourself in landscapes that leave you speechless, sharing stories with locals who treat every round like a reunion, and feeling the rhythm of the islands in every swing. Each course tells a different story, from cliffside tees overlooking endless blue to lush valleys cradled by volcanic peaks. Whether you’re aiming to lower your handicap or simply savoring the peace between shots, what stays with you isn’t just the scorecard—it’s the feeling of connection, the stillness of a sunset drive, the laughter after a wayward putt, and the lingering scent of plumeria on the breeze.
If golf is on your Hawaii itinerary, let Hawaii Aloha Travel help you build a trip that’s more than just another vacation. Our local experts know the best tee times, hidden gems, and how to pair your rounds with unforgettable island experiences. Whether you’re flying solo, planning a couples’ getaway, or bringing a group of fellow golf lovers, we’ll ensure your journey is smooth, stress-free, and lined with aloha every step.
Ready to plan your Hawaii golf vacation? Contact Hawaii Aloha Travel today and let’s start building your dream itinerary—one tee time at a time.
