The best golf courses in Hawaii, USA

Kohanaiki Golf Club is an exclusive, private Rees Jones design located on 450 acres of the Kona coastline. Opened in 2013, it features six oceanfront holes, lava flows, palm vistas, and immaculately maintained turf. The course integrates Hawaiian history and ocean views for a memorable, world-class golf experience tailored for members.

The Club at Hokuli'a is a Jack Nicklaus Signature private course on Hawaii's Kona Coast, renowned for its dramatic ocean views and masterful design. Frequented by its members, the course provides a challenging yet rewarding experience, with fairways and greens cascading through lush terrain and a climate ideal for year-round play.

The Kapalua Plantation Course is a world-renowned Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains. As host of the PGA TOUR’s Sentry Tournament of Champions, it features dramatic ocean views, rolling elevation changes, wide fairways, and vast undulating greens. The course is both a championship test and a memorable Hawaiian golfing experience.

Nanea Golf Club, designed by David McLay Kidd and opened in 2003, sits on the slopes of Mount Hualalai overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This ultra-exclusive, private club features a unique links-style layout on rugged lava terrain with wide fairways and large, undulating greens. The course is renowned for its immaculate conditions, strategic challenge, and one of the most secluded experiences in all of American golf.

Perched on dramatic cliffs above Hulopoe Bay, Manele Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Lanai was designed by Jack Nicklaus. The course weaves across lava outcrops, with Pacific Ocean views from every hole. Three holes play along cliffs, and every round features the lush beauty, strategic routing, and luxury service that has made it one of Hawaii’s top resort courses.

Mauna Kea Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1964 and renovated by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is a renowned Hawaiian resort course set along the Kohala Coast. Carved from black lava fields, its dramatic holes overlook the Pacific and are lined with Platinum Paspalum turf. The course is esteemed for challenging bunkers, stunning ocean vistas, and an iconic over-the-water par 3.

The Princeville Makai Golf Club is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that opened in 1971 and was renovated in 2009. Stretching over 7,200 yards with six sets of tees, this par-72 course features Seashore Paspalum turf, winds around lakes and native woodlands, and offers dramatic coastal and mountain views. Known for immaculate conditioning and its Aloha spirit.

Kuki'o Golf Club is a Tom Fazio-designed private 18-hole course nestled in the rugged lava landscape above the Kona-Kohala coast. Known for its exclusivity and luxury amenities, the course challenges players with dramatic elevation changes and sweeping ocean views. Its unique routing and lava features make it a standout experience for members of this residential club.

Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., spans 210 oceanfront acres on Kauai’s south shore next to the Grand Hyatt resort. Renowned for hosting the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994–2006, the course features dramatic ocean cliffs, lush tropical landscaping, and challenging play with top-tier conditions and mesmerizing views across its strategic layout.

Designed by Homer Flint, the Mauna Lani South Course is a par-72, 18-hole resort course nestled along the stunning Kohala Coast. Renowned for its lush fairways, dramatic lava formations, and breathtaking ocean views, it offers memorable holes including some of Hawaii’s most scenic. Featuring Bermuda grass, the course blends natural beauty with challenge and is a frequent favorite for visitors to the Big Island.

The Mauna Lani North Course, crafted by Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright, is celebrated for its championship layout winding through ancient lava fields on Hawaii's Kohala Coast. Known for striking Kiawe forests, archaeological sites, and Pacific vistas, the course mixes natural beauty with challenging strategic play and hosts major amateur and collegiate events.

Waialae Country Club is an iconic private course in Honolulu, designed by renowned architect Seth Raynor and opened in 1927. Celebrated for its classic layout and immaculate conditioning, the course offers ocean views and a challenging yet enjoyable test. As host of the Sony Open in Hawaii, it is recognized among America's elite golf venues.

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club, designed by Pete and Perry Dye, winds through lush jungle in the Maunawili Valley just outside Honolulu. Dramatic elevation changes, forced carries, and jungle-lined fairways challenge golfers on an adventurous routing. Known for its 'Jurassic Park' setting amid palms and mountain vistas, the course features true-rolling Platinum Paspalum greens and memorable holes at every turn.

Kapolei Golf Club, designed by Ted Robinson and opened in 1995, is a public championship course that winds over 190 acres of former sugar cane fields. Known for its floral gardens, elevated greens, 80 bunkers, and five lakes, the course offers a visually stunning and strategic challenge. It has hosted top professional tournaments, including LPGA and PGA Tour Champions events.

Hapuna Golf Course, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, is a dramatic, links-style layout stretching 6,875 yards along the Kohala Coast. Opened in 1992, the course features panoramic ocean views from every hole, significant elevation changes, and rugged lava terrain, making it a distinct and scenic Hawaiian golf experience.