Best Golf Courses on the Big Island of Hawaii

Many folks who come to vacation in the Hawaiian Islands come for the beaches, the weather, and the Mai Tais. Hawaii also has some of the best golf courses in the country, and the Big Island is becoming the hot spot for all golf enthusiasts. The following are the best golf courses on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Located at the Mauna Kea Resort is the best golf course on the Big Island. The course opened in 1964 and set high standards for all courses to follow. Hole number 3 is one of the most beautiful pieces of golf property on the island, this difficult hole hugs the coast and challenges even the most experienced golfer. Course fees are about $200, $140 if you are a guest of the hotel. The fees include carts, although walking is allowed if golf is your sport for exercise.

The Waikoloa Resort has two golf courses, the Waikoloa Kings' and the Waikoloa Beach. The Kings' course is a lot more challenging using the lava terrain as a means of setting up boundaries and traps. The Beach course is more popular because of its location along the coastline. On your way to hole number 9 on the Beach course, make sure you check out the petro glyphs to the left. Hole 9 is near the ocean so the wind may play a major factor in your game. These two courses are among the best choices for golfers on the Big Island. Green fees are about $175 and $125 for guests of the resort.

A hidden gem, the Waimea Country Club is another remarkable golf course on the Big Island. This course offers wide open fairways and well maintained greens. It is also a bargain, costing only $75 (at least for Hawaiian pricing!). The only problem is the rain, I recommend playing early to try and miss the afternoon showers.

If you are near the Kilauea Crater, I recommend playing a round at the Volcano Golf and Country Club. This lush course is just one mile away from the active volcano and makes for great bragging rights when you go home and tell your friends all about your Hawaiian vacation. The course itself is fairly straightforward and of moderate difficulty. At 4000 feet above sea level, it is cold for Hawaiian standards, so be sure to take a jacket with you. Course fees are reasonable at about $65.

Golf vacations are becoming more and more popular. Why not combine your island vacation with your favorite sport? The Big Island offers some picturesque and challenging courses, and some of the best golfing in the country.