Top Golf Courses in Hawaii by Island

Top Golf Courses in Hawaii by Island

The Best Golf Courses in Hawaii by Island: PGA, LPGA, and Hidden Gems

Tropical breezes, stunning coastal views, and volcanic landscapes—Hawai‘i offers a dreamlike setting for golfers at every level. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual traveler with a love for the links, the islands are home to some of the most breathtaking and challenging golf courses in the world.

From PGA and LPGA tour stops to scenic resort courses and locals-only favorites, here’s your ultimate guide to golfing in Hawai‘i—with the top five courses on each of the major islands.

PGA & LPGA Tour Stops in Hawaii

Before diving into the island-by-island list, let’s look at Hawai‘i’s role on professional golf’s global stage. The islands kick off both the PGA and LPGA calendars each year.

PGA Tour

  • Sentry (The Sentry)
    Location: Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui
    When: Early January
    Notes: Formerly the Tournament of Champions, this elite PGA event features only the previous season’s winners. Kapalua’s oceanfront layout and dramatic elevation make it one of the most scenic (and televised) events of the year.
  • Sony Open in Hawaii
    Location: Waialae Country Club, O‘ahu
    When: Mid-January
    Notes: A more classic design, Waialae’s narrow fairways and trade winds make it a true test of precision. It’s also a fan favorite, with easy access from Waikīkī.

LPGA Tour

  • LOTTE Championship
    Location: Hoakalei Country Club, O‘ahu (previously at Ko Olina)
    When: April
    Notes: The LPGA’s annual stop in Hawai‘i attracts top global talent and showcases the growing profile of women’s golf in the islands.

Top 5 Golf Courses on Oʻahu

Oʻahu balances urban energy with natural beauty—and its golf scene is no different.

1. Waialae Country Club (Honolulu)

  • Host of the PGA’s Sony Open
  • Classic design with coastal winds and palm-lined fairways
  • Private, but some access through luxury hotel partnerships

2. Ko Olina Golf Club (Kapolei)

  • Former host of the LPGA LOTTE Championship
  • Resort-style course with lakes, waterfalls, and top-tier facilities
  • Open to the public, with discounts for resort guests

3. Turtle Bay Resort - Palmer Course (North Shore)

  • A challenging, wind-swept layout by Arnold Palmer
  • Ocean views, dense ironwood forests, and a pro-level experience
  • Popular with visitors and locals alike

4. Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (Maunawili)

  • Nestled in lush rainforest under the Koʻolau Mountains
  • Jaw-dropping scenery and a tough, technical layout
  • Feels like a jungle adventure with a driver in hand

5. Hawai‘i Prince Golf Club (Ewa Beach)

  • 27-hole facility designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay
  • Great value and variety; wide fairways and gentle slopes
  • Ideal for mid-handicap players and casual rounds

Top 5 Golf Courses on Maui

Maui is a golfer’s paradise, offering dramatic elevation changes, lava rock features, and panoramic ocean views.

1. Plantation Course at Kapalua (Lahaina)

  • Host of The Sentry PGA Tournament
  • Massive elevation changes and wide fairways
  • One of the most iconic finishing holes in golf

2. Wailea Golf Club - Gold Course (Wailea)

  • Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
  • Challenging layout with ocean panoramas
  • Gold, Emerald, and Blue courses offer variety for all skill levels

3. The Dunes at Maui Lani (Kahului)

  • Links-style layout with rolling terrain and natural dunes
  • Affordable and accessible for locals and visitors
  • Known for windy conditions and fast greens

4. Kāʻanapali Golf Courses - Royal Course (Lahaina)

  • Historic course near the beach resorts of West Maui
  • Features palm-lined fairways and sweeping views of Lānaʻi
  • Royal and Kai courses both worth a visit

5. Kapalua Bay Course (Lahaina)

  • Sister course to the Plantation, but more forgiving
  • Hosts junior and amateur events
  • Famous 17th hole plays over the Pacific Ocean

Top 5 Golf Courses on Hawai‘i Island (Big Island)

With its diverse topography and volcanic landscapes, the Big Island boasts some of the most visually arresting golf experiences in the world.

1. Mauna Kea Golf Course (Kohala Coast)

  • Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
  • Iconic over-the-ocean third hole is a bucket-list experience
  • Recently renovated, blending tradition with modern design

2. Hualālai Golf Course (Kailua-Kona)

  • Exclusive Jack Nicklaus course at the Four Seasons Resort
  • Private, but guest play is available
  • Oceanfront finishing holes and manicured greens

3. Mauna Lani - South Course (Waimea)

  • Lava fields, ocean holes, and historic Hawaiian sites
  • One of the most Instagrammed courses in Hawai‘i
  • North Course is also excellent and slightly less crowded

4. Waikōloa Beach Resort - Kings’ Course

  • Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish
  • Links-style with lava features and expansive fairways
  • Kings’ and Beach courses offer variety for all levels

5. Volcano Golf and Country Club (Volcano)

  • Cool climate course near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
  • Old-school charm with mountain views
  • Elevation over 4,000 feet makes for a unique round

Top 5 Golf Courses on Kaua‘i

The Garden Isle’s lush environment creates dramatic backdrops for every swing.

1. Princeville Makai Golf Club (North Shore)

  • Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
  • Cliffside ocean holes and emerald-green fairways
  • Frequently ranked among the world’s most scenic courses

2. Poʻipū Bay Golf Course (Poʻipū)

  • Former PGA Grand Slam of Golf host
  • Oceanfront holes with ancient Hawaiian heiau nearby
  • Breezy, well-maintained, and stunningly serene

3. Wailua Golf Course (Līhuʻe)

  • Top-rated municipal course in the U.S.
  • Affordable with excellent coastal views
  • Local favorite and hidden gem

4. Hōkūala Ocean Course (Līhuʻe)

  • Designed by Jack Nicklaus
  • Boasts the longest continuous oceanfront holes in Hawai‘i
  • Premier resort course with luxury amenities

5. Kiahuna Golf Club (Poʻipū)

  • Laid-back course surrounded by eucalyptus and mango trees
  • Great for walking and family rounds
  • Classic Hawaiian golf vibes

Golfing in Hawaii: Travel Tips

  • Plan ahead: Popular tee times book fast, especially during winter.
  • Resort stays often offer discounted or bundled tee times.
  • Climate varies by elevation—bring layers if playing at higher altitudes.
  • Respect the land: Many courses are built near cultural or sacred sites.

Final Thought

Whether you’re chasing birdies on Maui’s cliffs or soaking in jungle views on Kaua‘i, golf in Hawai‘i is more than a sport—it’s a sensory experience. With world-class course design, aloha spirit, and unforgettable scenery, each island offers a different take on the game.

Pack your clubs, and let your Hawai‘i golf adventure begin.

Back to blog