Big Island Hawaii--Where to play?

[Hungsolo]

Kona side.

Have some upcoming meetings on the big island and just wondering where to play and where to skip if I'm gonna go?

Thanks in advance.

[MizzyMan]

IMO the best course on that island is Mauna Kea. Classic old course by Robert Trent Jones, the first one on that side of the island built on lava fields in the 60's. Huge elevation changes and the spectacular over-the-bay par-3 third hole that others have tried to copy. Have played Mauna Lani several times (it's pretty good) and some of the others on that strip but none matched Mauna Kea in scenery or playability. It's in my top-10 courses ever.

[hef63303]

I think they just finished a redo on Mauna Kea. You can not go wrong with any of the resort courses on the Big Island. Hualalai is supposed to be very good. It is the only one I have not played there. It was always shut down to get ready for the Champions Tour event when I was there. Hope someone else is paying as they are all very expensive.

 

If you want to play something a little different, go up the mountain to Malakei Hawaii Golf Course. The first hole is only 240 yards but it is straight up the mountain. I recommend a 5 wood or high loft hybrid for the first shot. If you hit anything lower, you will just hit it into the side of the hill. I hit 5 wood to 100 yards and hit an 8 iron barelyon the green and, yes, I hit them both great. There is a more-than-600 yard par 5 on the back side that plays back down the mountain that I hit driver, 5 iron just short of the green. Much less expensive than the resort courses.

[golf_fanatik]

I played Mauna Lani three times back in September and it was great.

[Spanky]

My favorite course there is Hualalai. Played there many times before and hoping to get on again soon. Other courses I enjoy playing is Kona Country Club Ocean course, Big Island CC, Waikoloa Kings and Beach, and Mauna Lani recently had $60 green fees which I'm hoping to take advantage of if it's still available next time I go back.

 

I've played Hokulia once and want to get on to Kukio and Nanea (2 of the hardest courses to get on)

[mauiatheart]

If you have the budget, I would recommend courses in this order - hualalai, mauna Lani south, mauna Lani north, Kona country club ocean.

 

Makalei is a nice course and nice on the wallet.

 

But, if you have rich friends, and I mean Dell rich, then access to courses like the second hualalai course, nanea, hokulia, and kukio would make a Kona trip unmatchable.

[Spanky]

I haven't played Hualalai's Weiskopf course yet but I might get a chance to soon! =) I also know someone at Nanea that said he can get me on so I'm crossing my fingers on that one. I hear Nanea is brutal especially on a windy day which is most of the time. Too bad since I'm not that good but would love a chance to play there anyways. Kukio, well I still can't find my way on yet. =(

 

I really enjoy Kona CC Ocean Course. The mountain course is alright but recently there has been a problem with the goats on the back 9. Last time I played there, on one of the holes there were at least 20 goats all on the course from tee box, fairway, and even the green. After the developement of Hokulia, it scared a lot of the goats over to Kona CC.

[Redhaze737]

Whoa, old thread needing a revival. :=)

Going to a wedding on the Big Island, Kona side but way north at Puakea and want to play golf while there. Can anyone living there give me an update on some of the courses? I live in HNL.

How's Big Island CC. Last time I played there a few years back it was really dry.

Makalei?

Mauna Lani North/South?

Haupuna?

Waikaloa Beach/ King? The Village course can be so windy you need to tie a rock to your butt to stay on the ground. :=) Don't think I'll try that.

Mauna Kea is way expensive now. I used to play in their Annual ProAm a hundred years ago. I made a few bucks there. Don't want to spend $250 to play there now.

Any other suggestions for late April early May?

Aloha