Big Island Golf

[3_Jack_Par]

I’m going to be on the Big Island for the first time at the beginning of April. I’m going all out and playing Kapalua on Maui the week before the last day before they aerate, so I’m staying slightly more budget conscious and playing Lapuna on the BI. Any recent reports on conditions there? Sounds like it’s been a wet winter, so I’m wondering if that’s having a negative impact.

Do you mean Hapuna? You could probably call them about the conditions. The Kohala Coast gets the most sunshine on Hawaii with little rain. If you want to play cheap try Waikoloa Village

Duh, yes. Sorry for the typo. I was hoping for reports from people who might have played recently, as the golf shop might Not give the most accurate assessment of the conditions.

[3_Jack_Par]

I played Hapuna about a week ago, and I'm happy to report that the course is in pretty good condition. It's not maintained to the same level as Kapalua, which was my other round while in Hawaii, but there was no issue with course conditions. I liked the course quite a bit. I played it on a Tuesday Morning (8 AM tee time), and was very surprised to find the course basically deserted. I played as a single, and the first time I saw another player was as I was making my way up the 18th hole.

[SpartyG0lf]

Will be on the Big Island and am looking to get a round or two in. Any recommendations? Are any impacted by the volcano/earthquake? Also, will be playing with my wife who is relatively new, so we always try and play when we won't get paired up with other golfers to help ensure we don't affect their experience. Not sure if a certain time is better or not to try and accommodate this.

[3_Jack_Par]

Will be on the Big Island and am looking to get a round or two in. Any recommendations? Are any impacted by the volcano/earthquake? Also, will be playing with my wife who is relatively new, so we always try and play when we won't get paired up with other golfers to help ensure we don't affect their experience. Not sure if a certain time is better or not to try and accommodate this.

I don't know if this is the usual, but Hapuna was completely wide open when I played it. It also depends on where you're staying -- Kilhuea is on the southeast side of the island and most of the top golf courses are on the western side of the island and won't be at all affected by the eruption.

[aloha b.]

Been going to Hawaii Island for 25 years and I would suggest Hapuna and either Mauna Lani courses on the Kohala Coast. A couple of weeks ago I played both Mauna Lani courses by myself and no one in front or behind me. The only thing that you may have if there's no wind is VOG which is caused by the Volcano can make you cough. What part of the Island are you staying?

[Lexicographer]

Our biennial trip to the Big Island is coming up in March. Staying in a condo at Mauna Lani, so I'll definitely play both courses there. I liked the North and haven't played the South yet. Also planning on playing Hapuna, which I enjoyed in the past. Any recent reports on these 3?

 

Has anyone played at Kona Country Club since it reopened? Worth the drive?

 

I haven't played either Waikoloa resort courses (Beach and Kings), and I'm not that tempted. Should I be? Played Mauna Kea once and didn't think it was worth the cost. BICC (Makani) was ok, but not great. They've got some renovations going this year, so I'll pass. Any other suggestions? We are staying for 2 weeks this trip, so looking for a 4th round. Leaning toward Waikoloa Village.

[Haloha]

My friend just played Hapuna and said that they worked on the course and it was in great condition! i love Mauna Lani courses but havent played since the hotel closed for renovations.

[tad950]

Our biennial trip to the Big Island is coming up in March. Staying in a condo at Mauna Lani, so I'll definitely play both courses there. I liked the North and haven't played the South yet. Also planning on playing Hapuna, which I enjoyed in the past. Any recent reports on these 3?

 

Has anyone played at Kona Country Club since it reopened? Worth the drive?

 

I haven't played either Waikoloa resort courses (Beach and Kings), and I'm not that tempted. Should I be? Played Mauna Kea once and didn't think it was worth the cost. BICC (Makani) was ok, but not great. They've got some renovations going this year, so I'll pass. Any other suggestions? We are staying for 2 weeks this trip, so looking for a 4th round. Leaning toward Waikoloa Village.

 

Waikoloa Village is kind of a parkland style course. Mostly locals. With pebble bunkers. If you weren’t impressed with BICC, you probably won’t be impressed with the Village either.

 

Makani should be done with the pond renovations by your trip in March.

 

I’ve played Waikoloa Beach and Kings several times. I prefer the Kings course. It hosts a lot of college and amateur tournaments. The Beach only has one hole along the water. I haven’t played either course in two years, so I don’t know how much all the new construction is intruding on the courses. I actually like playing Waikoloa B and K. But then again I’m not that picky. Just happy to be playing on the Big Island.

 

I’ll be on the Big Island in three weeks, and might try to squeeze in Kona CC to my itinerary. I haven’t played it since the remodel. The only thing I can remember about Kona CC was that the pro shop smelled musty.

[tad950]

P.S. Hapuna is undergoing a lot of new housing construction. But it didn’t really affect play when I was there last year.

[jcleve]

Kona CC is not impressive both waikoala courses are better

[tombong]

Heading to the big island in three weeks. Any new changes/recommendations as of late?

[aloha b.]

Heading to the big island in three weeks. Any new changes/recommendations as of late?

As Haloha stated the Mauna Lani is closed for at least one year for a complete renovation. My friend that's a Charter employee at the Mauna Lani is unfortunately taking a long vacation. I do like Mauna Lani courses and I don't mind Waikoloa Village except that it can get really windy.

[tad950]

Heading to the big island in three weeks. Any new changes/recommendations as of late?

 

I was on the Big Island in December. Played Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Waikoloa King's, Nanea, Waikoloa Village, and Hapuna. The greens at Hapuna were recently renovated, and are rolling well. I am not positive, but I think a couple fairways at Hapuna might have been widened slightly. Or maybe it just looks that way because of all the new housing construction.

 

Since there are no eruptions going on right now, the air is the clearest that I have seen in years. There is a new black sand beach on the east side, And a few attractions that are no longer there, or have changed, because of last year's volcanic activity.

[Lexicographer]

Heading to the big island in three weeks. Any new changes/recommendations as of late?

As Haloha stated the Mauna Lani is closed for at least one year for a complete renovation. My friend that's a Charter employee at the Mauna Lani is unfortunately taking a long vacation. I do like Mauna Lani courses and I don't mind Waikoloa Village except that it can get really windy.

 

Mauna Lani golf courses are still open even though the hotel is closed.

[Lexicographer]

Heading to the big island in three weeks. Any new changes/recommendations as of late?

 

I was on the Big Island in December. Played Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Waikoloa King's, Nanea, Waikoloa Village, and Hapuna. The greens at Hapuna were recently renovated, and are rolling well. I am not positive, but I think a couple fairways at Hapuna might have been widened slightly. Or maybe it just looks that way because of all the new housing construction.

 

Since there are no eruptions going on right now, the air is the clearest that I have seen in years. There is a new black sand beach on the east side, And a few attractions that are no longer there, or have changed, because of last year's volcanic activity.

 

Nanea. Lucky dog! Did it live up to expectations?

[tad950]

Definitely the most unique golf experience that I've ever had. Our foursome was greeted at the clubhouse by six people! Including the head pro. A perfectly manicured golf course. NO HOUSES ! Distant ocean views. We saw one threesome on the course. And a twosome at the practice area when we finished our round (and two women eating lunch in the restaurant). Not the most difficult course that I've played, but I thought it was well laid out. With native grassland being the primary penalty areas. I would have liked to take more pictures, but I was told by the guy that organized this outing. that our group was kind of in stealth mode. But the staff certainly didn't make us feel that way. They were all very accommodating and treated us like members. I was expecting a stuffy atmosphere with strict etiquette enforcement. Not that way at all.

[aloha b.]

Heading to the big island in three weeks. Any new changes/recommendations as of late?

As Haloha stated the Mauna Lani is closed for at least one year for a complete renovation. My friend that's a Charter employee at the Mauna Lani is unfortunately taking a long vacation. I do like Mauna Lani courses and I don't mind Waikoloa Village except that it can get really windy.

 

Mauna Lani golf courses are still open even though the hotel is closed.

 

Both courses are still open!

[tombong]

I only have time for one round because we have a wedding that afternoon. We’re staying at the fair not and Mauna lani is the most convenient. Would you say for me to play the north or south course?

[aloha b.]

I only have time for one round because we have a wedding that afternoon. We’re staying at the fair not and Mauna lani is the most convenient. Would you say for me to play the north or south course?

 

It depends on what you like. I've played both courses many times and the North course is more undulating and there's trees along and in the fairways. There's also the Kia forest as well.

The south course gets more play than the North mainly due to the great ocean views especially the signature 15th which you hit over the ocean. Club selection will vary depending on the weather and wind. The south has wider fairways probably because it can get windy on some days.

To me the North is harder than the South although I enjoy plying both. Both courses are always in excellent condition.

 

[Haloha]

I only have time for one round because we have a wedding that afternoon. We’re staying at the fair not and Mauna lani is the most convenient. Would you say for me to play the north or south course?

 

It depends on what you like. I've played both courses many times and the North course is more undulating and there's trees along and in the fairways. There's also the Kia forest as well.

The south course gets more play than the North mainly due to the great ocean views especially the signature 15th which you hit over the ocean. Club selection will vary depending on the weather and wind. The south has wider fairways probably because it can get windy on some days.

To me the North is harder than the South although I enjoy plying both. Both courses are always in excellent condition.

 

Aloha B, you forgot to mention the herd of 100 goats on the back 9 of the north course that stampede down the fairwary. That is very exciting!

Both courses are awesome, the North course can feel narrow and long in the woods, while the south is what all Hawaii courses should look like, very scenic! You will want to take pictures on every hole! And you might still be able to see whales from the tee boxes by the ocean!

[Haloha]

Just noticed that Mauna Lani just hosted the annual Pearly Gates tournament the other day. The course looked great.

[aloha b.]

I only have time for one round because we have a wedding that afternoon. We’re staying at the fair not and Mauna lani is the most convenient. Would you say for me to play the north or south course?

 

It depends on what you like. I've played both courses many times and the North course is more undulating and there's trees along and in the fairways. There's also the Kia forest as well.

The south course gets more play than the North mainly due to the great ocean views especially the signature 15th which you hit over the ocean. Club selection will vary depending on the weather and wind. The south has wider fairways probably because it can get windy

on some days.

 

To me the North is harder than the South although I enjoy plying both. Both courses are always in excellent condition.

 

Aloha B, you forgot to mention the herd of 100 goats on the back 9 of the north course that stampede down the fairwary. That is very exciting!

Both courses are awesome, the North course can feel narrow and long in the woods, while the south is what all Hawaii courses should look like, very scenic! You will want to take pictures on every hole! And you might still be able to see whales from the tee boxes by the ocean!

 

Haloha, how could I forget about the goats on the North course! We've been lucky enough to see whales too. Are you on Hawaii Island?

I have 3 friends and someone I know on the Island, one in Kona, one in Hawi, one in Hilo. The other person that I know is also in Hawi and he's well known slack key guitarist John Keawe.

[aloha b.]

Here's pictures of the goats and a couple of the South's Signature 15th, one from the whites and the other looking at the tips from the fairway. I think the tips play at 190 or something close.

[Haloha]

I only have time for one round because we have a wedding that afternoon. We’re staying at the fair not and Mauna lani is the most convenient. Would you say for me to play the north or south course?

 

It depends on what you like. I've played both courses many times and the North course is more undulating and there's trees along and in the fairways. There's also the Kia forest as well.

The south course gets more play than the North mainly due to the great ocean views especially the signature 15th which you hit over the ocean. Club selection will vary depending on the weather and wind. The south has wider fairways probably because it can get windy

on some days.

 

To me the North is harder than the South although I enjoy plying both. Both courses are always in excellent condition.

 

Aloha B, you forgot to mention the herd of 100 goats on the back 9 of the north course that stampede down the fairwary. That is very exciting!

Both courses are awesome, the North course can feel narrow and long in the woods, while the south is what all Hawaii courses should look like, very scenic! You will want to take pictures on every hole! And you might still be able to see whales from the tee boxes by the ocean!

 

Haloha, how could I forget about the goats on the North course! We've been lucky enough to see whales too. Are you on Hawaii Island?

I have 3 friends and someone I know on the Island, one in Kona, one in Hawi, one in Hilo. The other person that I know is also in Hawi and he's well known slack key guitarist John Keawe.

Actually I live on Oahu, but I love the south/north courses!

 

Here's pictures of the goats and a couple of the South's Signature 15th, one from the whites and the other looking at the tips from the fairway. I think the tips play at 190 or something close.

Great Pics!

[burritos4breakfast]

if you play one play mauna lani south

[Haloha]

Just an fyi, but I just got back from playing Hualalai (course was beautiful) and the whales are still quite visible on the big Island!

[aloha b.]

Just an fyi, but I just got back from playing Hualalai (course was beautiful) and the whales are still quite visible on the big Island!

 

Great, any pictures? I got to play for free once as I got to know some of the guys and one told me to go out and golf. Do you get kamaaina rates?

Two of my co-workers are from Oahu, one from Kane'ohe and one from Kapolei area.

[Haloha]

Just an fyi, but I just got back from playing Hualalai (course was beautiful) and the whales are still quite visible on the big Island!

 

Great, any pictures? I got to play for free once as I got to know some of the guys and one told me to go out and golf. Do you get kamaaina rates?

Two of my co-workers are from Oahu, one from Kane'ohe and one from Kapolei area.

Yes, they had Kama'aina rates, still alittle pricey but it was my first time to play/stay and well worth it. Might go again in a few weeks, its just so relaxing. Couldnt get pictures of whales but it was amazing to view from just the room or restaurant.

[aloha b.]

We've stayed their twice and it is relaxing, did you get one of the rooms with the outdoor shower? Also if you go there again try eating and having drinks at the Residents Beach House restaurant. It's right on the beach and the bar faces the ocean. Most people think that you have to own a property on site to use the restaurant but anyone can eat at RBH.

[Haloha]

We've stayed their twice and it is relaxing, did you get one of the rooms with the outdoor shower? Also if you go there again try eating and having drinks at the Residents Beach House restaurant. It's right on the beach and the bar faces the ocean. Most people think that you have to own a property on site to use the restaurant but anyone can eat at RBH.

Thx for the tip! will give a try next trip.

mahalo