Hawaii is one of the world’s most spectacular golf destinations. With dramatic oceanfront holes, volcanic landscapes, tropical weather, and championship-caliber designs, the Hawaiian Islands offer unforgettable golfing experiences for players of all skill levels.

Whether you’re planning a dedicated golf holiday or adding a few rounds to your Hawaiian vacation, these are the Top 10 Golf Courses in Hawaii that deserve a place on every golfer’s bucket list.

1. Kapalua Plantation Course – Maui

Widely regarded as Hawaii’s most famous golf course, the Plantation Course hosts the PGA Tour’s annual Sentry Tournament of Champions. Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, the course features massive elevation changes, wide fairways, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every hole.

Highlights:

• Host of the PGA Tour season opener
• Stunning ocean panoramas
• One of the longest courses in the United States
• Signature downhill 18th hole

Best For: Serious golfers seeking a championship experience.

2. Mauna Kea Golf Course – Big Island

Designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., Mauna Kea is considered one of the greatest resort courses ever built.

The iconic 3rd hole, perched dramatically above the ocean, is one of the most photographed golf holes in the world.

Highlights:

• Historic Hawaiian golf course
• Incredible coastal holes
• Exceptional conditioning
• Luxury resort experience

Best For: Golfers wanting classic Hawaiian golf history.

3. Manele Golf Course – Lanai

Perched atop rugged lava cliffs, Manele offers one of the most dramatic golfing settings on Earth.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, several holes play directly alongside the Pacific Ocean with stunning cliffside views.

Highlights:

• Spectacular cliff-top golf
• Luxury Four Seasons resort access
• Pristine course conditions
• Exclusive island atmosphere

Best For: Luxury golf travelers.

4. Poipu Bay Golf Course – Kauai

Former host of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, Poipu Bay showcases the rugged beauty of Kauai’s south shore.

The closing stretch features several holes hugging dramatic ocean cliffs.

Highlights:

• Oceanfront finishing holes
• Frequent whale sightings during winter
• Championship layout
• Consistently ranked among Hawaii’s best

Best For: Scenic golf and photography enthusiasts.

5. Princeville Makai Golf Club – Kauai

Nestled along Kauai’s famous North Shore, Princeville Makai offers spectacular views of Hanalei Bay and lush mountain backdrops.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course was extensively renovated and remains one of Hawaii’s premier golf destinations.

Highlights:

• Incredible mountain and ocean views
• Challenging strategic layout
• Signature oceanfront holes
• Tropical scenery throughout

Best For: Golfers who love dramatic landscapes.

6. Wailea Gold Course – Maui

One of three championship courses at Wailea, the Gold Course is consistently ranked among Hawaii’s finest.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., it combines lava rock formations, elevation changes, and panoramic ocean vistas.

Highlights:

• Excellent course conditioning
• Memorable finishing holes
• Challenging yet fair design
• Spectacular Maui sunsets

Best For: Mid-to-low handicap golfers.

7. Ko Olina Golf Club – Oahu

Located on Oahu’s sunny western coast, Ko Olina has hosted numerous LPGA events and is one of the island’s top resort courses.

Water features, immaculate fairways, and strategic bunkering create a memorable challenge.

Highlights:

• Championship tournament pedigree
• Convenient location near Honolulu
• Outstanding practice facilities
• Luxury resort surroundings

Best For: Visitors staying on Oahu.

8. Hualalai Golf Course – Big Island

Home to the PGA Tour Champions Mitsubishi Electric Championship, Hualalai combines black lava landscapes with lush tropical fairways.

The oceanfront finishing holes are particularly memorable.

Highlights:

• PGA Tour Champions venue
• Exceptional service and facilities
• Unique lava terrain
• Stunning ocean views

Best For: Golfers seeking a premium resort experience.

9. Turtle Bay Golf – Oahu

Situated on Oahu’s famous North Shore, Turtle Bay delivers a true Hawaiian golf experience.

Its seaside holes and natural surroundings have featured in numerous television shows and films.

Highlights:

• North Shore ocean scenery
• Resort accommodations nearby
• Excellent year-round conditions
• Relaxed Hawaiian atmosphere

Best For: Vacation golfers and families.

10. Hokuala Ocean Course – Kauai

Formerly known as Kauai Lagoons, Hokuala boasts the longest stretch of oceanfront golf in Hawaii.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course features stunning coastal holes and dramatic scenery.

Highlights:

• Miles of ocean frontage
• Jack Nicklaus design
• Excellent conditioning
• Incredible sunrise views

Best For: Golfers seeking unforgettable coastal golf.

Planning Your Hawaiian Golf Adventure

The best time to visit Hawaii for golf is between April and October when conditions are generally drier and winds are lighter. However, Hawaii’s year-round tropical climate means great golf can be enjoyed any month of the year.

For the ultimate golf holiday, many travelers combine:

• Maui (Kapalua and Wailea)
• Kauai (Poipu Bay and Princeville)
• Big Island (Mauna Kea and Hualalai)
• Oahu (Ko Olina and Turtle Bay)

This combination delivers an incredible mix of championship golf, luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and authentic Hawaiian culture.

Final Thoughts

Hawaii offers some of the most beautiful golf courses on the planet. From the cliffside fairways of Lanai to the volcanic landscapes of the Big Island and the lush coastal scenery of Kauai, every round provides a unique and unforgettable experience.

If golf paradise exists, you’ll find it in Hawaii.

Aloha and happy golfing!