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Complete Guide to Golfing in Hawaii: Everything You Need to Know

April 21, 2026
12 minutes

Complete Guide to Golfing in Hawaii: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated: April 21, 2026
Reading Time: 12 minutes

Quick Answers

How many golf courses are in Hawaii?
Hawaii has over 80 golf courses across six islands, with the majority located on Oahu (37 courses), Maui (20+ courses), and the Big Island (20+ courses).

What is the best island for golf in Hawaii?
Maui and the Big Island offer the best combination of championship courses, scenic views, and resort amenities. Oahu has the most variety and accessibility.

How much does it cost to golf in Hawaii?
Green fees range from $30-$50 at municipal courses to $200-$400 at premium resort courses. The average cost is $100-$150 per round.

Introduction

Hawaii is a golfer's paradise. With year-round tropical weather, stunning ocean views, and world-class courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Hawaiian Islands offer some of the most spectacular golfing experiences on Earth.

Whether you're a scratch golfer looking to play championship layouts or a casual player seeking affordable municipal courses with ocean views, Hawaii has something for everyone. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about golfing in Hawaii - from the best islands and courses to costs, tips, and must-know information for planning your perfect Hawaii golf vacation.

Best Islands for Golf in Hawaii

1. Maui - The Golf Capital of Hawaii

Maui consistently ranks as the best Hawaiian island for golf, and for good reason. The island is home to the famous Plantation Course at Kapalua - host of the PGA Tour's season-opening Tournament of Champions - and the stunning Wailea Golf Club with its three championship courses.

Why Maui is great for golf:

  • Championship courses: Play where the pros play
  • Resort amenities: World-class hotels and spas adjacent to courses
  • Perfect weather: Consistent 75-85°F year-round
  • Scenic variety: Ocean views, mountain backdrops, and volcanic landscapes

Top Maui Courses:

2. Big Island - Dramatic Landscapes

The Big Island offers the most dramatic golfing backdrop in Hawaii, with courses set against active volcanoes, black lava fields, and ocean cliffs. The Hualalai Golf Course at Four Seasons and Mauna Kea Golf Course are bucket-list courses for serious golfers.

Why the Big Island excels:

  • Unique terrain: Play on lava rock and volcanic soil
  • Luxury resorts: Four Seasons, Fairmont, and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
  • Less crowded: More tee time availability than Maui or Oahu
  • Dramatic elevation changes: Challenging and memorable holes

Top Big Island Courses:

3. Oahu - Most Accessible & Affordable

Oahu offers the most golf courses (37) and the best mix of affordable municipal tracks and high-end resort courses. It's also the easiest island to reach with the most flight options into Honolulu.

Why Oahu is ideal:

  • Most courses: 37 options across the island
  • Best value: Municipal courses from $30-$75
  • Convenience: Fly direct to Honolulu from most US cities
  • Variety: Everything from beachside links to mountain courses

Top Oahu Courses:

4. Kauai - Natural Beauty

Kauai is the least developed Hawaiian island and offers a more natural, less commercialized golf experience. The Princeville Makai Golf Club is consistently ranked among the most scenic courses in the world.

Top Kauai Courses:

5. Lanai - Exclusive Luxury

Lanai offers two spectacular Four Seasons courses - the Manele Golf Course (oceanfront) and Cavendish Golf Course. Access is limited as you must ferry or fly from Maui.

6. Molokai - Off the Beaten Path

Molokai has one 9-hole course - Ironwood Hills Golf Club - offering an authentic local experience with minimal tourism.

Golf Course Costs in Hawaii

Green Fee Breakdown by Category

Course Type Price Range Examples
Municipal Courses $30 - $85 Ala Wai, Ted Makalena, Pali
Daily Fee Courses $75 - $150 Hawaii Prince, Coral Creek, Pearl Country Club
Resort Courses $150 - $275 Wailea, Mauna Lani, Ko Olina
Premium/Championship $275 - $400 Kapalua Plantation, Princeville, Hualalai

Additional Costs to Budget For

  • Club rentals: $50-$75 per round (bring your own if possible)
  • Caddies: $50-$100 + tip (premium courses)
  • Golf cart: Usually included in green fee
  • Range balls: $10-$20 per bucket
  • Tips: $5-$10 for bag attendants

Money-Saving Tips

  1. Play twilight rounds - Save 30-50% after 2 PM
  2. Book through golf packagers - HawaiiGolfDeals.com, GolfNow
  3. Stay-and-play packages - Often include unlimited golf
  4. Municipal courses - Great value on Oahu and Maui
  5. Kama'aina rates - Hawaii residents save 20-40%

When to Golf in Hawaii

Best Time to Visit

Peak Season (December - March):

  • Pros: Perfect weather, whale watching
  • Cons: Highest prices, crowded tee sheets
  • Green fees: Premium pricing (+20-40%)

Shoulder Season (April - May, September - November):

  • Pros: Good weather, lower prices, less crowded
  • Cons: Occasional rain on windward sides
  • Green fees: Standard pricing

Low Season (June - August):

  • Pros: Lowest prices, available tee times
  • Cons: Hotter temperatures (85-90°F), hurricane risk (rare)
  • Green fees: Discounted (-10-20%)

Weather Considerations

  • Trade winds: Can be strong (15-25 mph) - adjust club selection
  • Morning vs. afternoon: Morning typically calmer
  • Rain: Brief showers common on windward (east/north) sides
  • Temperature: 70-85°F year-round at sea level

Essential Tips for Golfing in Hawaii

What to Pack

Clothing:

  • Light, breathable fabrics (cotton, moisture-wicking)
  • Collared shirts required at most courses
  • Golf shorts or pants (jeans not permitted)
  • Windbreaker or light jacket (trade winds)
  • Rain gear (compact umbrella or rain jacket)

Equipment:

  • Extra golf balls (wind will cost you balls!)
  • Sunscreen (reef-safe required in Hawaii)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or visor
  • Bug spray (especially for twilight rounds)

Important: Check baggage fees - most airlines charge $30-$50 each way for golf clubs.

Course Etiquette in Hawaii

  • Repair divots and ball marks - Courses take pride in conditioning
  • Rake bunkers - Leave it better than you found it
  • Dress code - Collared shirts required at most courses
  • Pace of play - 4 hours is standard; faster during peak season
  • Cell phones - Silence on course; okay in carts

Playing in Wind

Hawaiian trade winds are no joke - 15-25 mph is common, with gusts to 40 mph on exposed holes.

Wind Tips:

  • Club up 1-2 clubs into the wind
  • Club down 1-2 clubs downwind
  • Aim for wider parts of greens
  • Putts break more in wind
  • Use knockdown shots to keep ball under wind

Planning Your Hawaii Golf Trip

Sample 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Oahu

  • Afternoon: Ala Wai Golf Course (Waikiki)
  • Evening: Dinner in Waikiki

Day 2: Oahu

  • Morning: Ko Olina Golf Club
  • Afternoon: Beach time

Day 3: Maui

  • Morning: Fly to Maui
  • Afternoon: Wailea Emerald Course

Day 4: Maui

  • Morning: Plantation Course at Kapalua
  • Afternoon: Kapalua Beach

Day 5: Big Island

  • Morning: Fly to Big Island
  • Afternoon: Mauna Lani South Course

Day 6: Big Island

  • Morning: Mauna Kea Golf Course
  • Afternoon: Volcanoes National Park

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Final round at municipal course
  • Afternoon: Depart

Booking Tee Times

Best practices:

  • Book 2-4 weeks in advance for premium courses
  • 1 week ahead for resort courses
  • Same-day usually available for municipal courses
  • Twilight times (after 2 PM) offer best value

Booking platforms:

  • Course websites directly
  • GolfNow or TeeOff apps
  • Resort concierge (if staying on-property)
  • HawaiiGolfGuide.com course pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a rental car to golf in Hawaii?

Oahu: Yes, unless staying in Waikiki and playing only Ala Wai (accessible by bus/taxi).
Maui: Yes - courses spread across island.
Big Island: Definitely yes - courses 30-60 minutes apart.
Kauai: Yes - limited public transit.
Lanai: Golf shuttles available from Four Seasons.

Can I rent clubs in Hawaii?

Yes, all courses offer club rentals ($50-$75/day). Quality varies - premium courses have newer sets. Consider bringing your own if you play multiple rounds (airline fees may be less than rental costs).

What's the dress code for Hawaiian golf courses?

Standard golf attire required:

  • Collared shirts (polo or button-down)
  • Golf shorts or pants (no denim)
  • Golf shoes or athletic shoes
  • Some courses prohibit metal spikes

Are Hawaii golf courses walker-friendly?

Most courses require carts due to:

  • Heat and humidity
  • Elevation changes
  • Distance between holes
  • Pace of play requirements

Walking typically allowed only at twilight or by special request.

Do Hawaii courses offer lessons?

Yes, most resort and daily-fee courses have PGA professionals offering:

  • Individual lessons: $75-$150/hour
  • Group clinics: $30-$50/person
  • Playing lessons: $200-$400 (includes green fee)

Book in advance, especially during peak season.

What's the best course for beginners in Hawaii?

Top beginner-friendly courses:

  • Wailea Blue Course (Maui) - shorter, forgiving
  • Mauna Lani North (Big Island) - wide fairways
  • Ko Olina (Oahu) - resort amenities
  • Pali Golf Course (Oahu) - affordable, municipal

Can I play Hawaiian courses in the rain?

Yes - light rain is common and play continues. Courses only close for:

  • Lightning
  • Heavy flooding
  • Hurricane warnings (rare)

Bring rain gear and embrace the tropical experience!

Recommended Gear for Hawaii Golf

Must-Have Items

  1. Extra golf balls - Wind and ocean holes will claim balls
  2. Reef-safe sunscreen - Required by law in Hawaii (SPF 30+)
  3. Polarized sunglasses - Cut glare off water
  4. Breathable golf shirts - Lightweight, moisture-wicking
  5. Light rain jacket - Brief showers common
  6. Hat with brim - Sun protection essential
  7. Bug spray - Especially for late afternoon rounds

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Conclusion

Golfing in Hawaii is an unforgettable experience that combines world-class course design with stunning natural beauty. Whether you're splurging on a round at Kapalua's Plantation Course or enjoying an affordable municipal track with ocean views, Hawaii delivers memories that last a lifetime.

Key Takeaways:

  • Book premium courses 2-4 weeks in advance
  • Expect to pay $100-$200 per round on average
  • Maui and Big Island offer the best championship golf
  • Oahu provides the best value and accessibility
  • Pack sunscreen, extra balls, and wind-ready clubs
  • Morning tee times offer calmer winds

Ready to plan your trip? Browse our complete directory of 83 Hawaii golf courses to find the perfect courses for your Hawaiian golf adventure!

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About the Author:
This guide was created by the Hawaii Golf Guide team, featuring insights from local golfers, course operators, and thousands of rounds played across the Hawaiian Islands.

Have questions? Contact us for personalized recommendations for your Hawaii golf trip!

Last Updated: April 21, 2026
Categories: Hawaii Golf, Golf Travel, Course Guides
Tags: Hawaii golf courses, Maui golf, Oahu golf, Big Island golf, golf vacation planning

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