Top 10 Golf Courses in Hawaii (2026 Rankings)
Last Updated: April 23, 2026
Reading Time: 15 minutes
Author: Hawaii Golf Guide Editorial Team
Quick Overview
| Rank | Course | Island | Designer | Green Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plantation Course at Kapalua | Maui | Coore & Crenshaw | $295-$395 |
| 2 | Mauna Kea Golf Course | Big Island | Robert Trent Jones Sr. | $225-$325 |
| 3 | Hualalai Golf Club | Big Island | Jack Nicklaus | $295-$395 |
| 4 | Prince Course at Princeville | Kauai | Robert Trent Jones Jr. | $195-$295 |
| 5 | Manele Golf Course | Lanai | Jack Nicklaus | $250-$350 |
| 6 | Gold Course at Wailea | Maui | Robert Trent Jones Jr. | $185-$275 |
| 7 | Ocean Course at Hokuala | Kauai | Jack Nicklaus | $175-$265 |
| 8 | Kukio Golf & Beach Club | Big Island | Tom Fazio | $295-$395 |
| 9 | Poipu Bay Golf Course | Kauai | Robert Trent Jones Jr. | $165-$245 |
| 10 | Mauna Lani North Course | Big Island | Nelson & Haworth | $185-$275 |
How We Ranked These Courses
Our 2026 rankings are based on:
- Course design and architecture — layouts by legendary designers
- Scenic beauty — ocean views, mountain backdrops, unique terrain
- Playing experience — conditioning, challenge, and enjoyment
- Guest reviews — ratings from golfers who've played them
- Resort amenities — practice facilities, dining, and service
Note: Green fees fluctuate by season and tee time. Always check current rates when booking. See all 80+ Hawaii golf courses with live rates →
1. Plantation Course at Kapalua (Maui)
Why it's #1: Home of the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions, the Plantation Course is the most famous golf course in Hawaii — and for good reason.
Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, this par-73 course stretches to 7,596 yards from the tips. The routing winds through the West Maui Mountains with panoramic ocean views from nearly every hole. The course is known for its massive fairways, strategic bunkering, and the famous downhill 18th hole that plays toward the Pacific.
Signature Hole: The par-4 18th, a 663-yard downhill monster with the ocean as your backdrop.
What golfers say: "Playing where the pros play is a bucket-list experience. The views are unreal."
View course details and booking →
2. Mauna Kea Golf Course (Big Island)
Why it's #2: One of the most celebrated courses in golf history, recently renovated by Robert Trent Jones Jr. to modern standards while preserving its iconic character.
Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1964, Mauna Kea was the first world-class course built in Hawaii. The 2025 renovation by Jones Jr. updated greens, bunkers, and drainage while maintaining the dramatic oceanfront holes that made it famous. The par-3 3rd hole, playing over an ocean cove, remains one of golf's most photographed holes.
Signature Hole: The par-3 3rd — 263 yards over the Pacific Ocean.
What golfers say: "A true classic that just got better. The ocean holes are breathtaking."
View course details and booking →
3. Hualalai Golf Club (Big Island)
Why it's #3: Jack Nicklaus's oceanfront masterpiece at the Four Seasons Hualalai — exclusive, immaculate, and unforgettable.
This Jack Nicklaus design plays 7,107 yards along the Kona-Kohala coast. Every hole offers ocean views, and several play directly along the lava-rock shoreline. The course is kept in tour-level condition year-round and hosts the PGA Tour Champions' Mitsubishi Electric Championship.
Important: Hualalai is resort-guest-only — you must be staying at the Four Seasons to play.
Signature Hole: The par-5 17th, weaving through black lava with the ocean on your left.
4. Prince Course at Princeville (Kauai)
Why it's #4: Once ranked the #1 course in Hawaii, this dramatic layout on Kauai's North Shore is a test of both skill and nerve.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in 1990, the Prince Course cascades down cliffs and valleys with views of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai. After a closure and redesign by Discovery Land Company, it reopened with improved conditioning and refined greens while keeping its dramatic character. The elevation changes are extreme — you'll need every club in your bag.
Signature Hole: The par-4 13th, playing along a 200-foot cliff edge.
View course details and booking →
5. Manele Golf Course (Lanai)
Why it's #5: Perched on 200-foot cliffs above the Pacific, this Jack Nicklaus design at Four Seasons Lanai is the most visually stunning course in Hawaii.
Jack Nicklaus routed this course along Lanai's southern cliffs, with every hole offering ocean panoramas. Holes 12, 13, and 14 play directly on the cliff edge — hit it too far right and your ball is in the Pacific. Like Hualalai, Manele is resort-guest-only and requires a stay at Four Seasons Lanai.
Signature Hole: The par-3 12th, playing across a cove to a cliff-edge green.
What golfers say: "The most beautiful course I've ever played. It feels like golf at the edge of the world."
6. Gold Course at Wailea (Maui)
Why it's #6: The toughest and most prestigious of Wailea's three championship courses, and the site of multiple USGA championships.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Gold Course demands precision off the tee and approach shots into elevated, undulating greens. At 7,078 yards, it's not the longest course, but strategic bunkering and small targets make it a true test. The course hosted the LPGA Skins Game and the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links.
Signature Hole: The par-4 7th, with a forced carry over a lava ravine.
View course details and booking →
7. Ocean Course at Hokuala (Kauai)
Why it's #7: The longest continuous stretch of oceanfront golf in Hawaii — over half a mile of Pacific shoreline.
Jack Nicklaus designed this course to maximize Kauai's natural beauty, with holes 13-17 playing directly along the ocean. The back nine is among the most scenic in world golf. The course is part of the Timbers Kauai resort and offers a more relaxed, resort-friendly challenge compared to the Prince Course.
Signature Hole: The par-3 14th, hitting toward the ocean with waves crashing below.
View course details and booking →
8. Kukio Golf & Beach Club (Big Island)
Why it's #8: Tom Fazio's exclusive masterpiece on the Kona Coast — pristine conditioning in a private-club setting.
Tom Fazio routed this course through ancient lava flows and kiawe forests, creating a layout that feels both natural and strategic. While technically a private club, Kukio does offer limited outside play through resort partnerships. The conditioning is immaculate, with some of the purest greens in Hawaii.
Signature Hole: The par-5 10th, a double-dogleg weaving through lava fields.
9. Poipu Bay Golf Course (Kauai)
Why it's #9: Host of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf for 13 years, Poipu Bay offers championship golf on Kauai's sunny South Shore.
Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed this course between lush mountains and rugged ocean cliffs. The layout is more forgiving than the Prince Course but still demands accuracy, especially on the back nine where trade winds pick up. Poipu Bay is part of the Grand Hyatt Kauai resort.
Signature Hole: The par-4 16th, playing along the ocean with Mount Haupu as your backdrop.
View course details and booking →
10. Mauna Lani North Course (Big Island)
Why it's #10: A classic Hawaii resort course with spectacular ocean holes and a more accessible price point than its neighbors.
The North Course at Mauna Lani features some of the most photographed holes in Hawaii, including the par-3 15th and 17th that play along the lava shoreline. Originally designed by Nelson and Haworth, the course offers a fair but enjoyable challenge for all skill levels. It's significantly more affordable than Hualalai or Mauna Kea while still delivering world-class scenery.
Signature Hole: The par-3 17th, hitting over a tidal pool to an oceanfront green.
View course details and booking →
Honorable Mentions
These courses just missed our Top 10 but are absolutely worth playing:
| Course | Island | Why Play It |
|---|---|---|
| Emerald Course at Wailea | Maui | Most scenic and forgiving of Wailea's three courses |
| Mauna Lani South Course | Big Island | Newer layout with ocean views and excellent conditioning |
| Turtle Bay Palmer Course | Oahu | Arnold Palmer design on Oahu's North Shore |
| Princeville Makai Golf Club | Kauai | Great value with stunning ocean and mountain views |
| Royal Ka'anapali Course | Maui | Historic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design |
How to Book These Courses
Best booking strategies:
- Resort courses (Hualalai, Manele): Book through the resort concierge. Guest status required.
- Wailea courses: Book online 30 days in advance at waileagolf.com
- Mauna Kea / Mauna Lani: Book through the resort or call directly
- Princeville courses: Book through princeville.com
- Kapalua: Book at kapaluagolf.com — fills up fast for morning tee times
Money-saving tip: Many courses offer twilight rates (after 2 PM) that are 30-50% cheaper. See our full guide to saving money on Hawaii golf →
What to Expect: Costs and Logistics
| Expense | Budget Range | Premium Range |
|---|---|---|
| Green fees | $50-$100 | $200-$400 |
| Club rental | $50-$75 | $100+ |
| Caddie/tips | $30-$50 | $100+ |
| Resort stay (if required) | N/A | $500-$1,500/night |
Total cost for a premium round: $300-$600 including fees, rentals, and tips.
FAQ
Which Hawaii island has the best golf?
Maui and the Big Island offer the best combination of championship courses and resort amenities. Kauai has the most dramatic scenery. See our island-by-island comparison →
Can I play these courses if I'm not staying at the resort?
Most courses are open to the public, but Hualalai (Four Seasons) and Manele (Four Seasons Lanai) require guest status. Always call ahead to confirm.
What's the best time of year to golf in Hawaii?
Year-round, but April-May and September-October offer the best combination of weather, lower crowds, and slightly reduced rates.
Do I need a handicap to play these courses?
No. All courses welcome public play, though some premium courses pair singles into groups during peak times.
Related Guides
- Complete Guide to Golfing in Hawaii
- Best Island for Golf in Hawaii
- How to Save Money Golfing in Hawaii
- All Hawaii Golf Courses with Live Rates
Last updated April 23, 2026. Green fees and availability subject to change. Always confirm directly with the course before booking.
Hawaii Golf Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
Never Miss a Post
Subscribe for the latest Hawaii golf guides and course reviews.
Plan Your Hawaii Golf Trip
Browse all 80+ golf courses across the Hawaiian Islands and find the perfect courses for your vacation.
Explore Courses