The highly regarded destination publication Travel + Leisure has released its list of the best golf courses in Hawaii, and there’s something for everyone. From luxurious resort courses to classic country clubs and local public links, you’ll find some great places to play.
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So, without further ado, let’s delve deeply into Travel + Leisure’s selections of the best golf courses in Hawaii.
What Makes Hawaiian Golf Courses Stand Out
The courses in Hawaii have some remarkable features that make them stand out from those found anywhere else. They are in stunningly beautiful natural environments with lush vegetation, breathtaking views, and ideal weather conditions. Other desirable features include innovative and challenging layouts, top-notch course conditioning, and a wide range of desirable amenities.
Travel + Leisure’s Best Courses in Hawaii
Here are five of their picks:
- The Dunes at Maui Lani: This aptly named course is built on natural dune terrain. Among its desirable features are jaw dropping views of the nearby mountains and the proximity of the Pacific Ocean. The Dunes at Maui Lai stand out as being one of the most scenic courses in a state overflowing with scenic courses. It’s also the only links style course on Maui.
- Princeville Makai Golf Club: Located on the beautiful island of Kauai, the Princeville Makai boasts the distinction of being Robert Trent Jones’ first solo design. The championship-level course features spectacular vistas of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai Mountain. This course is considered one of the world’s most gorgeous places to play.
- Royal Hawaiian Golf Club – A favorite among professional golfers, the Royal Hawaiian is surrounded by lush, verdant tropical vegetation. Originally designed by Pete and Perry Dye in 1993, Greg Norman recently updated the layout. You’ll play among royal palms, koas, and banana trees.
- Kapalua Golf Village: The Kapalua Golf Village is located on the island of Maui. Its two championship courses (Plantation and Bay) offer players unique Hawaiian golfing experiences with fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby islands. Even better, both courses are suited to golfers of all skill levels.
- Mauna Lani North Course: Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Mauna Lani’s North Course is built on a lava bed. The rolling terrain is graced with a mesquite forest. One of the most popular tournament destinations on the island, the Mauna Lani North Course deserves a spot on every golfer’s “before I kick the bucket” list.
Golfers all over the world recognize Hawaii as one of the foremost places to play. With its plethora of unique courses and achingly beautiful views, disappointment simply isn’t one of the things players will find in The Aloha State. This paradise in the Pacific truly has something for everyone who enjoys the game. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find something to love about Hawaii’s extraordinary golf courses.
One of the world’s foremost destination publications, Travel + Leisure’s excursion ideas are always fantastic. Moreover, as exceptional as the courses enumerated here are, this list only scratches the surface of the extraordinary golfing experiences to be had in the Hawaiian Islands. You’ll find the magazine’s full list of the best Hawaiian golf destinations at its website.