I am going to the big island of Hawaii this winter, and I am looking for recommendations of courses to play.

Any and all input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Johnchuck

What side are you staying on? Hilo or Kona?

Golf on the Big Island was some of the most unique golf I have ever experienced. Simply phenomenal. I'd say one of the lava courses are a must. We played Mauna Lani, the South course, and I would definitely recommend it. From what I remember, the south course borders more of the ocean. The resort is along the Kohala Coast about 20 miles north of the Kona airport. I believe Mauna Kea is another resort that has lava courses very close to Mauna Lani.

Mauna Kea is closed right now. It is the best course on the island with Mauna Lani coming in a close second. The Waikaloa courses are also decent with some great views. Plan to shell out some bucks regardless. They kill tourist on green fees here...

drive up to waimea and play the waimea country club golf course. make sure you get paired with locals. not the best golf course in the world by any stretch, but it was the most relaxed and funniest round of golf i ever played.
the waikoloa courses are good, but usually crowded. be prepared for 5+ hrs on any of the resort courses.

I got this really nice offer from Ko Olau Golf Course, reportedly the hardest course in the US, where we played a wonderful round there back in July.

Dear Tim,
2 FORE 1, FORE Everyone, come play at Ko`olau Golf Club. Click here

Here are the details of the deal (it mentioned that the email must be presented, so please PM me if you need a copy of the email):

2 FORE 1
Green Fee and Shared Cart
________________________
Visitors 2 FORE $135
Daily from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Visitors 2 FORE $85
Daily after 12:00 PM
Visitors 2 FORE $55
Daily after 3:00 PM
_____________________________________
Kama`aina 2 FORE $49
Monday - Friday from 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Kama`aina 2 FORE $59
Saturday & Sunday from 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Kama`aina 2 FORE $39
Daily after 1:00 PM
Kama`aina 2 FORE $25
Daily after 4:00 PM
_____________________________________


Call 808.236.GOLF ext 1 to book your tee time.



Please present this email to receive the special rates.
Kama`aina prices valid for Hawaii State Residents only. Residents must show valid ID for Kama`aina Rates. Offer valid for up to 4 golfers and includes shared cart fee. Not valid with any other offer or promotion and with tournament or league play.

Expires December 16, 2007

Koolau Golf Club
45-550 Kionaole Road
Kaneohe, Oahu, HI 96744
808.236.4653

What ever you do, do not play the Hawaii Country Club. It is way out of the way, overpriced, and just a dump. It did have some nice views though. Turtle Bay is supposed to be amazing.

No chance of that...Hawaii Country Club is on another island...Turtle Bay too...

Also the wrong island...

Big Island Country Club is about a 25 or 30 minute drive from the Waikoloa and Mauna Lani resorts and is a great course. It's up on the hillside and some decent elevation and is a great layout. Different than most of your Hawaii courses along the water, and the 17th hole is a par 3 that has the only island green in Hawaii. There's also some very nice views way up there. The two Mauna Lani courses are nice, and Hapuna is a fun layout too. I don't feel that Waikoloa's courses are anything special. If you can get on to Hualalai, it's supposed to be a great course too. I've never played there, but hope to some day. PM me if you have any questions.

Kuki'o, Hokulia and Nanea are the most exclusive and beautiful courses. However, you need to have some major connections to play them.

I'm sorry, I had Honolulu stuck in my head for some reason.

I just wanted to pass on the deal at Ko Olau for my Hawaiian friends, and I was just looking for a convenient place to park the deal

I don't know of any courses on the Kona side of the island that you will be disappointed with. If you are staying on the Hilo side, do yourself a favor and make the trip to the Kona side and play there. I personally like both courses at Kona Country Club in the Keahou resort area. The ocean course takes you down to the shore and has two oceanside holes that make it well worth it. I haven't played it, but I have heard of only great reviews about Hualalai. Unfortunately you need to stay at the resort to get a tee time and then the rates are large. There are many great courses. I am sure you will not be disappointed. Have fun and spend lots of money to help stimulate our economy.