Where golf meets Hawaiiana in the most unforgettable way
The Masters just wrapped, with Rory McIlroy clinching it in a playoff. It was pure drama. Meanwhile, I was in a tournament of my own here on the Big Island. Not quite Augusta-level, but let’s just say it had its moments—and better ocean views.
Golf and Hawaii are practically synonymous, and the Big Island might just be the ultimate destination. With world-class layouts carved into lava fields and perched along dramatic coastlines, it’s a full-sensory experience.
Today, I want to highlight five ocean holes that, regardless of your score, will leave you beaming. They’re my personal favorites because they’re challenging with a dose of unmistakable Hawaiiana. For this post, I’m focusing on the Public courses—the ones you can actually book and play. (Private clubs like Kukio, Hualalai, Nanea, and Hokuliʻa deserve their own spotlight and they’ll get one in a future post!)
If you want to feel the essence of Big Island golf, this is where it happens.
1. Mauna Lani South Course – Hole 15
Par 3 – 131 yards from regular tee
This one’s iconic. Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer played it, and once you’re standing on the tee, you’ll see why. You’re firing over the Pacific, framed by black lava and backed by that endless horizon. It is a perfect match of sky, ocean, green and lava. On calm days, it’s playable and pure joy. On windy days? Well, it becomes a whole different story. Either way, it’s absolutely unforgettable.
2. Mauna Kea Golf Course – Hole 3
Par 3 – 180 yards
Another legend. This hole was part of the course’s original layout by Robert Trent Jones Sr., and it’s as challenging as it is photogenic. Bunkers guard the green, and swirling wind can mess with club selection. Par feels like a birdie here. It’s a humbling hole but one that stays with you.
3. Mauna Kea Golf Course – Hole 13
Par 3 – 206 yards
This one’s all about elevation and views. From the tee, you’re looking straight out to blue Pacific. Once arrive the green, you see iconic Mauna Kea Beach on your right and the ultra luxury homes of The Bluffs to the left. If you’re lucky enough to find the green, take a moment and soak it in. This is Big Island golf at its most glamorous.
4. Kona Country Club – Hole 13
Par 4 – 367 yards from white tees
Par 4 with a true Hawaiian twist: the “Blow Hole.” On days with high surf, you’ll see water explode through lava rock just off the tee boxes. Every time I tee off here, I’m reminded why I love living (and golfing) in Kona. The view of the coastline is absolutely mesmerizing. I always wish I could linger longer… with a mai tai in hand.
5. Waikoloa Beach Course – Hole 6
Par 5 – 502 yards
A rare ocean-view par 5, and it’s a fun one. This is a hole where you can let it rip. Your drive heads straight toward the ocean, lined by swaying palms and that postcard-perfect turquoise water. Whales breach offshore in the winter months, and the energy is pure joy. The only real hazard? The coastline King’s trail nearby. Yes, people do walk there—and yes, I’ve had to pause mid-swing to make sure I don’t hit anyone. Be careful, and enjoy the ride.
Whether you’re a seasoned local or dreaming of a second home on the island, these holes capture the magic of Hawaii in a single swing. And while each course offers its own personality, these five holes remind me—every time—why golf on the Big Island is such a treasure.
If you’re thinking about making Hawaii more than just a getaway, let’s talk. The home near your favorite fairway might be closer than you think!