Best Public Golf Courses in Hawaii, Hawaii
You don't need a membership to play great golf in Hawaii. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.
Koloa, Hawaii · Tom Weiskopf (2007) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,089 yards
A Tom Weiskopf design on Kauai's sunny south shore, Kukui'ula features a spectacular oceanfront routing through lush tropical vegetation with views of Poipu Beach and the Haupu Mountain Range. The layout includes dramatic cliff-edge holes and pristine resort conditioning.
Lahaina, Hawaii · Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (1991) · 18 holes · Par 73 · 7,596 yards
Host of the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions, Kapalua Plantation is a Coore & Crenshaw design cascading down the slopes of the West Maui Mountains toward the Pacific Ocean. The dramatic elevation drops, sweeping ocean views, and wide fairways create one of the most exhilarating rounds in golf.
Kohala Coast, Hawaii · Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1964) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,370 yards
The course that started the Hawaii golf resort era, Mauna Kea was Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s masterpiece on the Big Island's Kohala Coast. The iconic par-3 3rd hole over a Pacific Ocean cove is among the most photographed holes in the world, and the lava-framed layout remains a must-play.
Kohala Coast, Hawaii · Robin Nelson & Rodney Wright (1981) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,938 yards
Set amid ancient lava fields on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani South is famous for its dramatic par-3 15th hole played over the Pacific Ocean and ancient Hawaiian fishponds. The vivid contrast of emerald fairways against black lava rock creates an unforgettable visual experience.
Princeville, Hawaii · Robert Trent Jones Jr. (1971) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,223 yards
Perched on dramatic sea cliffs along Kauai's North Shore, Princeville Makai offers some of the most breathtaking ocean views in all of golf. Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s design features holes that play along Anini Beach, Hanalei Bay, and Bali Hai cliffs with the Na Pali Coast as a distant backdrop.
Kapolei, Hawaii · Ted Robinson (1990) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,867 yards
A Ted Robinson design on Oahu's west coast, Ko Olina features his signature water features with cascading waterfalls, tranquil lakes, and lush tropical landscaping. The resort course at the Four Seasons provides an accessible yet scenic Hawaiian golf experience just 30 minutes from Waikiki.
Best Time to Play
Hawaii offers year-round golf with temperatures between 70-85°F. The dry season (April-October) is ideal for the leeward (west) side courses. Winter brings slightly more rain but also whale watching season and the PGA Tour at Kapalua in January.
Booking Tips
For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is the main gateway. Inter-island flights via Hawaiian Airlines or Southwest connect to Maui (OGG), Big Island (KOA for Kohala Coast), and Kauai (LIH). Plan to stay on one or two islands rather than island-hopping for golf — each has enough courses for a full trip.
See All Courses in Hawaii
Explore Nearby Destinations
Stay in the Loop
Get weekly rankings updates, destination guides, and insider tips delivered to your inbox.