Home to some of the most unique and spectacular course designs crafted by the biggest names in golf championships, this Hawaiian island is also known as Hawaii’s Golf Capital. You may find some of the Big Island golf courses wrapped around historic landmarks, others carved out of an ancient lava flow or tucked alongside the pacific coastline offering incredible ocean and mountain views.

In total, there are 18 well-known golf courses spread throughout the Big Island. However, not all of them are open to the public. It is important to plan ahead by calling in to place reservations and check to see if there has been any updates or changes that interfere with regular posted hours.

Here are our top favorite courses on the Big Island, you don’t want to miss!

GOLFING NEAR THE VOLCANO

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind golf experience, there is one unique golf course you won’t want to miss! Sitting alongside the rim of the active Kilauea Volcano in Volcano National Park, Volcano Golf and Country Club is known to be one of the most unusual courses on the Big Island. This unique golf course offers 18-holes and 6,547 yards of gorgeous terrain. Located just a quick 30-minute drive from Hilo and about 4,000 feet above sea level in the cool highlands, this unique golf course offers incredible views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. If you happen to be on island or find yourself on this course in the winter season, you will also have the luxury of snow-capped mountain views as your backdrop.

GOLFING NEAR THE KOHALA COAST

Designed in the early 1980’s by Francis H. II Brown, Mauna Lani’s North Course gives you a first-class golf experience on the Big Island of Hawaii. The original Mauna Lani course was a 36 hole facility but in the 90’s the course was split in half, now featuring North and South courses. Mauna Lani means ‘mountain reaching heaven,’ its beautiful name came from Mauna Kea to the north and Mauna Loa to the south.

The Mauna Lani Resort’s South Course was the first golf course before the more prodigious North Course was created and home to the original Senior Skins Game. Although Mauna Lani’s South Course received its public exposure from the televised event from the 1990’s to 2000’s, the North Course is known to be the more interesting of the two and one of the most popular tournament venues on the island.

South Course features ample fairways and approachable greens, giving you an extremely playable yet forgiving course. While the North Course is characterized by rolling terrain built on ancient lava beds and punctuated by Kiawe forests. If you find yourself on this course, you may also notice herds of feral goats moving from hole to hole throughout the day.

Lush with carpet-like fairways and speedy greens, the Mauna Lani North and South Courses are always in impeccable condition. While it is fun for experienced golfers, casual golfers will appreciate this course as it is much less punishing than the other golf courses on the Big Island.

If you’re looking for a dramatic landscape and gorgeous ocean views, Hualalai Golf Course at Hualalai Resort is an absolute gem. Dramatically situated in the black lava fields along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, this beautiful Kona golf course is a short drive to the international airport and sports two fantastic courses--one reserved exclusively for resort guests and one private.

First course designed by Jack Nicklaus in Hawaii, this 7100-yard course hosts a PGA Champions’ Tour event each year and though its green manicured fairways are more than enough to challenge the golf legends, they are also great for golfers at all levels.

Dramatic lava rocks aligns the greens and stunning coast, dotting the fairways as it provides for some wild bounces if your shots stray away from the fairway. Stretching out over 7100 yards and demanding pinpoint accuracy, avid golfers will truly enjoy the championship tees. While the regular tees play to a very reasonable 6150 yards, offering lots of challenges yet rewarding opportunities.

If you’re looking to golf along the Kohala Coast, please keep in mind Hualalai Golf Course is a private course for registered guests staying at the Hualalai Four Seasons Resort. Reserve your Luxury Hualalai Villa with Exotic Estates to enjoy exceptional dining, spa services and a memorable golf experience on the Big Island.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to many of the world's wonders. Because of its unique geology, the island is home to several stunning beaches. Most well-known for the striking black-sand beaches found along the southern coast, Hawaii island is also home to white and green-sand beaches. 

The island continues to grow and change in shape due to Kilauea volcano, the world's most active volcano and home the Hawaiian goddess of Pele. 

For first-time or returning visitors, effort should be made to spend a day at one of the black-sand beaches as they are truly unique. The jet-black sand set against a backdrop of palms and blue Pacific waters is about as idyllic as the Hawaiian setting gets. 

White Sand Beaches

Because the island is relatively young and still growing, much of the shoreline can be rocky. When you land at Kona International Airport, you'll be struck by the other-worldly landscape. Rough lava fields tumbling down into the blue ocean. It looks arid and somewhat alien. But up along the Kohala Coast, the dryer side of the island, are the best resorts. 

Our condos and vacation homes are located within these resorts, including Hualalai, Waikoloa, Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea. The resorts all begin in the lava rock landscape that defines the area, but as you drive into them you'll see that they become lush and perfectly maintained communities of golf courses, shopping and restaurant areas, hotels and resort condo complexes.

You will find white sand beaches along this coast in all of the resort properties, with the most famous being perhaps the beach at Mauna Kea Resort. This resort boasts beach-side service, which makes a day at the beach that much more special.

Mauna Kea Resort Beach

Green Sand Beach

Down on the South Shore of the Big Island are is an iconic beach known as the green-sand beach (Papakolea).

^{Papakolea Green Sand Beach}

Papakolea​ is one of only two green sand beaches in the U.S. The beach is not the easiest to reach, but if you are just a bit intrepid, you'll be rewarded by a unique beachscape that you'll remember forever. 

The sand's hue comes from green crystals, mixed with white sand and black lava-rock sand. If you are a hiker this beach is a much for you. You can also visit ancient temple sites in the area, also reached by hiking (“Heiau” is Hawaiian for ancient temple or sacred site).

^{Papakolea Green Sand Beach}

The surf can be rough here Papakolea. Therefore while swimming may be possible, take great care, as there are no lifeguards on duty here to rescue. This beach is really more for eyes than for a swimming retreat. Venture out early to enjoy the beach with fewer people around.

Also, there is not much shade cover here, so be sure to bring hats, water and plenty of coral-safe sunscreen. 

Black Sand Beaches

Punalu’u​ is probably the Big Island's most visited and photographed black-sand beach. Composed of pulverized lava rocks, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is located down at the bottom of the island, between the town of Kona and Hilo.

This stunning beach is fun for swimming, snorkeling, observing sea turtles up close, camping (with a permit), picnics and hiking along the coast. Be careful with the water here as well, as the ocean can get rough. As a rule, this goes for most of the open beaches in Hawaii.

^{Punalu'u Black Sand Beach}

The Big Island’s east coast may not be popular for its beaches, but it’s known to have one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline and scenery on the island. Receiving nearly 85 inches of rainfall per year, this area is full of lush tropical rainforests, fabulous waterfalls, and serene green valleys. Located towards the south/east side of Hilo, you will find the best and easiest beaches for you to visit. ​

Richardson's Beach and Ocean Park Tide Pools

Richardson’s Beach and Ocean Park​ is the closest to Hilo, not to mention the best choice for snorkeling and picnics. The ocean is a mix of spring water fed by freshwater forming ponds near the beach. This beach is great for families traveling with children, as the water is calm and tide pools will keep the kids entertained with its spectacular marine life. Although there will be a lifeguard on duty between 7am and 7pm, it is best to keep an eye on your children at all times. Richardson’s tends to get very busy on weekends so to avoid the crowd we recommend starting early to find parking.

^{Big Islands Kiholo Bay}

The gorgeous West Coast of the Big Island is blessed with sunshine and warm weather. There are 14 beaches on the west coast of the Big Island and ​Kiholo Bay​ is one of our favorites! Located in a beautiful bay that offers good swimming conditions, this beach is perfect for snorkeling, exploring tide pools, and relaxing by the ocean and soaking up the sun. For beach access, visitors must use the public beach path until you reach the tide pools.

If you’re looking for white sandy beaches, the north coast near Waimea and Kohala Resorts come very close to what we call paradise. With its few black sand beaches surrounded by 1000+ foot high cliffs and lush green forests covering every hillside, it’s no wonder why this side of the Big Island is a beach lover’s favorite. ​Waipi’o Valley and Black Sand Beach ​is home to about 50 local Hawaiians.

^{Waipi'o Valley & Black Sand Beach}

This beach is known for its rip currents and high surf, it is not recommended for swimming. While this beach is difficult to access, it is known to be a great place to relax after a long hike into the valley and features some of the most incredible views. If you’re lucky enough and only after a heavy day of rainfall, you may be able to see the Kaluahine Falls located on your right-hand side once you’ve reached the beach. If you are not up for the hike, Waipi’o Valley can be reached several ways. The best way to access this valley and black sand beach is to take a fully organized tour, shuttle ride, horseback, or mule drawn wagon.

Enjoy your trip to the Big Island and its many unique and beautiful beaches!