The Club At Hokuli'a

I actually got to play this course in February of 2016. At the time it was private. It was a beautiful course in immaculate condition. At the time it got little to no play and we were one of the only golfers on the course. One of my favorite Hawaii courses. Would love to get back! The.bar at the clubhouse overlooks the ocean and is absolutely fantastic.

This is the best course on the Big Island, and certainly the most challenging. Every member of the staff was helpful and friendly. Each shot requires careful thought, and local knowledge is helpful on several holes. Views are amazing. If you know a member do them a nice favor, then ask if you can join him or her for a round at Hokulia.

Lawsuits and a bankruptcy filing in 2013 have brought bad press to Hokuli'a ever since the Jack Nicklaus course opened in 2002. If this real estate project ever gets some momentum, look out because this place will become one of the best golf communities in the world. The Club at Hokuli'a never goes directly to the beach, but its ocean views from higher elevations are spectacular. Nicklaus was as creative as I've ever seen him. The course flows with a great mix of long and short holes. He built one crazy green, on the par-5 ninth hole. Elevation changes create a back nine as good as any in Hawaii. A stone pathway that dissects the 16th fairway is an ancient footpath so sacred, players are not allowed to drive their carts over it. If you somehow get an invite to play the private Hokuli'a, don't pass it up. Book your plane ticket right away.