Top 25 Public Golf Courses in Hawaii - Golfers' Choice 2024

The best public golf courses in Hawaii are spread throughout the islands.
Mauna Kea - third hole views
The view from Mauna Kea's third hole never gets old.

What are the top public golf courses in Hawaii?

It depends who you ask. In the case of GolfPass' annual Golfers' Choice ranking lists, you are the expert, along with thousands of your fellow golfers.

We compile our annual Golfers' Choice lists by analyzing the ratings and reviews submitted by members of our community - golfers like you - throughout the previous year. We use GolfPass' Ratings Index logic that weights newer reviews and combine it with a course's subcategory averages. Courses must offer public access and have received at least five reviews in 2023 to be eligible for this year's list. If you want to play any of these courses, hover your browser over the course photo and if tee times are available, you can click to book directly.

Want to get involved with determining the top public golf courses in Hawaii or any other future Golfers' Choice lists? Click here to review a golf course, whether it’s your first or your 100th.

Hawaii golf courses reviewed in 2023: 41
Reviews of Hawaii golf courses in 2023: 2,178

7 Min Read
February 3, 2025
Between Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island, Hawaii wows visiting golfers with its beautiful courses set in paradise.

  1. Mauna Kea

    Kamuela, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.6196285714
    581

    Green fee: $185-$295
    What they're saying: "Very challenging and incredible views from just about every hole. Service staff very courteous and professional. Can’t wait to play again next time we visit the Big Island." - Robert8532128

  2. Mauna Lani Resort - South Course

    Kohala Coast, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.7367671206
    132

    Green fee: $278-$325
    What they're saying: "Great golf course! Big greens. Course is in excellent shape. Awesome views of ocean on several holes!" - Mikejdavid

  3. Ocean Course at Hokuala

    Lihue, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.3541295306
    123

    Green fee: $279-$735
    What they're saying: "Amazing views on this course. Course was a good challenge with the wind. Had a good time." - mattyreims

  4. Ko Olina Golf Club

    Kapolei, Hawaii
    Public/Resort
    4.3549351944
    153

    Green fee: $225-$255
    What they're saying: "It was an amazing day. The course was in great condition except the greens that are full of unrepaired pitch marks. The staff was extremely helpful. They already overtook our bags at parking, offered range balls for free and were absolutely friendly.
    Overall experience: TOP!" - meniskus

  5. Hapuna Golf Course

    Kamuela, Hawaii
    Resort
    3.0162764706
    602

    Green fee: $85-$160
    What they're saying: "Awesome experience! Great course with scenic views! Excellent condition from tee to green and luv the goats!" - musseranco

  6. Kona Country Club

    Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.4687839842
    970

    Green fee: $165-$189
    What they're saying: "Good Value. We have now played this course 3 times and we enjoyed it more each time. Greens are tricky, super wide fairways, holes along the ocean are spectacular. Lots of variety in hole shapes with twists and doglegs, but really no blind shots. Too bad the restaurant had poor service and inconsistent quality of food because it has a great view of the ocean." - Cooker1

  7. Hawaii Prince Golf Club

    Ewa Beach, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.2457562788
    646

    Green fee: $77-$87
    What they're saying: "The course was in great condition from tee to green and offered just a few challenges to keep your concentration sharp. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. It’s a great experience." - PaulHartley

  8. Waikele Country Club

    Waipahu, Hawaii
    Public
    4.3099669267
    233

    Green fee: $80-$185
    What they're saying: "We enjoyed playing this course very much. The course is designed so that most shots bounce toward the fairway. Conditions were good for a public course. Back nine was very slow. We had to wait on almost every shot. Sometimes we got to the next tee before next group even teed off. We were only a twosome so that is to be expected at times." - jayrom728

  9. Kapolei Golf Club

    Kapolei, Hawaii
    Public
    4.0652337858
    196

    Green fee: $210
    What they're saying: "Course played well and was highly maintained, but visually nothing amazing. The wow factor at nearby Ko Olina is much better." - gw1139

  10. Mauna Lani Resort - North Course

    Kohala Coast, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.3464823529
    45

    Green fee: $278-$325
    What they're saying: "Beautiful Course! I am not a huge fan of target golf, but the course was so pretty and in such nice condition, that it's hard to complain. Personally, I just find it much more difficult the 1st time you play it. However, if you were going play it a couple of times it would be a blast!!!" - Kevin7757378

  11. Ewa Beach Golf Club

    Ewa Beach, Hawaii
    Public
    4.3937369944
    418

    Green fee: $140-$190
    What they're saying: "The staff was very friendly, as were the golfers on the course. My wife and I were a twosome and three foursomes ahead of us asked if we wanted to play through (which we happily did). As a result, we were able to play 18 in a little over 3.5 hours. Course is fairly narrow from the tee in some places, which means taking care to keep your drives straight. Fairways were in very good condition, but the rough wasn't too bad. The greens were very fast (we were told they were rolling at 14), but were pretty true. My wife and I enjoyed playing the course and Ewa would definitely be on the list of courses I would be happy to play again." - Brent5132624

  12. Makani Golf Club

    Kailua Kona, Hawaii
    Public
    4.1884286277
    806

    Green fee: $99-$135
    What they're saying: "Course could use a little rain. Greens were very good. Great layout, interesting holes and good amount of challenge. Limited amenities, but staff is very nice." - ranran65

  13. Pukalani Country Club

    Pukalani, Hawaii
    Semi-Private
    4.345944067
    764

    Green fee: $68-$99
    What they're saying: "You can’t beat this course for value and location. The views are amazing. Staff all very friendly. Course routes up and down Haleakala and challenges your game with many different shots." - rdavison92

  14. Poipu Bay Golf Course

    Koloa, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.3755729565
    191

    Green fee: $225-$275
    What they're saying: "Beauty. Wonderful golf course with absolutely stunning scenery and supported by friendly efficient staff." - JerrypKing

  15. The Dunes At Maui Lani Golf Course

    Kahului, Hawaii
    Public
    4.3394341306
    867

    Green fee: $88-$110
    What they're saying: "Great golf course. Course very challenging with the wind but was manageable. Had a great time. Will come back next year when we make our yearly visit to Maui." - rbhagashi

  16. Turtle Bay Resort - Arnold Palmer Course

    Kahuku, Hawaii
    Public/Resort
    4.4067539686
    159

    Green fee: $229-$250
    What they're saying: "Jewel of Oahu 4th course played during week. It was the experience and more that I hoped for. I skipped Kolina and Kapeoli courses. (I) got better rate for (a) Sunday PM tee (at Turtle Bay). Course was superb. Will be back whenever back to Oahu." - Newkyqt

  17. Kiahuna Golf Club

    Koloa, Hawaii
    Resort/Semi-Private
    4.3473951814
    229

    Green fee: $140
    What they're saying: "Had my best game ever. Very narrow challenging fairways. Was confused at times which way the hole was facing. But overall had a great time." - eaglecouglv

  18. Waikoloa Village Golf Club

    Waikoloa, Hawaii
    Semi-Private
    4.3754374725
    828

    Green fee: $85-$130
    What they're saying: "Fairways were great. The rough was tough to get out of. The sand traps are gravel (apparently due to the wind), and there are lots of them! We had so much fun. We decided to play 2 days in a row." - jlgeb

  19. Kaanapali Kai

    Lahaina, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.2710785541
    428

    Green fee: $89+
    What they're saying: "Had a great time, beautiful course and super-friendly and helpful staff! Only issue was a foursome in front of us who were ridiculously slow. The Marshall pushed them as best as he could so that helped. Would play there again in a heartbeat!" - lhfrick

  20. Royal Kaanapali

    Lahaina, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.3524849577
    395

    Green fee: $184-$228
    What they're saying: "Great views and well bunkered greens for a resort course. The course is fun and was in pretty good shape except for a good par 4 they turned into a par 3 for no apparent reason. I can’t believe a Maui course does not have covers for the clubs if it rains. Also very limited cart service. They don’t even give you a bottle of water. Great views and well bunkered greens made up for the other shortcomings. Staff in the pro shop so so. Guys on the course and in the cart barn were very friendly." - rgarfalo

  21. Pearl at Kalauao

    Aiea, Hawaii
    Public
    4.5896358543
    108

    What they're saying: "Had a day off and decided to get in 9 holes. I was very pleased as the course had improved since I last played about 6 months ago. I am glad that they are working on the back 9. I am sure the course will be a lot more challenging. I can’t wait." - Billydee35

  22. Waikoloa Beach Resort

    Waikoloa, Hawaii
    Resort
    4.0444677871
    123

    Green fee: $108-$200
    What they're saying: "My first time playing golf on the Big Island. Played Waikoloa Kings and Beach nines and enjoyed the layout and overall course. There was a refreshment cart on the course during play. Good value for the money. Greens were a bit slow as compared to Hapuna and Mauna Kea. Food at the bar was excellent and order a Mulligan for $10.00 (a shot and beer). Would play again but found conditions and course challenge at the other two courses more exciting." - RichV125

  23. Mililani Golf Club

    Mililani, Hawaii
    Public
    3.8138470588
    184

    Green fee: $115-$145
    What they're saying: "Friendly staff. Fun layout and greens were in good shape. Bunkers inconsistant, some with sand and some like cement. But other than that, I felt Milliani is a good value for visitors. Luckily, very little wind. Had a great time. I will return." - brikimu

  24. Volcano Golf and Country Club

    Volcano Nat'l Pk, Hawaii
    Semi-Private
    4.1873608903
    61

    Green fee: $40
    What they're saying: "Golf Bliss on a Volcano. Cool breezes, beautiful weather, great conditions, in Hawaii on a the slope of a volcano, what more can you ask for? Loved this course and the setting was magical. Set between Mauna Loa and the entrance to Kilauea and at 4,300 feet, it was cool and just an awesome day of golf. Long drive from Kailua-Kona but worth it. Only 30 minutes into Hilo for dinner, and then Saddle Road back to Kona made this day a most excellent adventure. Next trip back, we will do this again!!" - bctahoe75

  25. Royal Kunia Country Club

    Waipahu, Hawaii
    Public
    3.9702142857
    404

    Green fee: $100-$150
    What they're saying: "Pleasantly surprised. Not a bad hole or bad view on the course. Very interesting track. Play was a bit slow and greens were sanded and rough but playable. Would definitely play again. Enjoyable and scenic. And since (it is located) up the side of the mountain a bit, 10-15 degrees cooler than down by beach. Nice!" - Hurlerm

Jason Scott Deegan has reviewed and photographed more than 1,200 courses and written about golf destinations in 28 countries for some of the industry's biggest publications. His work has been honored by the Golf Writer's Association of America and the Michigan Press Association. Follow him on Instagram at @jasondeegangolfpass and X/Twitter at @WorldGolfer.
Tim Gavrich is a Senior Writer for GolfPass. Follow him on Twitter @TimGavrich and on Instagram @TimGavrich.

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Top 25 Public Golf Courses in Hawaii - Golfers' Choice 2024
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