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Thanks in part to the PGA TOUR's annual visit to Kapula every January, virtually every golfer dreams of playing the top public golf courses in Hawaii.
To inspire those dreams to become a reality, GolfPass releases a Top 25 Public Golf Courses in Hawaii every year thanks to YOU. We create our annual Golfers' Choice lists by curating the reviews submitted by everyday golfers. We use GolfPass' Ratings Index logic that weights newer reviews and combine it with a course's subcategory averages.
Each course needed at least three reviews and at least some public access to qualify. The best public golf courses in Hawaii all offer scenic views, whether you're on the Hawaiian island of Maui, Kauai, Oahu or the Big Island. The Plantation Course at Kapalua, home to The Sentry, is the Aloha State's most famous resort course, but there are so many others. For example, Turtle Bay Resort used to regularly host the PGA TOUR Champions and the LPGA Tour. Which Hawaiian Island is home to the best golf courses? That's an endless debate.
We make our Golfers' Choice best-of lists user friendly. Simply click on the photo of each course to learn more about the facility or to book a tee time (in most cases).
Want to get involved with determining the top public golf courses in Hawaii or any other future Golfers' Choice lists? Click here to review the next golf course you play.
Hawaii golf courses reviewed in 2024: 31
Reviews of Hawaii golf courses in 2024: 1,914
Best public golf courses in Hawaii
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Mauna Lani Resort - South Course
Green fee: $259-$310
What they're saying: "One of my highlights of our Hawaii golf trip. Some breathtaking ocean holes. Moderately difficult layout. Playing from the tips on #15 and making par was my highlight. Still place Kapalua Plantation as my favorite Hawaii course but this one is up there too along with Manele on Lanai." - johnhko -
Mauna Lani Resort - North Course
Green fee: $259-$310
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 -
Kona Country Club
Green fee: $145-$191
What they're saying: "Online stated greens aeration. It had been a month since the greens were punched. Greens rolled great, fairways were great also. Pace of play was great also. Would definitely recommend." - bowlermike -
Waikoloa Village Golf Club
Green fee: $110-$135
What they're saying: "On vacation without my clubs. Had not planned to play because Hawaii is notoriously expensive & challenging. Found a great deal on GolfNow, so went for it. We had so much fun. I’m a relatively new golfer, and found this course to be manageable & not overwhelming. My husband is an excellent golfer & enjoyed it as well. The rental clubs we used were outstanding. This is a fun, well-managed course. We had great weather and only a little wind." - michelesea -
Princeville Makai Golf Club - Makai Course
Green fee: $359
What they're saying: "Excellent golf course, so beautiful, so much fun! The course was in excellent condition. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The Starter managed to get me out earlier. The views of the coast are spectacular and I never get tired of seeing them!" - GlenHampton -
Turtle Bay Resort - Arnold Palmer Course
Green fee: $220+
What they're saying: "The golf course was in really nice condition. Very challenging with beautiful views. The entire staff (especially Travis) were great!!" - richsoto91 -
The Dunes At Maui Lani Golf Course
Green fee: $84-$125
What they're saying: "The was our first time playing The Dunes and we will definitely play it again. It was very challenging from the Green tees especially with the wind. One of the best values on the island." - JC5846 -
Kapolei Golf Club
Green fee: $210
What they're saying: "Course condition was great but green was slower than expected. Everything was in working order except pace of play was a bit slow. Having said that I think that’s just Hawaii in general as we’ve been having these 5 hour rounds here. I would recommend this course to anyone as it’s challenging enough from the back tees but also enjoyable at the same time." - mkcheng -
Pukalani Country Club
Green fee: $68-$99
What they're saying: "Unexpectedly a beautifully maintained course, no fancy amenities, but very reasonably priced with cart. We played on a Saturday without any crowds." - vk1wong -
Kaanapali Kai
Green fee: $140-$167
What they're saying: "The Kaanapali Kai Golf Course, located in Lahaina, Maui, offers a scenic and enjoyable golfing experience suitable for players of all skill levels. This par-70 course is known for its forgiving fairways, strategic bunkers, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountains." - txhorns1995 -
Ewa Beach Golf Club
Green fee: $125-$195
What they're saying: "We were pleasantly surprised by their course. Best value for the money I have seen in Hawaii! Course was not overbooked, great pace of play. Friendly staff. The greens were immaculate and fast. Fairways were in very good condition. Only bad point is the sand traps, very heavy sand…just need to avoid them! Would return here for sure!" - GolfPass Reviewer -
Makani Golf Club
Green fee: $105-$145
What they're saying: "Played with some friends we were traveling with and we all really enjoyed the course. Very friendly staff. Each hole was unique. I would definitely play this again." - Mike3906196 -
Waikele Country Club
Green fee: $185
What they're saying: "Course is in immaculate condition, layout is challenging but still enjoyable. May not be next to ocean or anything but still has a nice scenery with the beautifully manicured water features and the view of the bay. Will definitely include this course again in our next trip to Oahu." - deuxit3 -
Royal Kaanapali
Green fee: $260-$287
What they're saying: "Was a fun day. Spacious landing areas off the tee but very well protected greens with lots of elevation and serious bunkers everywhere. Conditions were great. Could see the ocean from just about every shot." - Bjmuisegolfs -
Hawaii Prince Golf Club
Green fee: $175
What they're saying: "This is a beautiful course and very well kept. The grounds staff does a great job." - GolfPass Reviewer -
Kiahuna Golf Club
Green fee: $145
What they're saying: "We were able to golf 3 times at this course during our vacation week. (Twice only nine holes and once 18…due to our other activities). The weather was fantastic for November. We picked early times to free up our afternoon’. We brought our own golf clubs to save money. (Rentals are available). The golf course is in great condition. The speed of play was fast since at our time there were no foursomes in front. On the turn, the Paco’s Tacos was open for a lunch burrito that was delivered to us via electric scooter. We purchased a souvenir visiting the golf shop. The cart attendant/starter cleaned our clubs at the end of the round and was available to drive us to the car so we didn’t have to walk back after cart drop off. We tipped him nicely. We will return again … January 2025" - Dandavid -
Puakea Golf Course
Green fee: $199
What they're saying: "From the very welcoming of the pro shop and golf cart attendant to a relaxed pace of play, it was a great round. A few adventurous holes sprinkled in made the round fun and challenging. It is worth a visit." -lentodisco -
Waikoloa Beach Resort - Beach Course
Green fee: $145-$210
What they're saying: "Nice course with beautiful ocean views. Unfortunately it was extremely windy the day we played, couldn't wear a hat because it kept flying off. It was expensive to play, most golf courses in Hawaii are. Course was in good shape and the staff were all friendly and helpful." - Joseph5086303 -
Ko Olina Golf Club
Green fee: $238-$303
What they're saying: "The course is in excellent condition. The greens are real good. The fairways are pretty nice. The wind was blowing pretty hard. It was very challenging sometimes in favor, sometimes again, but overall everything was pretty good." - gn19504939 -
Mililani Golf Club
Green fee: $150-$160
What they're saying: "Nice wide fairways, fast greens the day we played, course was in great condition. Great for the intermediate to more advanced players." - sslewis54 -
Royal Hawaiian Golf Club
Green fee: $180
What they're saying: "This course is so much fun. it is very difficult, but so beautiful and fun - did not mind the difficulty. Views are stunning. Fairways and tees were great. The greens were not in top shape - which added to the difficulty, but it was so beautiful - I was there to play golf, not get a PGA score!" -corkusdiku -
Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course
Green fee: $225-$279
What they're saying: "We have played golf all over the island. It was by far one of the best experiences we had during our stay. I’m so happy we played it last or (the) others would have probably been a let down." - amgruver -
The Ocean Course at Hokuala
Green fee: $299-$675
What they're saying: "Might be a top 3 Hawaii course for me. Front 9 is inland but fun and interesting with green canyons in the background. Back 9 has some amazing ocean holes, including the happy Gilmore hole. Staff is friendly and so are the players - some random guy bought me a logo ball in the pro shop and I was even gifted a free course towel by the staff. Definitely will be playing this course again whenever I return. Greens were fast and tricky and it's challenging, especially with the winds. Go up a club or two (more) on the back (nine)!" - rolaidz -
Volcano Golf and Country Club
Green fee: $65-$82
What they're saying: "We return to Volcano annually and play this course a couple of times. It is casual and well maintained. Very friendly staff - not so busy that you have to be paired in foursomes (if you like playing solo or in a pair). Many variety of birds on the course too but not so many that they impede play. Nene, ducks, pheasants, turkeys and more. Course is relatively flat with a few rolling hills. (It's) perfect if you like to walk the course. Bring you rain jacket! It is often misty or lightly raining (this has never stopped us). Bring extra balls as you tend to hit out of bounds a lot. If you lose your ball in the taller grass you probably aren't going to find it (but you might find someone else's!)." - FarrahMascara -
Maui Nui Golf Club
Green fee: $89-$109
What they're saying: "Course layout was great. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Happy hour deals looked wonderful. Food we had from the restaurant at the course was delicious." - BigMikeGolf
Comments (1)
I just returned from Maui, I can’t believe Kapalua isn’t on this list!?
I just returned from Maui, I can’t believe Kapalua isn’t on this list!?