Mauna Kea Golf Course
About
With Mauna Kea Golf Course, Robert Trent Jones Sr. transformed what was seemingly a barren lava field into what is now one of Hawaii's most popular courses. The challenging layout has holes that play right along the sea as well as over 300 feet above. The course tumbles across seaside cliffs, offering views of the beautiful Kohala Coast. The elevated, undulating greens and prevailing coastal winds demand accuracy. On blustery days 200 yards could feel like 1,000 yards. There are also more than 100 bunkers strategically placed throughout. Mauna Kea Golf Course's signature third hole is the course's most well known by far. This legendary par 3 requires a dramatic carry across a rocky shoreline, sprinkled with nooks and crannies that are filled with hundreds of lost golf balls. To prepare for this demanding course, golfers can warm-up on the driving range and putting green.
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship (W) | 72 | 7370 yards | 84.5 | 155 |
| Championship | 72 | 7370 yards | 76.8 | 143 |
| Tournament | 72 | 6806 yards | 74.0 | 140 |
| Tournament (W) | 72 | 6806 yards | 81.1 | 152 |
| Resort (W) | 72 | 6358 yards | 78.9 | 147 |
| Resort | 72 | 6358 yards | 71.9 | 137 |
| Composite | 72 | 5830 yards | 69.3 | 127 |
| Composite (W) | 72 | 5830 yards | 75.5 | 139 |
| Forward/Composite (W) | 72 | 5118 yards | 71.2 | 128 |
| Forward | 72 | 5081 yards | 66.1 | 118 |
| Forward (W) | 72 | 5081 yards | 71.1 | 125 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship M: 76.8/143 W: 84.5/155 | 374 | 380 | 272 | 438 | 600 | 338 | 218 | 547 | 430 | 3597 | 567 | 250 | 392 | 374 | 425 | 211 | 484 | 620 | 450 | 3773 | 7370 |
| Tournament M: 74.0/140 W: 81.1/152 | 374 | 357 | 205 | 385 | 560 | 338 | 198 | 526 | 375 | 3318 | 534 | 214 | 373 | 337 | 425 | 188 | 425 | 561 | 431 | 3488 | 6806 |
| Resort M: 71.9/137 W: 78.9/147 | 353 | 336 | 179 | 357 | 518 | 315 | 188 | 493 | 342 | 3081 | 509 | 206 | 340 | 326 | 405 | 171 | 397 | 538 | 385 | 3277 | 6358 |
| Composite M: 69.3/127 W: 75.5/139 | 347 | 305 | 145 | 348 | 453 | 284 | 169 | 485 | 305 | 2841 | 463 | 191 | 332 | 270 | 324 | 163 | 390 | 493 | 363 | 2989 | 5830 |
| Forward/Composite W: 71.2/128 | 325 | 223 | 145 | 274 | 372 | 267 | 142 | 446 | 287 | 2481 | 428 | 173 | 287 | 264 | 305 | 111 | 290 | 465 | 314 | 2637 | 5118 |
| Forward M: 66.1/118 W: 71.1/125 | 325 | 223 | 108 | 274 | 372 | 267 | 142 | 446 | 287 | 2444 | 428 | 173 | 287 | 264 | 305 | 111 | 290 | 465 | 314 | 2637 | 5081 |
| Handicap | 7 | 11 | 13 | 1 | 3 | 17 | 15 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 10 | 12 | 18 | 4 | 16 | 6 | 8 | 14 | |||
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap (W) | 5 | 11 | 15 | 13 | 3 | 7 | 17 | 1 | 9 | 2 | 16 | 6 | 12 | 10 | 18 | 14 | 4 | 8 |
Course Details
Rentals/Services
Practice/Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Bar, RestaurantAvailable Facilities
Clubhouse, Conference Facilities, Banquet Facilities, Showers, Locker RoomsReviews
Reviewer Photos
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#11 Photo submitted by u631207672 on 07/08/2023
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Photo submitted by u382536859 on 05/28/2023
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#1 approach Photo submitted by u000001012847 on 05/02/2023
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Photo submitted by u000001012847 on 05/02/2023
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#3 Photo submitted by u000001012847 on 05/02/2023
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Photo submitted by u000001012847 on 05/02/2023
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Photo submitted by u000001012847 on 05/02/2023
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Photo submitted by u000001012847 on 05/02/2023
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Photo submitted by u314162579973 on 04/30/2023
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Photo submitted by jampete23 on 03/21/2023
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Photo submitted by jampete23 on 03/21/2023
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Photo submitted by u314163738234 on 03/09/2023
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Photo submitted by Dale2537591 on 02/06/2023
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Photo submitted by Dale2537591 on 02/06/2023
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Photo submitted by Dale2537591 on 02/06/2023
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Photo submitted by u000003222065 on 01/08/2023
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Historic 3rd hole Photo submitted by jtfred on 01/07/2023
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Photo submitted by jtfred on 01/07/2023
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Photo submitted by u837832471 on 01/02/2023
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Photo submitted by u038848048 on 12/24/2022
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Photo submitted by u038848048 on 12/24/2022
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11th green Photo submitted by WinterGolfTrip on 12/01/2022
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11th hole Photo submitted by u879676728 on 11/13/2022
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Challenging Par 3 Photo submitted by Steveabdo on 05/17/2022
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Photo submitted by u314161182673 on 04/27/2022
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3rd hole Photo submitted by statexe on 04/05/2022
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2nd hole Photo submitted by Smorrical on 03/27/2022
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Photo submitted by u1623910650 on 03/09/2022
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Photo submitted by u314162513180 on 03/04/2022
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Photo submitted by chrischatten on 02/18/2022
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Photo submitted by RTellmann on 02/09/2022
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Photo submitted by u314162438099 on 02/01/2022
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Photo submitted by u314161116901 on 01/25/2022
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Photo submitted by u314161116901 on 01/25/2022
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Photo submitted by jensen2741 on 01/23/2022
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Signature Par 3 Photo submitted by stevemyerson on 01/21/2022
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Photo submitted by uIOSF3652IO on 01/07/2022
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bliss Photo submitted by jendever on 12/03/2021
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Hole 3 play from the tips to hit over the ocean. Photo submitted by jimm462 on 11/22/2021
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Third hole Photo submitted by beckm8 on 10/10/2021
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Photo submitted by u314161667674 on 09/03/2021
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3rd hole. Par 3 210 yards all carry. Photo submitted by Edward7169256 on 07/16/2021
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#11 Par 3 214 yards Photo submitted by VL1009 on 03/31/2021
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Photo submitted by paulboyf on 03/25/2021
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Beautiful scenery on some of the holes! Photo submitted by u314161181557 on 03/09/2021
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Photo submitted by Snaphook417 on 01/29/2020
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The third hole at Mauna Kea plays over an ocean cliff. Photo submitted by JasonDeeganGA on 01/28/2014
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The signature 3rd hole. Photo submitted by u000001952421 on 02/18/2013
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Photo submitted by climbr17 on 12/02/2012
Special Day at Mauna Kea Golf Club
Perfect weather and unreal conditions made this Saturday afternoon round a day to remember. Because of the Co-vid 19 emergency, the course was empty but not yet closed. I didn't see a soul for the first 6 holes. Course conditions were immaculate. Lots of uphill, elevated greens make this course tough. Club selection is crucial and you will need to down club for many of the greens to make the climb.
Amazing
Loved this course. Challenging for sure, but fair. It was in great shape. Definitely a course you play better the second time because there are some shots that you learn you can’t hit after you hit them. The staff was extremely friendly. My wife was playing only her second round of golf and they were very accommodating to let us tee off at a time where we wouldn’t feel rushed.
The pro shop was very impressive. Great selection of gear. One downside was that the bar closed at 3:30 so we didn’t get to have food afterwards. Thought that was odd.
Otherwise had a great time. And you can’t beat the views. You can see the ocean on most holes. And not just see it but have an incredible view.
Great course to play on Big Island
Really enjoyed my round at Mauna Kea. Views were spectacular and course was in pristine shape. Would highly recommend!
Great Experience
This course has some of the most memorable golf holes I’ve ever played, incorporating the water and rocky coastline beautifully. However, some of the holes that aren’t on the water are fairly pedestrian with blind approaches that take away from the design (in my opinion). That being said, great staff and great course conditions led to a wonderful experience at Mauna Kae. Will definitely return.
Great Course
This course has it all, but price is to high. Maybe that is why it is never really busy. But the place desires top ratings.
Not worth the money
We played Mauna Kea while on a golf trip to the island of Hawaii. We have played here a number of times on previous trip but will not be back. The condition of the course is not up to the standard of the price they charge. Several greens are not in good shape. The bunkers are not consistent, some had almost no sand, some had way too much and it was difficult to judge how a sand shot should be played.
The pace of play on previous visits was ok. This round we had a group of 5 players ahead of us and they were slow. Normally when a Course makes an exception for a 5 some, they would have to commit to keep up with the pace of play, this group did not. We complained to the marshal and golf shop but nothing was done about it.
We do not recommend playing at Mauna Kea.
Great course
One of my favorite courses in the world. Has everything from scenery to great ocean holes, massive bunkers and great changes in elevation
Just a great golf course
Course is for better then average player, by the end of the round this course will get the best of you
Top many bunkers
Every green is framed by bunkers.. Most greens are elevated so pitch shots are blind. It is not a creative design. Beautiful views. Mauna Lani has much better courses. This course has no alternate path to any green...It has to be through the air.
Perfect
Excellent course, stunning views, great design, pristine conditions, true and fast greens, friendly staff. One just can not wish for more!
One of my favorite par 3's!
Awesome course with a fun but challenging layout. Neat clubhouse with fantastic food. Hotel and beach just a short walk away. A lot of elevated greens. The majestic par three over the ocean is one of my favorite all time holes (I double bogeyed). Played hapuna up the hill as well but highly recommend this one as it actually goes down to the ocean vs just ocean views. Would love to come back very soon!
Not s review but a statement,
Unfortunately, the weather condition was so bad. The wind was howling and really blowing strong and for safety reasons, we decided to quit playing . We were the only ones playing the course. We never saw anybody in front nor behind us. They should not have allowed us to play under those dangerous conditions. Please make representation to Mauna Kea to allow us to replay the round while we are here vacationing in the island. Appreciate it very much.
Very nice course
The course condition was great, Pace of play was excellent. Friendly staff. I would have definitely played Mauna Kea again if we had the time.
My Favorite in the World
I've played a lot of the best courses in the world, including Pine Valley, Pebble, Cape Kidnappers, etc. This is still my favorite course. Great conditions, great views and every hole is interesting. There is some local knowledge required on the greens, as is typical, especially for courses with a lot of elevation changes, but this is a don't miss experience.
Grab a board and go to Mauna Kea!
This was my 2nd time playing Mauna Kea and using a Golf Board to experience "surfing" the fairways. I can't think of a better way to spend 4 hours (and get a bit of a workout using the board); playing a great course, in great conditions and gazing at the beauty of the Kohala Coast the whole time! I would love it if it were just a bit more reasonably priced, so I would be encouraged to do this every time I am on the Big Island, but then again, the pace of play might be affected with more golfers enjoying this beauty! Gotta do it, even if you only do it once!
Beautiful experience
Absolutely gorgeous views while navigating this fun and challenging track. Changes in elevations and sloping fairways allow you to use every club in the bag. The tee boxes, fairways and greens are also nicely manicured! I will definitely be returning next time!
May 6
Greens are still very bumpy and sandy from plugging. course with a tee box for everyone.
Friendly with exceptional views
The course has 3 extremely scenic holes and staff to match the resort atmosphere. Friendly from the get go and although maybe not worth the entire green fee it is a must play on the island. Course was in great shape from tee to greens and pace of play was 3 hours and 45 minutes for two of us after being let go by a foursome in front of us. A challenge from the tournament tees in the wind but fair with tons of room.
Mauna Lani Auberge Stay & Play Package
Ka'anapali Stay & Play Package