Makani Golf Club

Recently punched Greens. Having no data service layout was not predictable. Should have a Yardage book.

Makani is a beautiful course with many stunning views of the northeastern coast of the big island. The course itself is challenging for most players with a risk/reward shot making on most holes, especially the closing holes. It is well maintained, beautiful to look at and fun to play. If you live on Hawaii (you lucky bugger!) or are going to visit the big island and you golf, put this one on your bucket list. The only downside is a lack of a proper cafe, but they do have a small stand for beers and snacks.

This course was supposed to be the centerpiece of a housing development that never took off. I played it 20 years ago and compared to today, it is actually in better shape than I remember. The greens had been recently punched, but other than that, it was a fun and challenging course. Not crowded, I finished 18 holes in 2.5 hours, which I loved. The layout is a bit tricky but once you figure it out, it is a fun course. The people are great too. The only drawback is its lack of a real cafe, but other than that, if you’re visiting Waikoloa, drive the 30 minutes and play Makani Golf Club, you won’t be disappointed.

This is one of our favorite courses we’ve ever played!! The course is pristine and the temperatures were perfect! The greens had been aerated but that’s just part of maintenance. Views are incredible from every hole!

Makani is a very well kept course with plenty of challenge. We started around 11 am with not a cloud in the sky. We were not allowed to drive our cart 50 ft to our car to load up or 40 ft to the driving range???? A bit inconvenient. Then a good 1/2 mile drive to the first tee. We really loved the condition of the course. Greens were very readable and in good shape. The rough gets very high just off the fairways though in many places. Many holes with water hazards. Pace of play was great and many outstanding ocean and Mountain View’s. We were told by staff and other golfers that afternoon rain is regular. We expected mist but got sideways downpours around 1:30 pm. Very hard to play with wet grips and being soggy at 70 degrees at elevation. Bring rain gear including pants and towel to keep grips dry. Hole 17 is really tough because you have to come down with a lot of back spin to stay on the green. There is almost no fringe. Would play again and better prepared for rain.

A nice course. Some challenging holes because of lack of yardage markers. Wind came up near the end of the round and made the last few holes pretty difficult. But it was fun and I would play it again.

The lady in the Proshop was very nice. Made for a nice start.

More water available would have been helpful on a warm day

The course itself is alright; however, there are several things that would keep me from going back. The course has absolutely no helpful visible yardage markers (there are the ones on the tee box and a few scattered on the fairway though). Also, no helpful map at the hole or on the scorecard. While this shouldn’t have been an issue, half the holes are blind and without the assistance of the map the club choice becomes more difficult. It didn’t help that I forgot my Garmin watch. No clubhouse (only a shell). Lastly, being a high mountain course there was a lot of wind (especially on the back nine 25+ mph!). The course staff seemed VERY willing to help but came across as a little too enthusiastic given the limitations of amenities. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Played all courses but Mauna Lani and this course is the best- make sure you play it at the beginning of your trip because you will be back- one of Dyes best

Wry friendly and jovial staff. Course was fun but not intimidating g. Cost was very reasonable!