Makalei Golf Club

This was a lovely golf course with tons of wildlife present on every hole. It played a little short for me. The greens were in great shape, however, trying to put prove to be very different from courses on the mainland.

Got off at 1:30 found out at the course that carts must be in by 5:30. We were told that on the phone plenty of time to get in 18. We only finished hole 16 and were told to bring in the cart.

Wish we knew this ahead of time!

I went to the course with high hopes. We had a tee time set for 210 through golf now the staff were very disorganized took 30 minutes to get to the counter. they were not friendly and very un-helpful. We had paid for 18 holes around 5 pm the course marshal came by a told us we had to leave we were on hole 12 he told us that the course closes at 530 and that we would not be able to complete our game. I called the front desk to ask about this they said to TUFF LUCK CALL GOLF NOW! So we could not finish our game and will try and get my money back through golf now.

The course is undergoing a multi-year improvement project. Since I last played here about 8 months ago, the fairways are in considerably better shape (mostly weed free now). Tee boxes are a bit hit and miss but when the ball is 3" off the ground that matters much less. The greens are in great, except where earlier golfers haven't repaired their ball marks.

We have played here over a dozen times. Each time it has been a wonderful experience. We appreciate the rugged surroundings and the friendliness of the staff.

This time the course starter was surly. We were 2 minutes late for our tee time. He advised us that he had a full sheet and may not be able to fit us in. This was after checking in and paying at the bottom and hearing nothing from either the pro shop or the cart person.

We were gob smacked. He offer the opportunity to hit balls. When my husband went to hit balls there were none available. I was ready to leave. The starter came back and said we could go a head after waiting 5 minutes. We started. He then let a single on just behind us. He was playing several balls.

Norm the course Marshall was terrific and we had several delightful conversations.

We continued our golf holiday at other course on the Big Island but did not return to Makelei after this experience. It took 4.5+ hours with us waiting on every tee.

The state of Hawaii started to offer a reduced fee for residents recently. The course was extremely crowded with three groups on every hole. Sometimes it was 10 minutes between shots which really made the round long and not as enjoyable.

Perfect weather. Kamaaina Rate even more perfect. I have golfed Makalei once a month over the past 2 years and I am always Happy. Price, Price, Price makes me happy.