Makalei Golf Club

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.

Awesome staff, from the pro-shop to the starter were awesome! Course was beautiful and the local wildlife had no problem sharing their course with us! Over all great experience!

This course is fabulous. It’s elevation changes make it challenging and it’s scenery around the course and through vistas of the beach and ocean from 2000’ above sea level make the warm ocean days refreshing on this course.

The mandatory cart requirement keeps rate of play moving as the consistently changing elevations would challenge the healthiest triathlete.

This course is just fun and has peacocks and a few geese here and there for an added attraction. Their new pro-shop and adjacent structure are presently under renovation but they still have some cart service on the course. I’m reminded of going to a wine tasting at Dick Steltzner’s Napa Valley winery in the 70s where the tasting was held in his Quonset hut and the tour included his recently cut tunnel for his wine storage and future tasting room location. Makalei is well designed and it’s staff keep the course in incredible shape and easy to navigate. We loved it!