Makalei Golf Club

You have to experience it to appreciate it…wonderful course, amazing flora and fauna —and super nice, helpful staff! My favorite in Kona. Godspeed

The course boasts stunning views, but it's clear that some maintenance is overdue. While the greens were decent, the fairways and tee boxes left much to be desired. Having played here twice before, we're hesitant to return just yet. However, there's hope on the horizon, as improvements are underway. If they can elevate the course conditions, it could be worth a revisit. The layout is fun and challenging, and with better upkeep, it could be a great experience.

This is a one-of-a-kind experience. Playing golf in a rainforest setting is sensational. Do not expect manicured fairways or fast greens like in a resort course. Considering that, the course is a hilly rainforest course, and the conditions were excellent. Stunning views, great environment interesting layout. The fairways are relatively well-kept; the first cut was short and maintained. The greens were very soft as a result of the tons of moisture that the course receives. As a backside of that, greens are slower than usual but very well maintained. The only negative was that on some of the tee boxes, the grass was long, and one needed a longer-than-usual tee for a drive shot. Amenities are basic right now, but they are building a new clubhouse. It will add a great deal to the experience. Highly recommended for the experience.

The best thing about this course was to pace of play. Unfortunately, everything else about the course was not that great. The course was in i Terrible condition to say it mildly. If your ball wasn’t on the fairway, it’ near impossible to find.

Unless there’s some amazing deal, I probably will not play the course again

Front 9 was in terrible condition. Once off the fairway good luck in finding your ball. Would not play this course again.

This is a mountainside course in the jungle super beautiful with peacocks everywhere and they were calling out most of the day which was really cool. Everything is lush and green and you travel over 8 miles by cart throughout the course. The first hole is about 10 minutes away or so along with the driving range up mountain. The driving range is very rough and not ideal. The practice balls were all dirty, but it was fine to get a couple of warm-up swings. You drive downhill so most of your drives seem very far. Several straight up fairways can make it difficult lots of Undulations and off camber fairways. If you don’t hit your ball on the fairway 85 to 90% of the time it’s gonna be lost as the first cut is still very deep, even balls that were hit super well even a foot off of the fairway you may not find it. that was the only frustrating part, I had great shots that should’ve been really easy to find my ball, but I found myself hunting around a lot. Wild pigs have rutted up the sides of the fairways on many holes and the greens were OK but many people don’t fix their ball marks. You get all weather on this course I had sun, humidity, and heavy rainy mist, so it adds to the challenge, but I was OK with it and just adjusted. Bringing extra balls is a must for this course unless you are super accurate every time. I think if they widened the second cut and trimmed that down by 6 to 8 feet on each side, it would be a much better course to play. Regardless, I am glad I played the course. I got it on a hot deal for $60 but not sure I would come back and play again due to how difficult it is to find your ball even a foot or two off the fairway. The bunkers need a lot of work as well. It is a very laid-back course and I had it all to myself, which was really cool.

Makalei is a very steep mountain course. If you miss the fairway your ball is most likely lost, because the rough is quite long and shaggy. There are plenty of peacocks pheasants and other birds to see along with some beautiful mountain and ocean views.

Hope this course remains hidden so that I can continue to play 31/2 hour golf!

The scenery and ride between holes is simply majestic. Every hole is a decent clip through the jungle. Peacocks and pigs on course. The pigs ruin the course though by tearing it up. I play desert golf in Las Vegas thats why I loved it so much. If you are used to playing forest golf find another course.

Mountain course with inclines and side hill lies. Fun course to play. Great place when weather is warm at the coast. I will plan again.

Great layout. Very challenging and hill. With lots of work could be premier course!

Fairways need work. Greens need work. There is no clubhouse.

This is where the locals play, amazing layout

Hard course but so much fun

Lots of wild life and great cooler weather

Can’t wait to get back

good golf course. beautifull sceanery, tropical botanic. wild life. friendly ptaffs are impressive.

One of the worst courses I’ve ever played. No course maintenance, rough conditions. The only part of the day that was worth. The peacocks!

Not much in the way of positive feedback. From the start received two bottles of water with no ice for the cooler. Driving range in need of maintenance (only worn grass or mats to hit from). The Starter was very pleasant and offered good advice for playing. Then proceeded to play a 5+ hour round waiting on each hour 5-15 minutes. Highlights were the views on some of the holes and the peacocks. Normally would look forward to playing, but will pass until improved conditions.