Makani Golf Club
Makani Golf Club on Hawaii’s Big Island challenges golfers with its jungle-carved fairways and volcanic terrain wrapped in tropical flora. The course balances an adventurous layout with nuanced greens, offering a distinctive experience far from the polished resort norm.
Course Overview
Makani Golf Club presents a distinct golfing experience set amid the lush volcanic foothills of Hawai'i's Big Island. This 18-hole, par-72 course combines a compelling mix of jungle terrain, volcanic topography, and subtle water hazards that challenge a player’s shot-making while immersing them in a wild island atmosphere. Though not a traditional resort course, Makani offers an adventurous layout where the landscape itself feels alive, with dense tropical foliage framing the fairways and occasional glimpses of distant volcanoes reminding you of the island’s dramatic origins.
The course’s layout demands strategic precision. Fairways vary from generous landing zones to narrower corridors guarded by native trees and thick rough, encouraging thoughtful club selection and course management. Greens present nuanced undulations and changing plateaus that will test putting skills without overwhelming most skill levels. Makani rewards golfers who appreciate a layered challenge rather than straightforward play, making it a fitting destination for mid- to low-handicap players seeking variety within a relatively compact footprint.
Signature holes punctuate the round, none more compelling than the 17th, a par-3 island affair that calls to mind the famed TPC Sawgrass 17th, a nod to its design heritage linked to the father of Pete Dye. Water hazards are sprinkled selectively, sharpening the risk-reward elements without dominating the strategy. Topography wends through the layout with gentle rises and falls that enhance interest without exhausting the legs.
While some maintenance and structural elements reflect the course’s evolution from former country club status to a more municipal model, the natural setting remains its strongest asset. Wildlife abounds and the open skies provide a fresh breeze that can influence club selection and shot shape. The practice facilities and modest clubhouse meet basic needs but gear rental is limited and walking is not permitted, an important factor for planning gear and pacing.
Makani Golf Club defies easy categorization. It is less about polished luxury than about authentic golf played where nature’s features dominate. For those prepared to embrace its idiosyncrasies, the course delivers a memorable, vibrant journey through volcanic greenery and varied terrain. Visiting golfers should bring patience for pace of play and an adventurous spirit to fully appreciate what Makani offers.
Course Highlights
Makani Golf Club stands out for its compelling volcanic and jungle setting. The par-3 17th hole offers an island green reminiscent of TPC Sawgrass’ iconic 17th, honoring the Dye design lineage. The course features varied topography with dense tropical vegetation, multiple water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers that influence shot strategy. Its rugged natural character sets it apart from typical Hawaiian coastal courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Charles Van Kirk
This review is written out of love for the beautiful scenery up in the mountains, the quirky and mostly fun course layout, and the nice staff. My two frustrations with playing at Makani were: 1. The tee times were unorganized in terms of timing and group size, which led to a backed up and slow round. 3 groups of varying sizes were stacked per hole for the majority of 18. 2. Mandatory carts. I politely asked to walk and was not allowed to. This is not unique to Makani, but is a big frustration for me on golf courses. I find that walking contributes to the enjoyment of the game and allows for a bit of exercise. This course is not a difficult walk; I play quickly, am a single digit handicap and am in good shape. I spent most of the day waiting for other folks to hit shots, thus I would have rather been able to do so on foot.
Jed Butler
What a unique and well-designed course. Supurb layout, maybe the best I've ever played. Every hole feels special and challenging in it's own right, with multiple ways to play. Not to mention the volcano views and jungle atmosphere feel straight out of Jurassic Park. Greens are highly variable in size and leveling, and in good shape. Some fairways are generous, and some are narrow. Water features on a number of holes, including the most beautiful island par 3 (17th) I've ever played. This 17th hole is made more interesting that it is a twin to the TPC Sawgrass 17th, which was designed by the course architect Perry Dye's father, Pete Dye. Additionally, topography is varied throughout the course without being overbearing. Lots of trees, heavy jungle rough, and many well-placed sand traps. Not an easy track. If you're thinking of playing here for a 5-star resort experience, I would skip. The staff is friendly and doing their best, but this is ultimately a failed country club turned mostly municipal golf course. So it's a little shabby, some tee boxes are uneven, and would need a major rennovation to compete with Mauna Kea or Hualalei. But there's literally zero development on the course (yet! the course is for sale) to distract from the many bird varieties and endless flora, and on the first tee box, on a clear day, you can see volcanos every way you look. The weather is an easy 10-15 degrees coolor than the coastal courses, and a little bit of fairway rain was more refreshing than frustrating. Yes the tiny pro shop could not have tarps on the roof, and the rental clubs were pretty rough, but if you love the game of golf and the challenge of playing an incredible course design carved out of a volcanic jungle, then you'll have as good a time as we did. 10/10 would play this hidden gem again.
Donghwee Cho
Cheap but very good course. Less than $100 after 12 is a bargain. Not much people and enjoyed it very much.
Karl Yamauchi
Steve Dooley
Nice course and staff overpriced club rentals. I chose the more expensive Cleveland clubs to rent. Driver light as a feather had to switch to the 3 wood which was much better off the tee. No sand wedge which was ridiculous. Luckily my local playing partner let me use his when needed. Also, no towel provided with club rentals. Definitely not worth the . cost was bitter off renting the lower cost Titlelist set which I later found out had a sand wedge. My advice is to just rent the Titleist. Had a great time regardless.
Gregg Bauer
This golf course is not near the level of its current average google review. First the order of holes appears to have been rearranged due to the confusing maze of the golf cart pathways. Second the course maintenance level currently is not up to “par” for the price charged. Third the clubhouse is probably the worst clubhouse I’ve ever been in complete with the tarp over the 70-80’s geo dome. Bottom line is it’s not worth the visitor rate to play it. I’m an out of town guest who has no affiliation to this golf course and I’m a single digit handicap who plays a lot of golf mainly in California but also in Arizona and Oregon.
Brian Rohan
Enjoyable experience while on the big island. A bit more expensive than what I was expecting since many sites pointing to the course indicated that a small bucket of balls was included. I rented clubs and no game balls were included (many club rentals I've done come with game balls, usually two sleeves). This is my first Hawaiian course play. Course was in decent shape, fairways had plenty of carry. The greens were fair. Staff was quite helpful. Not as much ocean scenery along the course as some of the marketing leads one to believe. The course is fun to play with plenty of dog legs, undulating fairways. Your first time playing I recommend a course map app so you can see hidden obstacles.
W Doe
David Avallone
Favorite course on the island to play. Super reasonable twilight rates and great staff that are helpful and fun to interact with.
Gregg Bauer
This golf course is not near the level of its current average google review. First the order of holes appears to have been rearranged due to the confusing maze of the golf cart pathways. Second the course maintenance level currently is not up to “par” for the price charged. Third the clubhouse is probably the worst clubhouse I’ve ever been in complete with the tarp over the 70-80’s geo dome. Bottom line is it’s not worth the visitor rate to play it. I’m an out of town guest who has no affiliation to this golf course and I’m a single digit handicap who plays a lot of golf mainly in California but also in Arizona and Oregon.
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Course Details
Access & Location
71-1420 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Modest clubhouse facility with basic amenities
Walking is prohibited; golf carts are required on the course for all players.
Tee times available without membership; reservations recommended, especially during peak seasons.
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