Mauna Kea Golf Course
Mauna Kea Golf Course combines coastal vistas with a parkland layout, offering 18 holes that challenge golfers against ocean winds and volcanic topography. Immaculate conditions and standout holes provide an engaging experience for players of varied abilities.
Course Overview
Mauna Kea Golf Course on Hawaii's Big Island offers 18 holes of championship golf set against the dramatic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and lush volcanic terrain. This resort course provides a harmonious blend of coastal and parkland styles, where rolling fairways interact with challenging elevation changes and ocean-sprayed winds. The layout demands strategic shot-making while rewarding golfers who adjust their game to the variable Hawaiian weather and diverse terrain.
Begin your round surrounded by sweeping views that stretch to Maui and the deep blue waters that shape many holes. The course’s subtle undulations and meticulously maintained greens create an engaging test for players of all skill levels, yet the combination of ocean breezes and tricky tee shots make it especially appealing for mid to low handicappers seeking a rewarding challenge. Key holes offer the signature experience at Mauna Kea, including a standout Par 3 that requires a precision tee shot over open water, blending risk and reward in an unforgettable moment.
The course’s conditioning consistently impresses, with fairways that cradle the ball and greens that hold putts firmly without sacrificing true roll. Amenities enhance the experience, featuring a well-equipped driving range and practice greens that allow players to fine-tune their skills before teeing off. Club rentals are available, including top-name brands, making it easy for visitors to travel light without sacrificing quality.
Set within the resort environment, Mauna Kea offers access to elegant accommodations and dining options nearby, adding comfort and convenience to the golf outing. The grounds feature indigenous vegetation alongside cultivated palms and bright bougainvillea, which frame the holes without obstructing play. While the course can demand respect, it welcomes players ready to embrace its nuances and the magnificent natural setting.
Whether seeking a memorable vacation tee time or a serious golf challenge, Mauna Kea Golf Course delivers a blend of island beauty and finely tuned course design that leaves a lasting impression long after the final putt.
Course Highlights
The course’s signature ocean-facing Par 3 demands an accurate shot over water with panoramic views that frame the challenge. Rolling lava-rock hills and native flora blend with manicured greens and fairways, culminating in varied hole designs that test strategic play against natural elements. The practice facilities, including a driving range and putting greens, support thorough pre-round preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Cole Schneeweis
One of the best courses you can play on the Big Island of Hawaii. Great views throughout the whole course. Awesome rentals clubs at a low price. The course had a great driving range, putting practice greens, and golf carts. Overall a great experience well worth the price.
Clinton Stumpf
Mauna Kea Golf is a beautiful golf course with excellent conditions and great views of the ocean. The course is expensive but it still worth it.
Kristopher L
I've had better service at every Oahu Municipal course. The Kama'aina rate was said to be $125 over the phone, but the day of we were charged $185. Non-residents pay an eye watering $325. For that, you get zero service. I mean, none. After we paid, we walked out to the cart the bell desk brought our bags to. No starter, no hey welcome driving range is that way, nothing. We found the range by following some "club members," but there were no extra stalls set up for us, no bag stands, no balls. The lounge was "club members only" with a card swipe and no staff. With no snack window or restaurant, we were stuck with the 2 water bottles pre placed in the cart cooler that we also had to discover. The beer cart zipped passed us at the starter area without asking if we needed anything to start, but she did catch us 3-4 times throughout the round. As a member of an actual private country club on Oahu, I'd honestly be even more disgruntled as a member there than as a guest. The course is beautiful, but there are no hole markers. Almost drove past the first set of tee boxes. For this kind of money, they really need to offer more than a beer cart with a short list of options. Maybe hire some staff. I read on another review that they will give you an engraved bag tag at the end of your round. We had to ask, then had to ask for it to be engraved. Staff seemed like it was a bother. This place needs a serious restructure of staff. Just a few conversations, people able and willing to provide customer service, and this would have been a drastically better experience
Ran Ran
I came here after the renovation was completed. The annoying bunkers were gone, and the bunkers that were so deep that it was a mystery how you could get out had been made shallower. This is a course that gives you just the right amount of resort feel. It's not exactly gentle!
Y.C Friedman
Gregory Gibson
What a beautiful course! The fairways and greens were absolutely immaculate; if only my golf game with this superb! The highlight of the round was the gorgeous Par 3, that had to carry over open water - such a challenging hole with a stunning view. Loved my visit and experience here.
L P
The residences at the Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island, Hawaii is beautiful, are fully furnished with two or three bedroom rental townhomes. We found our stays there to be like home with every amenity you might need. Bathrooms are spacious with lux towels, hair dryers, lotions and shampoo’s. The kitchen just needs your cooking skills and food with comfortable outdoor furnishings and barbecue as well. They are situated within the golf course and are built on rolling hills where the vast views of the ocean and Maui off to the right are breathtaking. Although the golf course runs through the neighborhood, it is quiet, gated with exquisite palm, orange and lemon trees, bougainvillea and oleander eel to always be blooming. This is our third time at Kumulani residences and there rental included golf access, all the amenities at both the Westin and Mauna Kea resort in Kamuela. and are planning to return again soon. Both the beaches at the resorts. They have a resident parrot at the Mauna Kea resort named Mango. Despite the renovations in progress currently (2024 and part of 2025) we were able to access the hotel restaurants, gym and other amenities. The staff are simply the sweetest, always smiling, always with a mahalo. Since it’s about 45 minute drive from Kona north and at least 35 minutes to Waimea further north east, but sure to stop for groceries or gas on your way. However, there is a small market inside Mauna Kea Hotel with limited items, fresh coffee, and sandwiches etc, there are other coffee shops and restaurants which are excellent and the views can’t be beat. We enjoyed the beach and swimming in the ocean and walking the trail between the two resorts which follows along the ocean.
David Avallone
Cole Schneeweis
One of the best courses you can play on the Big Island of Hawaii. Great views throughout the whole course. Awesome rentals clubs at a low price. The course had a great driving range, putting practice greens, and golf carts. Overall a great experience well worth the price.
Mike Slavin
Worth every penny. Rented brand new Taylormade clubs (with stickers still on them) for $75. They provide 2 sleeves for balls. Driving range is well maintained and great to get used to the rentals. Make sure you ask for your complimentary bag tag after your round. They’ll engrave it in the back. Course was well maintained in early May when I played. Staff were all very helpful.
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Course Details
Access & Location
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Clubhouse
Walking allowed but course’s length and slopes suggest golf carts for most players; sturdy footwear advised.
Advance tee time reservations recommended, club rentals available onsite.
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