Mauna Lani Golf
Mauna Lani Golf offers two 18-hole courses that weave volcanic landscapes with ocean views, delivering a compelling challenge for golfers of varying skill levels. With well-maintained fairways, strategic bunkering, and lush amenities, it stands out as a premier golf destination on the Big Island.
Course Overview
Mauna Lani Golf on Hawaii’s Big Island presents two striking 18-hole courses—the North and South—each offering distinctly different challenges woven into a volcanic landscape shaped by ancient lava flows and native flora. The North Course is known for its more traditional layout with rolling hills and wide fairways, while the South Course offers a bolder coastal experience where ocean vistas and volcanic rock formations challenge even experienced players.
Both courses are built into a setting where nature’s ruggedness meets golfer-friendly design. The volcanic terrain defines the courses’ character, with black lava rock standing as a natural hazard, forcing precision off the tee and thoughtful shot placement throughout. The surrounding dry woodland and patches of native coastal plants provide a contrast to the bright green fairways and smooth, undulating putting surfaces.
Mauna Lani Golf invites golfers of various skill levels, though low to mid handicappers will find the strategic complexities and elevation changes particularly engaging. While the fairways on the North Course are forgiving enough for more casual players, the South Course demands greater accuracy especially along its shoreline holes where ocean breezes can influence ball flight. Both courses are well-maintained year-round, with consistent greenspeed and clear routing.
Beyond the golf itself, amenities enhance the overall experience. The clubhouse offers full-service facilities including a pro shop with equipment rentals, a practice range with well-maintained grass tees, and putting and chipping areas. On-course hydration stations are common, a necessary comfort beneath the tropical sun.
Mauna Lani Golf balances an environment of natural grandeur with thoughtful course design that rewards strategy over power. Players emerge from these courses with vivid impressions of the Big Island’s volcanic legacy, alongside a satisfying test of shot-making ability. Whether you seek an ocean breeze challenge or a more protected inland round, Mauna Lani Golf provides a memorable Hawaiian golf experience that blends nature and sport with refined hospitality.
Course Highlights
Distinctive volcanic rock formations frame fairways and bunkers, shaping challenging shot options. North Course showcases rolling inland terrain with strategically placed bunkers to test course management, while the South Course features stunning oceanfront holes with coastal winds that influence play. Both courses integrate native flora and multiple clean, accessible restrooms spaced throughout. Practice facilities include a grass driving range with scenic backdrops and a large, undulating putting green near the clubhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Richard Deem
We played the south course. It has ocean and mountain views. The fairway is like a carpet and the greens are in great shape.
Frank Figueredo
Amazing experience. AMAZING! Not cheap but experience is extraordinary.
Kyle Thomas
Arkady Vestel
Played North Course, 6/29, 720 tee time. Property is absolutely gorgeous and meticulously maintained. Tee boxes, fairways and greens were all perfect. Divots were filled in pretty much everywhere. There is no shortage of beautiful views with rolling hills throughout and perfectly lined and strategically placed volcanic rock. Even though it's not the more scenic south course you still get a couple gorgeous ocean view holes with 9 and 10. Bunkers definitely add to the challenge and are strategically placed and clearly often replenished. Only small complaint was some latter holes on the back 9 still had punched greens from recent maintenance and the loose sand did heavily affect putting. Played as a solo with another solo and 3some in front of me. 3 some graciously let both of us pass by hole 3 and didn't see another soul in front of me until hole 16. Pace of play was great. They offer you complimentary balls, water, towels, tees and came by on the course a few times to see if you needed more water. Didn't use the driving range but appeared to be in good shape with a fantastic view of the mountains as a backdrop. Putting green was great offering numerous undulations for practicing. Rented a set of clubs which were in good condition. Mixed set of Taylormade Sim Irons and QI10 hybrid, woods and driver. Bit pricey for sure for an AM round but well worth the experience.
Tony Tony
Played a tournament here on the south course and really enjoyed the views and course conditions. Pro shop and starters were great, course was in excellent condition. Green were smooth and quick with subtle breaks. Fairways were wide but boarded by lava so don't miss or your ball is gone. Even the driving range is nice with several targets to aim at. Would play again.
Kirk Brown
I played early on a Tuesday morning. The course was so uncrowded that I went off as a single. I actually finished 18 holes in two hours and 10 minutes! This is my favorite course on the big island. The Taylor Made rental clubs were excellent. The staff was all very friendly and helpful.
Arkady Vestel
Played North Course, 6/29, 720 tee time. Property is absolutely gorgeous and meticulously maintained. Tee boxes, fairways and greens were all perfect. Divots were filled in pretty much everywhere. There is no shortage of beautiful views with rolling hills throughout and perfectly lined and strategically placed volcanic rock. Even though it's not the more scenic south course you still get a couple gorgeous ocean view holes with 9 and 10. Bunkers definitely add to the challenge and are strategically placed and clearly often replenished. Only small complaint was some latter holes on the back 9 still had punched greens from recent maintenance and the loose sand did heavily affect putting. Played as a solo with another solo and 3some in front of me. 3 some graciously let both of us pass by hole 3 and didn't see another soul in front of me until hole 16. Pace of play was great. They offer you complimentary balls, water, towels, tees and came by on the course a few times to see if you needed more water. Didn't use the driving range but appeared to be in good shape with a fantastic view of the mountains as a backdrop. Putting green was great offering numerous undulations for practicing. Rented a set of clubs which were in good condition. Mixed set of Taylormade Sim Irons and QI10 hybrid, woods and driver. Bit pricey for sure for an AM round but well worth the experience.
John Daly
Played both courses on March 25th. Paid full price for first round and play again price for second round. No military rates, but offered a Junior rate for my highschool aged son. Much appreciated! Both courses were great, beautiful, and in great shape. Will definitely play again whenever I return to the Big Island. I didn't have a favorite between the two courses. I shot a better score on the North, but maybe I was warmed up for the second round. Both courses had some very scenic holes. Especially all of the lava rock, incredible. The holes along the water were breathtaking. Definitely a must play!
Mike G
First off, this is a beautiful course. There are two courses here, a north and south. We played on the north course. It's not the longest course, but you will need to have good ball placement and course management. It is a challenging course, but fun at the same time. Tee boxes: The tee boxes here are nice, full of grass. It's not sandy like some other courses, great to hit off of. Fairways: Fairways are in real good condition. This is where you want to be. The grass is well maintained and nicely cut. There are trees and fairway bunkers, so you will need to look ahead and plan your shots. The fairway bunkers have sand, but not a lot, which is normal in the other courses I have played. There is a lot of OB left and right of the fairways, but it's the Big Island and lava rocks is not where you want to go walking in golf shoes. Rough: The rough can get thick in some areas. The grass feels a bit sticky, so it could grab your face and shut it if you are not careful. It's best to stick to the fairways. Greens: The greens are pretty nice. It did look like they have been aerated and sanded recently, so speed may vary a little on the different greens. There is a good mix of greens with little undulation to ones with more. Nothing super crazy, but you may need to do a little green reading. The greenside bunkers are also nice, not to be in, but there is enough sand to hit a good shot out. They don't have an overabundance of sand where you need to dig it out, so don't swing as if you are going to take a lot of sand. Staff: The staff are great out here. The clubhouse employees were super friendly and helpful. They directed us to where we needed to go to start on the right course. It does get hot here in the summer, and the Marshall continuously visits everyone, handing out bottles of cold water. Amenities: -Driving range - you will need to take a cart to get to the driving range. It is a grass range, and with the round, you get free balls that are located at the range. -Putting and chipping green - The putting and chipping green is next to the clubhouse. The area is pretty big so it can accomodate a good number of people. -Restaurant - there is a restaurant on property, but we did partake this trip.... maybe ext one. -Restrooms on course - you can find a restroom about every 3 or 4 holes, which are kept pretty clean. We had a great experience here! Definitely will be coming back to enjoy the other course.
Kathy Camburn
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Course Details
Access & Location
68-1050 Makaiwa Pl, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Mauna Lani Beach Clubhouse
Walking permitted on designated paths; terrain includes gentle elevations with firm turf, recommended footwear includes golf shoes with good traction.
Tee times recommended in advance; club rentals available on site.
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