Tee Off at Hawaii's Finest Public Courses

Hilo Municipal Golf Course, Hilo, HI

In Hilo, you can be sure there will be rain and much smaller crowds than most other major cities in Hawaii. This golf course, fortunately, promises the same. Tee times are usually taken up by locals who frequent the course because of their low fees. Visitors will appreciate the lush surroundings. They are also known for their delicious local fare such as Korean chicken and katsu. 

Mauna Kea Golf, Kamuela, HI

Known as one of the best public golf courses in the nation, this ocean side course will have you in awe. When the bunkers or greens frustrate you, and they will, look out onto the ocean and take a breather. Many will envy you simply for the experience. Customer service is top-rated and the amenities are plentiful—GPS in the carts not to mention the views.

Maui Nui Golf Club, Kihei, HI

Though this course was “voted America’s Best Value,” according to their website, this is such a breathtaking and well-maintained course that you will never expect your dollar to stretch as far as it does here. The Clubhouse has rentals for all your needs—clubs, shoes, you name it. The pace is good and the beverage cart is responsive. Great amenities for the price you’ll pay.

Kahuku Golf Course, Kahuku, HI

A well-maintained public course, this nine-hole on the North Shore of Oahu will have you wondering why you never visited before. Its value doesn’t affect the maintenance nor the fun. This walking course will have you enjoying the ocean views, Hawaiian breeze and as their website states, “a leisurely day of golf.”

Turtle Bay Golf, Kahuku, HI

Good, name brand rental clubs. Beer cart. Fun layout. This place has good amenities and staff that make sure you have what you need, including the Marshall who paces so that nobody waits too long or creeps up on you. Overall, it’s a good value for the resort area of Turtle Bay. 

Hawaii Kai Golf Course, Honolulu, HI

The pricing at this course is a good value and the staff are helpful. This course is not overcrowded and runs pretty easily for all levels. It is perhaps best appreciated for the restaurant. 

Puakea Golf Course, Lihue, HI

This is a fun course with holes that “are distinctly different so you’re constantly facing new, interesting challenges,” as Golf Course Architect, Robin Nelson is quoted on their website. With lush but nicely manicured grass due to the rain, you will be hard pressed to find better conditions. The staff is helpful and you will never want for ice and cold drinks, as they are well-placed throughout the course. 

Wailua Municipal Golf Course, Lihue, HI

The Pro Shop, driving range and chipping green will give you every opportunity to succeed on these 18 holes. With great mountain and ocean views, you will enjoy your surroundings on this mostly flat course. The layout is good, the value is great and the staff is welcoming and helpful. Overall, an impressive return on a relatively light fee.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Hawaii has impressive golf courses with spectacular natural scenery and year-round temperate weather.
• Hilo Municipal Golf Course in Hilo, HI offers low fees, lush surroundings, and delicious local fare.
• Mauna Kea Golf in Kamuela, HI offers breathtaking views, top-rated customer service, and great amenities.
• Maui Nui Golf Club in Kihei, HI offers a well-maintained course with ocean views and a leisurely day of golf.
• Kahuku Golf Course in Kahuku, HI offers good amenities, name brand rental clubs, and a fun layout.
• Turtle Bay Golf in Kahuku, HI offers good value pricing, helpful staff, and a restaurant.
• Hawaii Kai Golf Course in Honolulu, HI offers a fun course with interesting challenges and well-maintained grass.
• Puakea Golf Course in Lihue, HI offers opportunities for success with mountain and ocean views, a good layout, and welcoming staff.
• Wailua Municipal Golf Course in Lihue, HI offers a challenging course with ocean views and a good return on a relatively light fee.