Hawaii’s golf scene represents the perfect marriage of world-class course design and breathtaking natural beauty. The island’s dramatic coastlines provide the ideal canvas for golf architects to create challenging layouts while showcasing the Pacific’s endless blue horizon.
The volcanic landscapes, swaying palms, and year-round perfect weather have attracted legendary designers like Robert Trent Jones Jr., Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Weiskopf, who have crafted masterpieces that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Here is a list of 20 oceanfront courses across the Hawaiian islands that combine exceptional golf with spectacular ocean views.
From championship venues that have hosted PGA events to hidden gems tucked away in exclusive resorts, these courses offer unforgettable playing experiences.
Kapalua Plantation Course
The Plantation Course stands as Maui’s crown jewel, stretching across former pineapple fields with elevation changes of nearly 400 feet. Its wide fairways catch the trade winds coming off the Pacific, creating an ever-changing challenge for golfers.
The course hosts the PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions each January, where pros tackle the famous downhill 18th hole with Molokai visible across the channel. The Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore design embraces the natural terrain, offering ocean views from nearly every hole.
The practice facility sits perched above the ocean, making even your warm-up session feel special.
Mauna Lani South Course
The South Course at Mauna Lani weaves through ancient lava flows on Hawaii’s Big Island, creating a striking contrast between black rock and green fairways. The signature 15th hole plays directly over an ocean cove, where waves crash against the lava rocks below.
The course features several holes that run parallel to the coastline, with the back nine offering particularly spectacular views of the Kohala Coast. The architects preserved many archaeological sites throughout the course, including ancient Hawaiian fish ponds that add cultural significance to your round.
The course’s location on the sunny Kohala Coast ensures nearly perfect playing conditions year-round.
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Poipu Bay Golf Course
This Robert Trent Jones Jr. design on Kauai’s south shore gained fame as the former home of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. The course starts inland before dramatically emerging oceanside at the signature 16th hole, where the green sits just yards from the crashing waves.
Ancient stone walls and burial sites have been preserved throughout the property, adding a layer of Hawaiian history to your round. The course’s finishing holes play along 150-foot cliffs, creating one of golf’s most dramatic settings.
The trade winds add complexity to club selection, especially on the exposed coastal holes.
Princeville Makai Golf Club
Perched above Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore, the Makai Course offers views that seem almost too perfect to be real. The course includes the famous 7th hole, where players tee off toward the lighthouse with the entire bay as a backdrop.
Recent renovations have improved playing conditions while preserving the original Robert Trent Jones Jr. design intent. The front nine weaves through native woodlands before emerging at the coast, where the ocean views become truly spectacular.
The practice facility includes an oceanfront putting green that might be the most scenic place to work on your short game anywhere in the world.
Kapalua Bay Course
The Bay Course offers a more gentle alternative to its sister Plantation Course, though the ocean views remain equally stunning. The signature 5th hole requires a carry-over Oneloa Bay, creating one of Maui’s most photographed golf moments.
The course winds through resort neighborhoods but maintains its scenic appeal with constant ocean views and elevation changes. The closing stretch includes several oceanfront holes where whales can often be spotted during winter months.
The clubhouse sits perched above the water, providing a perfect spot for post-round refreshments.
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Ko Olina Golf Club
Located on Oahu’s sunny western coast, Ko Olina combines championship-caliber golf with spectacular ocean vistas. The Ted Robinson design features his signature water features, including the challenging 12th hole, where both the tee shot and approach must carry over lagoons.
The course has hosted LPGA events, proving its tournament-worthy credentials. The back nine offers particularly good ocean views, with several holes playing directly toward the Pacific.
The practice facility includes a double-ended range with both mountain and ocean views.
Hokuala Ocean Course
Formerly known as Kauai Lagoons, this Jack Nicklaus signature design features the longest continuous stretch of oceanfront holes in Hawaii. The renovation by Timbers Resorts has elevated both playing conditions and facilities.
The ocean comes into play on several holes, most dramatically on the par-3 14th, where the green seems to float above the Pacific. The course winds through mango and guava groves before emerging at the coast.
The closing holes offer views of Nawiliwili Harbor, where cruise ships often dock.
Mauna Kea Golf Course
This Robert Trent Jones Sr. masterpiece opened in 1964 and set the standard for Hawaiian resort golf. The legendary 3rd hole, playing over an ocean cove, remains one of golf’s most photographed par 3s.
The course received a thoughtful renovation by Rees Jones that preserved his father’s original design while updating the infrastructure. The black sand bunkers create a striking contrast against the blue ocean and green fairways.
The course sits on the dry side of the Big Island, ensuring reliable playing conditions throughout the year.
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Turtle Bay Palmer Course
Arnold Palmer’s design on Oahu’s North Shore takes full advantage of its oceanfront setting. The back nine plays along the coastline, where winter waves create a dramatic backdrop for your shots.
The course features several forced carries over natural wetlands that protect rare Hawaiian birds. The signature 17th hole requires a tee shot along the ocean, with the green set dramatically close to the surf.
The practice facility includes an oceanfront putting green, which is perfect for sunset practice sessions.
Wailea Gold Course
Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s design on Maui’s south shore incorporates ancient lava flows and spectacular ocean views. The course hosted the Champions Skins Game, where legendary players tackled its strategic challenges.
The back nine offers particularly good views of the Molokini Crater and the island of Kahoolawe. The course features significant elevation changes that add both challenge and scenic appeal.
The trade winds typically pick up in the afternoon, adding another layer of strategy to club selection.
Royal Ka’anapali Golf Course
This Robert Trent Jones Sr. design was Hawaii’s first resort course to host a PGA Tour event. The signature 5th hole plays downhill toward the ocean, with Lanai visible in the distance.
The course runs along the famous Ka’anapali Beach, offering constant ocean views and glimpses of whales in season. The finishing hole plays uphill toward the Sheraton Maui, with the ocean providing a stunning backdrop.
The practice facility sits perched above the beach, making even practice sessions feel special.
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Hapuna Golf Course
Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay created this Big Island gem that plays through stark lava fields. The elevation changes provide spectacular views of the Kohala Coast and neighboring islands.
The course features several risk-reward holes where the ocean views might distract from the strategic decisions required. The signature 12th hole plays downhill toward the ocean, with the entire coastline visible.
The practice facility includes an expansive short-game area with ocean views.
Four Seasons Hualalai Golf Course
Jack Nicklaus designed this course to flow naturally through the Big Island’s black lava landscape. The signature 17th hole plays alongside ancient Hawaiian fish ponds with the ocean beyond.
The course features several holes where the Pacific serves as both a hazard and backdrop. The maintenance team uses special equipment to maintain perfect conditions in the harsh oceanfront environment.
The practice facility includes an oceanfront putting course that is perfect for afternoon practice.
Ka’anapali Kai Course
This Arthur Jack Snyder design offers more forgiving playing conditions than its Royal Ka’anapali sister course. The front nine plays through the West Maui foothills before the ocean views emerge.
The course features several holes where the famous Ka’anapali Beach serves as a backdrop. Recent renovations have improved playing conditions while maintaining the original design character.
The practice facility shares the oceanfront location with the Royal course.
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Manele Golf Course
Jack Nicklaus created this masterpiece on Lanai, incorporating the island’s dramatic cliffs and ocean views. The signature 12th hole requires a carry over an ocean cove that seems to stretch forever.
The course features several holes where the Pacific serves as both a hazard and backdrop. The maintenance team uses special techniques to protect the course from the constant ocean winds.
The practice facility includes an oceanfront putting green with views of neighboring islands.
Wailua Golf Course
This municipal course on Kauai offers some of Hawaii’s best oceanfront golf values. The back nine plays directly along the coastline with constant views of the Pacific.
The course has hosted three USGA Public Links Championships, proving its tournament credentials. The signature 17th hole plays alongside an ancient Hawaiian temple site.
The practice facility includes an oceanfront putting green, which is perfect for sunrise practice sessions.
Kukuiolono Golf Course
This nine-hole course sits high above Kauai’s south shore, offering spectacular ocean views. The course features several holes where the entire coastline stretches out below.
The trade winds add significant challenge to what appears to be a simple layout. The course includes several ancient Hawaiian cultural sites that have been carefully preserved.
The practice facility includes a driving range with panoramic ocean views.
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Ocean Course at Hoku’ala
The recent renovation of this Jack Nicklaus design has created one of Kauai’s premier golf experiences. The course features the longest stretch of continuous oceanfront holes in Hawaii.
The signature 14th hole plays alongside Nawiliwili Harbor, where cruise ships provide unique hazards. The maintenance team uses special techniques to protect the course from salt spray.
The practice facility includes an oceanfront short game area perfect for afternoon practice.
Kahili Golf Course
This hidden gem in Maui’s upcountry offers ocean views from every hole despite being several miles inland. The elevation provides spectacular vistas of both coastlines and neighboring islands.
The course features significant elevation changes that add both challenge and scenic appeal. The trade winds at this elevation add considerable challenge to club selection.
The practice facility includes a double-ended range with both mountain and ocean views.
Paradise Palms Golf Course
This executive course on Oahu’s windward side offers spectacular ocean views despite its shorter length. The course features several holes where the Ko’olau Mountains serve as a backdrop to the ocean.
The trade winds add significant challenge to what appears to be a simple layout. The signature 9th hole plays directly toward the Pacific, with the entire coastline visible.
The practice facility includes an oceanfront putting green, which is perfect for sunrise sessions.
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A Living Legacy of Hawaiian Golf
These oceanfront courses represent more than just world-class golf – they embody Hawaii’s unique ability to combine natural beauty with sporting challenges. From professional tournaments to casual vacation rounds, these courses continue to provide unforgettable experiences for golfers from around the world.
Their commitment to environmental stewardship ensures that future generations will enjoy these spectacular venues where land meets sea in perfect harmony.
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