Few places on earth look as good from a tee box as Hawaii. Fairways run between black lava fields and the Pacific, greens sit on clifftops above crashing surf, and whales can be seen offshore in winter. The islands have dozens of courses, from championship resort layouts to friendly municipal tracks, and the weather allows golf every day of the year. A Hawaii golf trip is not cheap, but with a little planning it can be the trip of a lifetime.
Why golf in Hawaii?
- Scenery. Ocean holes, volcanic landscapes, mountains and tropical gardens.
- Year-round golf. Temperatures at sea level stay in the 70s to mid-80s °F (around 21 to 30 °C) through the year.
- Variety. Resort courses, mountain courses, coastal links-style holes and affordable municipal courses.
- A holiday for everyone. Beaches, snorkelling, hiking and volcanoes for non-golfers in your group.
The main golf islands
Oahu
Oahu is home to Honolulu and Waikiki and has the largest number of courses in the state, including several municipal courses with modest green fees. It is the easiest island for a mixed trip of city life, beaches and golf.
- Where the golf is: around Honolulu, the leeward resort area of Ko Olina and Kapolei on the west side, the windward side near Kaneohe and Kailua, and the North Shore.
- Best for: choice, value and golfers who also want a city break.
- Good to know: traffic around Honolulu can be heavy, so allow plenty of time to reach early tee times.
Maui
Maui has two of Hawaii's best-known resort areas: the west coast around Kaanapali and Kapalua, and the sunny south coast at Wailea and Makena. Courses here combine ocean views with slopes running down from the mountains, and some of the most dramatic holes in the islands.
- Best for: a classic resort golf holiday.
- Good to know: the west side can be windy, especially in the afternoon. Mountain slopes create strong breaks on the greens.
Hawaii Island (the Big Island)
The Big Island's Kohala Coast, north of Kona, has courses carved through ancient black lava flows, with bright green fairways set against dark rock and the ocean beyond. It is the driest and sunniest part of the state and a superb choice for a golf-focused trip.
- Where the golf is: the Kohala Coast resort areas around Waikoloa and Mauna Lani, plus courses near Kona and on the cooler, wetter Hilo side.
- Best for: dramatic lava-field golf and reliable sunshine.
- Good to know: a ball that lands on the lava is usually gone and can be damaged, so carry plenty. The island is large, so driving times between areas can be long.
Kauai
Kauai, the "Garden Isle", is green, lush and quieter than the other islands. The main golf areas are around Poipu on the sunny south shore, Princeville on the north shore and Lihue on the east coast.
- Best for: a relaxed trip with stunning scenery and fewer crowds.
- Good to know: the north shore is the wettest part of the island, especially in winter. Pack waterproofs; see our golf rain gear guide.
Lanai and Molokai
The smaller islands offer a handful of courses and a much quieter pace. They are best visited as part of a longer trip, by ferry or small plane.
Comparing the islands
| Island | Character | Golf style | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | Busy, varied, city and beaches | Resort, municipal, mountain and coastal | Lowest to high | Value and variety |
| Maui | Classic resort holiday | Ocean and mountain-slope resort golf | High | Iconic resort golf |
| Big Island | Volcanic, dry and sunny | Lava-field resort courses | High | Scenery and sunshine |
| Kauai | Lush and relaxed | Garden and clifftop courses | Mid to high | Peace and nature |
When to go
Hawaii is a year-round destination, but the seasons do make a difference:
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (high season) | December to March | Busiest and most expensive; more rain on windward and north shores; whale season |
| Spring | April to May | Good weather, fewer crowds, better prices |
| Summer | June to August | Warm, dry and steady trade winds; busy with family holidays |
| Autumn | September to November | Often the best value; warm water and quieter courses |
The leeward (south and west) sides of each island are usually drier and sunnier than the windward (north and east) sides. If you want the best chance of sunshine, stay on the leeward coast.
Playing golf in Hawaii
The trade winds
The northeast trade winds blow on most days and often strengthen through the afternoon. Morning tee times are usually calmer. Learn to keep the ball low and take more club into the wind; our guide to playing golf in bad weather covers the techniques.
Greens and grain
Many Hawaiian courses use warm-season grasses, which have a strong grain: the blades of grass lean in one direction and pull the ball with them. A local rule of thumb is that putts break towards the ocean and away from the mountain, even when the green looks flat. Read the slope, then check the grain: grass that looks shiny is growing away from you, and dull grass is growing towards you. Read how to read greens.
Lava, ocean and penalty areas
Lava rock and the ocean are often marked as penalty areas. Never climb onto rocks or cliffs to retrieve a ball: waves and sharp lava are genuinely dangerous. Take your penalty drop and carry a good supply of balls. Read golf rules every golfer should know.
Course management
Ocean carries and narrow landing areas punish an ambitious line. Play to the wide side, use the forward tees on your first round, and save the heroic carry for the day the wind drops. See golf course management.
Costs and how to save
Hawaii resort golf is among the most expensive in the USA, and the cost of flights, accommodation and food adds up.
- Twilight rates. Most courses offer reduced afternoon green fees. The wind may be stronger, but the light can be beautiful.
- Packages. Many resorts offer stay-and-play packages with discounted rounds, cart included.
- Municipal courses. Oahu's municipal courses, and public courses on the other islands, cost a fraction of resort fees. Tee times can be hard to get, so book as early as you can.
- Travel in the shoulder seasons. Spring and autumn prices are usually lower than winter.
- Resident rates. Some courses have much lower rates for local residents; visitors pay the standard rate.
Read how to play golf on a budget for more ideas.
Practical tips
- Bring your clubs or hire them. Most resort courses hire good-quality clubs. If you bring your own, check your airline's rules, including on inter-island flights. Read travelling with golf clubs.
- Allow for inter-island travel. Moving between islands means a flight, so pick one or two islands rather than trying to see them all.
- Protect yourself from the sun. The tropical sun is strong. Hawaii restricts the sale of sunscreens containing certain chemicals that harm coral reefs, so choose a reef-safe product.
- Hydrate. Carry water and drink regularly, even when the breeze makes it feel cool. See what to eat and drink on the golf course.
- Dress code. Standard golf clothing applies; light, breathable fabrics are best. See what to wear on the golf course.
- Leave time for the islands. Volcano parks, snorkelling, hiking and sunsets make a Hawaii golf trip much more than just golf.
Sample trip ideas
- Oahu golf and city break (five days): three rounds, including a municipal course and a leeward resort course, plus Honolulu, Waikiki and the North Shore.
- Big Island lava golf (seven days): four or five rounds on the Kohala Coast, a day at the volcano national park and evenings watching the sunset.
- Two-island trip (ten days): Maui's resort courses followed by Kauai's quieter, greener layouts.
For general planning advice, read how to plan a golf trip and how to choose a golf resort.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hawaiian island is best for golf?
It depends on what you want. Oahu has the most courses and the best value; Maui and the Big Island have the most famous resort golf; Kauai is quieter and lusher. For a first golf trip, the Big Island's Kohala Coast or Maui's resort areas are hard to beat.
Is golf in Hawaii expensive?
Resort golf is expensive, but you can save with twilight rates, stay-and-play packages, shoulder-season travel and municipal courses.
When is the best time to play golf in Hawaii?
You can play all year. Spring and autumn offer the best mix of weather, availability and value. Winter is the busiest season.
Do putts really break towards the ocean?
Usually, yes. The overall slope of the land and the grain of the grass often pull putts towards the sea. Use it as a starting point, then read each putt.
Should I bring my own clubs to Hawaii?
If you play several rounds, your own clubs are usually best. For one or two rounds, hiring clubs at the course is often easier and avoids airline fees.
The bottom line
Hawaii offers some of the most beautiful golf on the planet, all year round. Choose an island to suit your style, travel in spring or autumn for better value, book tee times early, start in the calm of the morning, and respect the ocean and the lava. Then take time to enjoy the islands beyond the course. For more sunshine destinations, read our guide to warm-weather golf destinations in the USA and golf in Mexico and the Caribbean.