Big Island
Mauna Kea Golf Course
Oceanfront resort / lava and coastline
Mauna Kea is the round people remember before they remember the score. The third hole is famous for a reason, but the course is more than one carry over the Pacific. The renovation matters: firmer, cleaner surfaces make the old Rockefeller-era idea feel current again. It is the Big Island anchor, and it should be the first course you protect.
Course gallery
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The take
Mauna Kea is the round people remember before they remember the score. The third hole is famous for a reason, but the course is more than one carry over the Pacific. The renovation matters: firmer, cleaner surfaces make the old Rockefeller-era idea feel current again. It is the Big Island anchor, and it should be the first course you protect.
Best for
The iconic Big Island round
Watch out
Premium pricing and wind
How to play it
Must play
Course intelligence
What you need to know
Strengths
- Historic RTJ pedigree
- Iconic 3rd hole
- Renovated Platinum Paspalum surfaces
- Ocean/lava setting
- Strong resort identity
Watch-outs
- Expensive
- A few holes carry more fame than strategy
- Wind can turn club selection into comedy
Signature holes
3, 11, 13, 18
Book it right
Cost, access, and timing
Green fees
Premium resort/public-access rate; confirm current Mauna Kea Resort pricing and seasonal aeration dates.
Best season
Best window: Year-round, with winter/holiday premium demand Dry-side advantage: Kohala Coast is one of Hawaii's better golf-weather zones Wind: Afternoon wind can matter Rain:
Replay priority
High
Booking move
Book lodging and golf access together.
Weather read
Pick the right window.
Best window: Year-round, with winter/holiday premium demand Dry-side advantage: Kohala Coast is one of Hawaii's better golf-weather zones Wind: Afternoon wind can matter Rain: More likely
Jan
72F / 50F
Sun Best; rain Low
Feb
75F / 53F
Sun Best; rain Low
Mar
79F / 57F
Sun Good; rain Medium
Apr
84F / 62F
Sun Good; rain Medium
May
89F / 68F
Sun Hot; rain High
Jun
92F / 73F
Sun Hot; rain High
Google review
5/5 - 7 months ago
Playing here at Mauna Kea Golf Course was a really great experience. The staff are amazing, helpful and take care of everything for you. The golf course is ridiculously beautiful. The cost is not cheap, but worth it. I recommend starting early, it’s not busy in the early morn
Playing here at Mauna Kea Golf Course was a really great experience. The staff are amazing, helpful and take care of everything for you. The golf course is ridiculously beautiful. The cost is not cheap, but worth it. I recommend starting early, it’s not busy in the early morn
Read full reviewClose review
Google review
5/5 - a year ago
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
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
Read full reviewClose review
Google review
3/5 - 10 months ago
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 b
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 b
Read full reviewClose review
Keep planning
What should you do next?
Use Mauna Kea Golf Course as one piece of the Big Island trip. Build the routing, compare the destination, or ask how it fits your group.
Keep exploring Big Island
Other courses in the same trip.
Strong play
Hapuna Golf Course
Hapuna is the sensible second course in the Mauna Kea orbit.
Must play
Mauna Lani South Course
Mauna Lani South is the other Big Island must-play for most groups.
Strong play
Mauna Lani North Course
North is the quieter Mauna Lani round.
Must play
Hualalai Golf Course
Hualalai is the luxury play.
Strong play
Waikoloa Beach Resort Kings' / Beach Golf
Waikoloa is the utility piece.
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