Makani Golf Club

Makani Golf Club sits on the slopes above Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, designed by Perry Dye and opened in the late 1990s as part of a residential development. The course occupies volcanic terrain characteristic of the Kona coast, with elevation changes that provide views across the Pacific and toward Mauna Loa and Hualalai volcanoes. The routing works through ancient lava flows and native vegetation, creating a landscape distinct from the resort courses found closer to sea level along this stretch of coastline. Perry Dye, son of Pete Dye, incorporated the natural lava rock formations into the design, with several holes playing across or alongside these geological features. The property's elevation—ranging from roughly 1,500 to 1,800 feet above sea level—means the course experiences different weather patterns than coastal layouts, often catching afternoon clouds and trade winds. The terrain dictates a varied routing with holes that climb, descend, and traverse the slope, requiring golfers to manage uneven lies and shifting wind conditions. Makani operates as a semi-private facility serving both members and outside play, though access policies have varied over the years. The course represents one of the higher-elevation golf options on the Big Island, offering a playing experience shaped more by volcanic topography and mountain climate than by the oceanfront character typical of Hawaiian resort golf.