Public

Manele Course

Manele Golf Course

Lanai City, HI, USA
lesliegolf
rlee
mfay2186
stephenheron09
pcarey01
+17
18 holesPar 727,039 yds73.7/135

About this course

Manele Golf Course, perched on the rugged cliffs above Hulopoe Bay, exists as a dramatic testament to the raw power of the Pacific. This Jack Nicklaus Signature design, carved into the volcanic landscape of Lanai, presents a stark contrast to the manicured resort courses found elsewhere in Hawaii. Here, the challenge isn’t just about avoiding water hazards, but about navigating the prevailing trade winds and the sheer, vertiginous drops that define several holes. Opened in 1993, Manele is known for its three holes that play directly along the ocean, most notably the par-3 12th, where tee shots must carry the crashing waves into a sliver of green tucked into the cliffside. The course favors strategic play over brute force, rewarding golfers who can manage their game amidst the unpredictable elements. It tests more than just skill, but guts. It demands not only a good golf swing, but to stare down the elements and play smart. While Manele hasn't hosted any major professional tournaments, the course's dramatic beauty and challenging layout have made it a destination for discerning golfers seeking an unforgettable, if occasionally humbling, experience. Many who come to Lanai find its appeal not in competition, but in the sheer wonder of the setting – a place where golf feels like a pilgrimage to the edge of the world. And afterwards, enjoy the local delicacies of Hawaii to round out the experience.

Rankings

Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.

7

Best in World

6

Best in USA

1

Best in HI

Quick facts

Location
Lanai City, HI, USA
Access
Public
Year built
1993
Holes
18
Par
72
Length
7,039 yards
Difficulty
73.7/135
Course Vaults score
9.7

Getting there

The journey to Manele Golf Course begins with a flight into Honolulu International, followed by a short island-hopper to Lanai Airport - a modest, single-runway gateway that feels more like a private strip than a commercial hub. From the tarmac, it's a scenic twenty-minute drive south through Lanai City's upcountry pines and down the island's volcanic spine, where the landscape shifts dramatically from cool highlands to arid, rust-colored slopes before revealing sudden glimpses of cobalt ocean. The final descent winds toward the rugged Kaumalapau coastline, where Manele's emerald fairways cling to the cliffs above Hulopoe Bay - a remote and breathtaking arrival befitting one of Hawaii's most exclusive and geographically dramatic courses.

FAQ

Common questions about Manele

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

Manele has a Course Vaults score of 9.7 out of 10 based on 22 logged golfers.

Manele was designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Yes. Manele is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.

Par at Manele is 72.

Manele plays 7,039 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at Manele is 135.

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Course Reviews
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