Mauna Kea Course
Kohala Coast, HI, USA
Mauna Kea, carved into the stark, black lava flows of Hawaii's Kohala Coast, is a testament to Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s audacious vision. Completed in 1964, its design pushed the boundaries of Hawaiian golf, setting a new standard for luxury resort play with dramatic elevation changes and unforgettable ocean views. Jones's routing at Mauna Kea masterfully utilizes the undulating terrain. Wide fairways encourage aggressive play off the tee, but the strategically placed bunkers and exposed coastal winds demand thoughtful approaches to the greens. The par-3 third hole, playing directly over the crashing waves of the Pacific, is arguably the most photographed hole in Hawaii. While not a championship venue in the traditional sense, Mauna Kea has long been a celebrated destination for discerning golfers. Its allure lies not just in the challenging layout but in its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. Following a round, many relax at the 19th hole or the beachside restaurant and sample the Mai Tai - a near-religious experience on a warm Hawaiian night.
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.
Best in World
Public: #133
Best in USA
Public: #62
Best in HI
Public: #3
Golfers say Mauna Kea delivers spectacular Pacific Ocean views and dramatic lava-rock scenery that make it feel like a true bucket-list Hawaiian experience. Most praise the signature par-3 third hole, which features a heroic carry over the ocean, and note that the layout demands precise approach shots to elevated, undulating greens while remaining fair and playable throughout. Reviewers appreciate the recent renovation's paspalum fairways and improved conditioning, though one visitor encountered maintenance crews in multiple bunkers early in their round. Some find the $350 green fee steep given limited on-site amenities like food options and a restricted driving range, but nearly all agree the unique setting and memorable holes make it a deeply satisfying and unforgettable round.
8.5
60 players
Lengthy but playable resort course with amazing views of the Pacific and lava rock throughout. Greens were receptive as I played ~2 weeks post aeration. #3 and #11 are great par 3’s.
Great golf and views are amazing
Mauna Kea brought golf to the Big Island of Hawaii and boasts one of the best par 3s in the world. The 3rd hole is incredible, playing 272 yards from the back tees with a hero carry over the Pacific Ocean. The rest of the course is no slouch either, with views of the pacific throughout the round. The day we played was the windiest round of golf I've ever played with winds consistently 35-40 mph, but it was still a blast. Mauna Kea is a true bucket list course and I am itching to get back.
It might sound cliche but playing Mauna Kea felt like genuinely stepping into a Hawaiian postcard. Set right on the Pacific and perched on top of ancient lava fields, the layout blends rugged beauty with refined design and signature holes like the over-the-ocean par-3 leave you breathless while elevation changes and elevated greens demand precise approach shots. The recent renovation by Robert Trent Jones Jr. added plush paspalum fairways, undulating greens, and improved bunkers that modernized the course while honoring its classic character. The day we played was filled with sun, wind, and endless ocean views, every hole presented a breathtaking panorama. It’s a demanding layout, with blind elevated shots and tricky approaches that exposed any weakness, but it’s fair and deeply satisfying when everything clicks. In short, it’s pure Hawaii golf, scenic, strategic, and unforgettable.
$350 with no food on property and a limited driving range. Had maintenance guys in every fairway bunker of the first 5 holes we played and teed off at 9:20. Besides the chaos and heavy price tag, it was a fun course. Some views that you can’t replicate anywhere else in the world besides Hawaii.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Mauna Kea has a Course Vaults score of 8.5 out of 10 based on 45 explicit golfer ratings.
Mauna Kea was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr..
Yes. Mauna Kea is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Mauna Kea is 72.
Mauna Kea plays 7,370 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Mauna Kea is 144.
