Navy Marine at Navy Marine Golf Course

Navy Marine Golf Course occupies a distinctive setting on the slopes of Makapu'u Ridge in eastern Honolulu, offering views across the Pacific and toward the Ko'olau Mountains. Designed by William P. Bell and opened in the mid-20th century, the course was built to serve military personnel and their families stationed in Hawaii. Bell, a prolific California-based architect who designed numerous municipal and military courses throughout the western United States, created a layout that works with the natural terrain rather than against it, incorporating the area's volcanic topography into the routing.

The course plays across rolling, elevated ground with significant changes in elevation throughout the round. Trade winds are a consistent factor, affecting club selection and strategy on most holes. The layout features relatively narrow fairways bordered by tropical vegetation, and greens that reflect the era's architectural style with moderate contouring. Several holes play along ridgelines or across valleys, taking advantage of the natural landforms.

As a military facility, Navy Marine serves active duty service members, retirees, and Department of Defense personnel, maintaining the tradition of golf courses built on or near military installations to provide recreation for those serving. The course represents an accessible option for military golfers stationed in Hawaii, offering a contrast to the resort courses that dominate Oahu's golfing landscape. Its location and membership base give it a distinct character within the island's golf community.