Public

Ocean Course

Kona Country Club

Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
wil
cjohnson1798
dylanhunt
mprock27
Nate Higgins
+6

About this course

The Ocean Course at Kona Country Club occupies coastal terrain along the western shore of Hawaii's Big Island, where the layout takes advantage of the dramatic elevation changes and volcanic landscape characteristic of the Kona region. William P. Bell designed the course in the late 1960s, bringing his Southern California architectural sensibility to the island setting. The routing moves through lava rock formations and established vegetation, with several holes playing along or near the coastline where the Pacific provides both scenic backdrop and strategic wind consideration. The course features the contrast between elevated tee shots and approach play into greens set among the natural lava outcroppings. The volcanic rock defines hazards and frames fairways in ways distinct from mainland courses, while the prevailing trade winds add variability to club selection and shot shaping. Holes closer to the water offer views across Keauhou Bay, and the routing includes both oceanside stretches and inland sections that climb through the property's topography. Kona Country Club operates as a semi-private facility serving both members and resort guests, reflecting the dual nature of many Hawaiian golf properties that balance local membership with visitor play. The club sits within the broader Keauhou resort area, where golf has been part of the recreational landscape since the development of Kona's leeward coast as a destination. The Ocean Course represents the earlier generation of Hawaiian resort design, predating the more extensively conditioned championship layouts that arrived in subsequent decades.

Quick facts

Location
Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Access
Public
Year built
1985
Holes
18
Par
72
Length
6,662 yards
Difficulty
76.4/129
Course Vaults score
8.1

Getting there

The journey to Kona Country Club begins with arrival at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), Hawaii's primary gateway to the Kona coast, situated just fifteen minutes north of the club by car. For those traveling private, the same airfield accommodates jets with full FBO services, offering a seamless transition from tarmac to the volcanic landscape that defines this corner of the Big Island. The drive south traces the stark, mesmerizing terrain where lava fields give way to manicured greens, the ocean appearing in glimpses between dark rock and native kiawe trees, before arriving at Kona Country Club's gates - a sanctuary perched above the Pacific where the rawness of Hawaii's geology meets the refined geometry of championship golf.

FAQ

Common questions about Ocean at Kona Country Club

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

Ocean at Kona Country Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.1 out of 10 based on 11 logged golfers.

Ocean was designed by William Francis Bell.

Yes. Ocean at Kona Country Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.

Par at Ocean is 72.

Ocean plays 6,662 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at Ocean is 129.

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