Sea Mountain Golf Course occupies a remote stretch of Hawaii's Big Island near Pahala, positioned along the southeastern Kau coast between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the island's southern tip. Designed by Jack Snyder and opened in the 1970s, the course was developed as part of a planned resort community that never reached full realization. The layout sits at relatively low elevation on volcanic terrain, with the Pacific Ocean forming a dramatic backdrop to several holes along the routing. The course plays across rolling lava fields that have been softened by decades of tropical vegetation, creating a landscape distinct from the island's more manicured resort courses. Trade winds are a constant factor, particularly on holes nearest the coastline, and the routing takes advantage of natural contours in the volcanic topography. The design reflects the era's approach to Hawaiian golf development, working within the constraints of the rugged terrain rather than imposing heavily manufactured features. Sea Mountain has operated intermittently over the years, with periods of closure and limited maintenance affecting its condition and accessibility. The course serves primarily local play and visitors exploring the less-traveled southern region of the Big Island. Its isolation and the raw character of its setting distinguish it from the island's better-known resort destinations, offering a glimpse of golf in one of Hawaii's more sparsely developed coastal areas.