MAUNA LANI RESORT GOLF
🇺🇸 Kohala Coast, HI, USA
Designed by H. Flint, R. F. Cain, Robin Nelson
South at Mauna Lani whispers a tale of Hawaiian golfing innovation, carved into the Big Island's stark, black lava fields. Its distinctive landscape, a Modernist design by Homer Flint, offers a visual drama unlike almost any other course in the world. Wide fairways lined with kiawe trees beckon golfers to swing freely, while strategic bunkering demands thoughtful placement. Favoring those who can shape the ball from right to left, the South course punishes the occasional wayward drive into the unforgiving a'a lava rock.
While not necessarily a household name on the global stage, the South Course stands as a testament to the singular allure of golf played against a volcanic backdrop. The 6th hole, a par three that plays over the Pacific, has been the site of many weddings, a truly unique destination for celebration and sport.
The course's proximity to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel adds to its appeal, offering easy access to luxury accommodations for those seeking a relaxed Hawaiian golf vacation. A local tradition involves tossing a golf ball into the ocean from the 6th tee box, a small offering to ensure a good round and a safe return.
Reviews
I’ll admit, I can’t always distinguish the North and South as much as I’d like - I played them a few years back - but what I do remember from the South are some truly special views. It’s a resort-style course, so it doesn’t beat you up. Well-manicured fairways, lava rock framing the holes, and serene ocean backdrops make it a relaxing, enjoyable round. Is it the most jaw-dropping course you’ll ever play? Probably not. But is it beautiful? Absolutely. It’s a classic resort track - accessible, scenic, and kept in excellent condition. For context, the South Course has hosted professional golf: it was home to the Senior Skins Game (Champions Tour) from 1990–2000, which brought legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player to its fairways. Bottom line: it’s the perfect resort course. Play it.
Tasty
I still can't figure out why Mauna Lani (South) isn't ranked higher, not just in Hawaii, but period. This place is amazing. It has everything I love about golf, beautiful scenery, something that's different (playing through literal lava), and really interesting golf holes. The star of the show is the par 3 15th, but I think the rest of the course is really good too. This is the type of place I could play every day.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
South at Mauna Lani Resort Golf has a Course Vaults score of 8.3 out of 10 based on 38 explicit golfer ratings.
South was designed by H. Flint, R. F. Cain, and Robin Nelson.
Yes. South at Mauna Lani Resort Golf is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at South is 72.
South plays 6,924 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at South is 127.
