Many Hawaii tourists are faced with a question they can’t answer after deciding to visit the land of Aloha.

 Everybody knows all of Hawaii’s major islands, including Maui, Big Island, Kauai, and Oahu, are special in their own ways. If you are one of them, let us walk you through why you should go for Big Island and head straight to the beautiful town of Kailua-Kona.

Whether you are travelling with your small children, friends, partners, or colleagues, there are many fun outdoor activities you can do on the biggest island, not only in Hawaii but across the United States, including golf. When you play at Makalei Golf Club, you will be surrounded by breathtaking views of Hualalai Mountain’s western slopes. 

Designed by Dick Nugent & Associates, this golf course is where you find Hawaii’s raw and natural beauty, featuring native forests, mountain slopes, lava tubes, and cinder cones.

If you are seeking serenity, you will surely find it here, and at the same time, the course’s elevations will challenge you like never before. 

We say number 8 is the course’s signature hole allowing you to have a glance at the 10,000-foot Mount Haleakala on Maui, some 90 miles across the ocean. Remember that the ideal shot is a mid-iron to the green’s front portion, although you may also consider leaving it short.

Practicing your swing before your round leaves you with another great experience because their practice facilities let you enjoy Makalei’s breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from the driving range tee. You can also choose to practice either in grass or mats, plus a chipping area and two practice putting greens.

Bringing home a memento or souvenir from the Makalei Golf Club for yourself and your loved ones is a perfect way to remember your one-of-a-kind experience on the island. Makalei’s Pro Shop sells golf equipment, accessories, and apparel for men, women, and children at affordable prices. 

After a satisfying golf play, you need a recharge. There are many restaurants near the golf course, which serve various menus – from Japanese and Mexican to traditional foods. Of course, you should not miss live entertainment while drinking your favorite beverage like wine, cocktails, and beer.

Makalei Golf Club Details

Dress Code: Proper Golf Attire

Spike Policy: Soft Spike Only

GPS Tracking: No

Architect: Dick Nugent

Open: 1992

Golf Professional: Jeff Kubo

Course Type: 18 holes, par 72

Rating: 74.3/72.4/68.7/65.6

Greens: Bent Grass

Fairways:  Bermuda

Bunkers: Yes 

Water Holes: Yes

Practice Green: Yes    

Driving Range: Yes

Yardage: 7091/6698/6161/5242 

Slope: 144/140/134/118

Yardage Markers: Sprinklers

Club Rental:  TaylorMade $50/35

Lessons: Yes

Pull Carts:  No

Golf Carts: Yes

Caddies: No   

Five-somes Policy: No

Rider Fee: $25

Walking Allowed: No

Lockers: No   

Showers: No

Club House: Yes

Pro Shop: Yes

Restaurant: Yes

Bar: Yes

Lodging: No

Banquet Facilities: Yes

Conference Facilities: No

Makalei Golf Club Scorecard

HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 OUT
Championship 406 364 610 423 198 514 443 213 442 3,613
Blue  385 342 598 407 176 473 410 184 423 3,398
White  350 293 580 388 154 435 351 164 391 3,106
Red 297 259 495 306 123 389 331 144 313 2,657
Men’s Hcp 13 5 7 15 17 9 3 11 1
+/-
Men’s Par 4 4 5 4 3 5 4 3 4 36
+/-
Ladies’ Hcp 11 5 7 13 17 1 3 15 9
HOLE 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 IN
Championship 434 587 311 223 519 205 205 341 447 3,478
Blue  404 565 290 222 502 193 193 321 411 3,300
White  375 544 269 199 478 176 176 278 381 3,055
Red 297 259 495 306 389 331 331 144 313 2,657
Men’s Hcp 16 10 14 12 6 18 18 8 2
+/-
Men’s Par 4 5 4 3 4 5 3 4 4 36
+/-
Ladies’ Hcp 12 6 14 16 8 2 18 10 4

Other information

Address: 72-3890 Mamalahoa Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Special instruction: Golf club rentals are NOT included in your package. Call beforehand for reservations. 

Operation: Daily

Equipment: This course’s greens aerated in June 2019.