Mauna Kea Golf Course
Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s oceanfront classic on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, home to one of golf's most famous over-the-ocean par 3s — and open to any traveler.
Mauna Kea Golf Course in photos
Can I play Mauna Kea Golf Course?
Yes — Mauna Kea is a resort course on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, open to the public with preferred rates and tee times for guests of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and the neighboring Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. Any visitor can book a round on this Robert Trent Jones Sr. classic. It is a pay-and-play course, not a private club.
How to book: Tee times can be reserved through the resort's golf shop or website; hotel guests receive discounted rates and priority booking. Reserve ahead in the busy winter high season. Rates include cart, range balls and are subject to Hawaii tax.
About Mauna Kea Golf Course
Opened in 1964, Mauna Kea was Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s pioneering course carved from raw black lava on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, and it helped launch resort golf in Hawaii — its debut celebrated with a televised exhibition between Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. The layout is famous for its elevation changes, large undulating greens, prevailing trade winds and the spectacular par-3 3rd, which carries across an ocean cove. A comprehensive restoration led by Robert Trent Jones Jr. modernized the conditioning while preserving the original character. Attached to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, it is a resort course open to the public — any visitor can book a round on one of Hawaii's most storied layouts.
Signature hole
The par-3 3rd is one of the most photographed holes in Hawaii — a long carry across a churning ocean cove from an elevated tee to a green perched above the surf.
What makes it special
An iconic ocean par 3
The 3rd hole's carry across a churning cove is one of the most photographed shots in Hawaiian golf.
A Robert Trent Jones Sr. classic
One of the first great Hawaii resort courses, carved from black lava in 1964 and recently restored by his son.
Kohala Coast setting
Dramatic elevation changes, trade winds and ocean views on the Big Island's dry, sunny northwest shore.
Tournament pedigree
- 'Big Three' televised exhibition at the course opening — Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player (1964)
Need to know
Best time to play
The leeward Kohala Coast is dry and sunny most of the year; it plays well in all seasons, with winter the peak visitor period and the trade winds a constant factor by the ocean.
Dress code
Collared shirts and proper golf attire; no denim or swimwear. Soft spikes only.
Good to know
Carts are included and the fee typically covers range balls; the course has significant elevation change and prevailing coastal winds, so take plenty of club near the ocean. Allow a little over four hours and bring sun protection for the exposed lava-coast setting.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Kona International (KOA) ~35 min; the Kohala Coast resorts lie just north of the airport.
On arrival
Mauna Kea sits on the sunny Kohala Coast in the island's northwest, about 35 minutes north of Kona airport via the Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Rent a car or take a resort transfer; the course is beside the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
Stay near the course
Base yourself at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel or the adjacent Westin Hapuna Beach Resort for discounted golf and priority tee times; the wider Kohala Coast has several other luxury resorts within a short drive.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Fairmont Orchid Gold Experience
Kamuela
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
Kamuela
A taste of the luxury stays near Mauna Kea Golf Course — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Kohala Coast — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Kohala Coast.
Explore Kohala CoastFrequently asked questions
Can the public play Mauna Kea?
Yes. It is a resort course open to the public. Guests of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and neighboring Westin Hapuna get discounted rates and priority tee times, but anyone can book.
How much does it cost to play?
Approximate 2026 rates run in the mid-hundreds, with resort guests paying less than non-guests and the cart included; prices rose after the recent restoration and vary by season.
Do I need to stay at the resort to play?
No, but staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel or the Westin Hapuna earns discounted green fees and priority booking, which helps in the busy winter months.
What is the signature hole?
The par-3 3rd, a long, dramatic carry across an ocean cove from an elevated tee — one of the most famous holes in Hawaii.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- Mauna Kea Golf Course — Course Overview (Official)
- Mauna Kea Beach Hotel — Wikipedia
- Mauna Kea Golf Course — Green Fees & Info, GolfTripList
Guide updated 2026-07-27.