The multi-award winning Mauna Kea Golf Course has led the way in standards of course beauty and design since 1964, solidifying its place in Hawaii’s history as one of the most scenic and favored golf courses.
Mauna Kea golf course was the first course to tackle the black lava rock prevalent on the Kona side of Hawaii’s Big Island and the result was an expensive project on a spectacular setting.
“Mr. Rockefeller, if you allow me to build a golf course here, this will be the most beautiful hole in the world.” Robert Trent Jones, Sr., at the 3rd hole site.
Jones had the lava rock crushed so that the terrain could be prepped for grass to be planted and a course unveiled across a most unlikely location. The result was nothing short of brilliant with the course boasting expansive ocean views, undulated terrain, and creative green sites and contours.
While the course features housing on several of the holes, you will be impressed with the stunning views throughout the track. Perhaps you saw plenty of pictures of Mauna Kea’s famous par three 3rd hole, but you will be blown away by it in person; particularly from the 273 yard back tee. From the tips you are given an overload of eye candy and one of the most exciting tee shots you will have to hit. The greens roll as good as any course on the island and the conditioning throughout the layout is quite commendable which simply adds to the enjoyment factor of the round. The complimentary yardage book on the 1st tee will help you navigate the highly bunkered course and will reveal the ocean as the only water hazard to contend with on the layout. If you have trouble hitting the ball high or from sand bunkers then Mauna Kea is going to quickly expose your weaknesses, otherwise you should have a blast.
Signature Hole at Mauna Kea Golf Course: 3rd – 273 Yard Par 3 – Perhaps one of the most beautiful and intimidating holes on the planet. From the back tees this stunning hole plays a whopping 50 yards further than Cypress Point’s famed 16th and features every bit of the same drama. The tee shot plays over an ocean cove where waves crash on the lava rock coastline and the prevailing wind comes in from the left. While the pictures are certainly gorgeous, nothing compares to being there in person and experiencing it first hand; you won’t be disappointed.
Conclusion
Mauna Kea golf course will exceeded your expectations. Ocean views are plentiful throughout the course while #3 and #11 provide two of the finest par 3s on a course. If you are headed to the Big Island of Hawaii your first call should be to secure a tee time at Mauna Kea to enjoy one of the most beautiful golf courses in the country.
| Course Statistiims | Yards | Par | Rating | Slope |
| Championship | 7,370 | 72 | 76.6 | 144 |
| Tournament | 6,806 | 72 | 73.6 | 140 |
| Resort | 6,358 | 72 | 71.4 | 138 |
| Composite | 5,798 | 72 | 69.2 | 133 |
| Forward | 5,096 | 72 | 66.0 | 122 |