We wanted to be the guinea pigs in playing an ocean course in Hawaii so we spent 3 weeks on the Big Island, Hawaii. This is what we learned.
After arriving on the Big Island, Hawaii, we checked into our hotel and unzipped the golf bag, took our golf shoes out and stopped by a local golf store to pickup a box of golf balls. We decided to book two rounds of golf to practice up before playing an ocean golf course. The two courses we booked were the Village Course at Waikoloa and the Makani Golf Club (formerly known as the Big Island Golf Club).
The Village Course at Waikoloa was fun and challenging but it was very inland so views of the ocean were quite distant. Same experience with Makani, fun and challenging layout but ocean vistas were distant as well.
After two rounds of wonderful golf, we played the Kona Country Club by the ocean. From the first tee, the ocean can be seen but from across the street. It would be hole # 3 before the ocean comes into play. Hole # 3 was a beautiful par 3 that played next to the Pacific Ocean. The fairway on the right just ends at the lava. I can tell you, the view was distracting. I didn't know whether to hit the ball or to take out my phone for a selfie. I did ok on the hole, landing it just short of the green and par'd the hole with a chip and a putt.
The course went back inland until the back nine. Hole # 12 was spectacular from the black tees because you had to carry your drive over a small inlet and a blowhole. I can tell you it is a long way to drive the ball from there. It sure got the adrenaline running but it was fun.
Ok, I have to admit that playing an ocean course was exciting. I had so much fun playing Kona CC that we went back for another round. Is it overrated? Heck no. Every golfer should add it on their bucket list.
Hole # 3, par 3.
Play where the Locals play
Playing golf in Hawaii can be expensive if you don't know where to go. The reason is because Hawaii has the best climate all year round and it is considered one of the best destinations to go to anytime of the year.
If you want to play golf on the Big Island and save money, play the courses that the locals play. Stay away from the resort courses that charge over $150 per round.
Makani Golf Club is popular among the locals because of its layout and beauty. If you want to feel like a PGA player, try their signature hole at #17 where from the white tees, you have to hit an island green from 140 yards. It is a beautiful course with lots of water and wildlife.
Makalei Golf Course is another popular course among the locals because of its wildlife and interesting layout. The course features a lot of elevation changes and is very challenging because of the hilly terrain. Watch out for wild turkeys and peacocks at every hole.