Hapuna Golf Course
Located on the "Big Island" of Hawaii, Hapuna Golf Course opened in 1992 after having been designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. Both sensitive to the environment and challenging to play, Hapuna is one of the most distinctive golf courses in Hawaii. For example, the course rises from the shoreline 700 feet, offering spectacular views of the Kohala Coast as well as the snow-capped volcano of Mauna Kea not far from the course. It is a par-72 course that plays to almost 6,900 yards from the back tees, and three lakes make their presence felt on four of the holes.
62-100 Kanuna'oa Drive
Kamuela, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 880-3000
Fax: (808) 880-3010
http://www.hapunabeachprincehotel.com
Kauai Lagoons Golf Club
Imagine playing fairways that meander along high cliffs looking down at the ocean, or to views of the harbor below, or to a freshwater lagoon that makes its way throughout the resort property. This is the breathtaking experience of playing at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club on the island of Kauai. The Kiele course, as it's called, has erected a statue on each of the 18 holes that depicts an animal or a famous being, such as the Golden Bear on the 18th tee, a tribute to the architect of this magnificent golf course, Jack Nicklaus. It measures about 7,000 yards if you play the championship tees, but it is much shorter from other tees on each hole.
3351 Hoolaulea Way
Lihue, HI 96766-1703
Toll-free: (800) 634-6400
Fax: (808) 241-6025
http://www.ritzcarltonrealestate.com/destinations/kauailagoons/golf.jsp
Makaha Resort & Golf Club
Hawaiian royalty spent much of their recreation time on the site of one of Hawaii's most famous resorts, Makaha, just a stone's throw from Honolulu, the capital, on the island of Oahu. Opening in 1969, this course was the masterpiece of designer William F. Bell and was singled out by "Golf Digest" as one of this country's "places to play," as well as Makaha being chosen as the No. 1 golf course in "Honolulu Magazine." It is 7,077 yards long from the back tees but plays to various lengths depending on your choice of tees on each hole.
84-626 Makaha Valley Road
Waianae, HI 96792-1745
Toll-free: (800) 757-8060
Fax: (808) 695-7516
http://www.makaharesort.net
Waikoloa Beach, King's Course
You'll have to go to the "Big Island" of Hawaii to enjoy the splendors of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish's Waikoloa Beach King's Course, a links design that will remind you of Scotland's rugged seacoast. At the same time, you will see the towering Mauna Kea volcano in the distance as well as a paradise isle replete with multiple shades of green interspersed with the other colors of the rainbow. At more than 7,000 yards from the back tees, this course features undulating fairways that wander through ancient lava flows. To add more to the Scottish experience, there is even a double green shared by two holes.
69-1020 Keana Place
Waikoloa, HI 96738-5705
Phone: (808) 886-6060
Fax: (808) 886-0038
http://www.waikoloagolf.com
Mauna Kea Golf Course
Robert Trent Jones outdid himself when he designed Mauna Kea Golf Course on the big island of Hawaii, which opened in 1965. Years later, his son Reese made the course even more playable by increasing the bunkers to almost 100 and lengthening the course to more than 7,300 yards from the back tees. Players can choose from 5 tees on each hole, making the course a joy even for the most inexperienced golfer. Views of Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean provide an unmatched panorama.
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive
Kamuela, HI 96743-9706
Phone: (808) 882-5404
Fax: (808) 882-7552
http://www.maunakeabeachhotel.com
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
