Hualalai Resort
Hualalai Resort
100 Kaupulehu Dr
Kailua Kona, HI 96740-5699
United States
Overview
Open to club members and guests of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the Hualalai course is one of two layouts at the resort, along with the private Ke’olu course. A past member of our 100 Greatest Public ranking, the Hualalai course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and annually hosts the first event of the season on the PGA Tour Champions. The par-72 plays along the shore and over rugged, charcoal-black lava landscape, which, along with the ocean vistas, enhances the course’s aesthetics.
About
Awards
ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Ranked 83rd, 2017-'18. Ranked 86th, 2019-'20. Ranked 99th, 2015-'16.
Best in State: Ranked 10th, 2021-'24. Ranked 11th, 2017-'20, 2025-'26. Ranked 12th, 2015-'16. Ranked 15th, 2013-'14.
Previous ranking: 10th.
2025-'26 ranking: 11th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Located down the mountain from Nanea, this is a fun and beautiful resort course located at the Four Seasons Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. This Nicklaus design is one of two courses on the property and the only one that is open for play when staying on property. Used by the Senior PGA Tour in January, the fairways and greens are in wonderful condition. Beautiful aesthetics and course conditioning make for a great walk as you navigate your way throughout the property. I gave this a "fun" rating of 7 due to the views, beauty and layout opportunities to shoot a good score on almost every hole. This is one Hawaiian course NOT to miss when you visit the Big Island!"
Read More2026
Review
“Enjoyable Hawaiian course. Classic Nicklaus design which would be welcomed by many resort guests- mellow golf and enjoyable experience with fantastic service. The finishing three holes are stimulating and picturesque. Playing through the lava formations makes for a unique experience with flashes of wow factor; but overall, Jack opted for the vanilla milkshake. The holes could have been framed by the black lava to make for a more interesting journey. Strong par 3's and shoutout island bunker green on 12th!"
Read More2024
Review
“Enjoyable Hawaiian course. Classic Nicklaus design which would be welcomed by many resort guests- mellow golf and enjoyable experience with fantastic service. The finishing three holes are stimulating and picturesque. Playing through the lava formations makes for a unique experience with flashes of wow factor; but overall, Jack opted for the vanilla milkshake. The holes could have been framed by the black lava to make for a more interesting journey. Strong par 3's and shoutout island bunker green on 12th!"
Read More2024
Review
“Hualalai is a resort course and very much plays like one. The course is very open and provides fun for a range of golf abilities. There's not a ton of architectural interest or intrigue to be found here, but that's not the goal or point. Hop in a cart, enjoy a beer, the lovely weather, and the amazing Hawaii views."
Read More2023
Review
“Jack Nicklaus designed resort course that weaves in and out of lava rock formations and provides beautiful ocean views on many holes. Outstanding conditions prevail on this site that has hosted the PGA Tour Champions Tournament of Champions for many years. A welcoming and attentive staff make this truly a must play while on the Big Island of Hawaii."
Read More2022
Review
“Ideal Hawaiian resort course. Ocean par 3, good conditioning but perhaps more bland than it could otherwise be."
Read More2021
Review
“The resort itself is phenomenal but overpriced. I find the course to be too highly rated. It leaves a bit to be deserved architecturally. To be certain there are interesting lava beds but they have nothing to do with the design of the course. The last few holes are interesting, but even the par three 17th lacks any drama."
Read More2018
Review
“Great experience from start to finish. Excellent service, great facilities, a good course and excellent practice facility. Brendan Moynihan runs a terrific resort course at Hualalai. Can't wait to go back."
Read More2018
Review
“Very nice resort layout. Most fairways are forgiving unless the wind is strong. Lots of risk/reward choices. Number 17 is a short par three on the ocean that is among the most scenic holes in the islands. Host of a Champions Tour event annually."
Read More2018
