Aidan Bradley
Aidan Bradley
Aidan Bradley
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Aidan Bradley
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Aidan Bradley
Aidan Bradley
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Aidan Bradley
Aidan Bradley
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Aidan Bradley
Overview
Though architecturally it might rank behind its neighbors on the Big Island, Nanea and Kuki’o, the experience at Kohanaiki is up there with any other in Hawaii. Built on a 450-acre site with opulent homes selling for as much as $30 million and as little as $3 million, this Rees Jones design features a thrilling stretch along the ocean from Nos. 12 to 16. Fairways are firm and fast and typically offer playable routes off the tee for a range of players, though challenging, fast greens with significant slopes offer a strategic test for the better player. Kohanaiki scores highly in the Fun category, and though comfort stations are not a part of our course rankings, having one of them after each nine—plus an on-site brewery, a wine-tasting room plus personal wine lockers for members and a whiskey room—makes this a top-notch experience for guests and members.
About
Awards
Best in State: Ranked seventh, 2019 to current. Ranked eighth, 2015-'18.
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
“It looks so great on the brochure but it’s just not a great course and they over water it too. It’s in a spectacular location overlooking the Pacific but that doesn’t help. Missed opportunity….."
Read More2025
Review
“A great day!!!"
Read More2022
Review
“Kohainiki has an incredible clubhouse, and the experience is as nice as I have seen in Hawaii. From a course perspective, it is rather open and inviting for many drivers, and with the firm fairways, it does not play as long as the yardage indicates. That said, the pars are really challenging and long, and the course is missing a signature shorter par 3. There is plenty of variety in the holes aside of that, as there are long holes, shorter holes, some narrow holes, and some wide open. The greens have a good deal of variety in them, too."
Read More2022
Review
“The best Rees Jones experience I have had. This one is definitely from the "Strategic" school as opposed to all of the "Penal" work I have seen from him before. And it is really terrific. A GREAT group of par 5s, and four really good to excellent Par 3s. Nice dynamics on a relatively flat piece of ground, Rees found an excellent way to route 6 holes around the Ocean and some very sacred Hawaiian ground. There are these really cool stone circles (Ahu) that were used by ancient mariners to mark their location versus the island, and Mr. Jones used them in the green sites very effectively. Very original and cool. Interestingly, 18 becomes a touch boring after the Ocean encounters for holes 12-17, but it is still a solid finisher. There is a great emotional build thru the round as the ground gets more and more dynamic. Excellent holes at 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12 thru 17. Great conditioning as Paspallum again proves it is a great grass for golf. Kohanaiki is right up there in the conversation of the best Hawaii has to offer."
Read More2021
Review
“One of the most impressive private courses in Hawaii, Kohanaiki is an amazing experience. The staff including Marty Keiter is the most friendly and accommodating in the state. The club house and facilities are absolutely top notch. Not a dime has been spared. The course layout builds with some very good holes until the 12th. From there you have several holes to play along the beach and Pacific Oceans with a very challenging stretch. If you are lucky enough to get a chance to play Kohanaiki, jump at it."
Read More2018
Review
“Fun and challenging layout near the Kona airport. Several interesting holes including a 600-yard par 5 that plays directly into the wind. Several nice ocean views. The clubhouse is also spectacular and the staff is terrific."
Read More2018
