Manele Golf Course
Lanai, HI•Public
Awards
Panelists Score
Manele Golf Course
One Manele Bay Road
Lanai, HI 96763
United States
Telephone
Overview
Manele, previously called The Challenge at Manele, unseated Kapalua’s Plantation course as the highest-ranked public course in Hawaii several years ago. Now the course, located on the southern coast of Lanai, has the votes to make it eligible for the 100 Greatest and Second 100 Greatest rankings as well, buoyed by an Aesthetics score that regularly ranks among the top 30 in the U.S. The Nicklaus design is worthy of high praise. It has three ocean-cove holes, including the par-3 12th and dogleg-right par-4 17th. You might argue Manele has been perpetually underranked, starting with its finish on Golf Digest’s ranking of Best New Resort Courses in 1994, well behind World Woods’ Pine Barrens course (now known as the Karoo at Cabot Citrus Farms), which is currently 50th on our 100 Greatest Public. It’s hard to argue it’s underranked now.
About
Golf Digest 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
“The best golf experience in Hawaii. The 12th and 17th holes rival any holes in the game of golf for beauty and excitement. You will never feel more special than you do at the Four Seasons Lanai and Manele."
Read More2026
Review
“Aesthetics is defined in our criteria as how much does the scenic values of the course add to the pleasure of the round. There are not many courses in the United States whose scenery defines the round as much as Manele. Simply, it is likely one of the top 10 prettiest golf courses in the United States, especially the spectacular back 9. In fact, it is so beautiful that it is honestly difficult to care about your golf game as your walk along the cliffs and view the Pacific Ocean. The two holes that need to be included in the best golf holes anywhere are the par 3 12th and the par 4 17th holes. Each plays directly along the cliffside with spectacular ocean views. Still, both provide really quality golf holes that offer great risk-reward options for any skill level and bail-out areas for the golfer who doesn't think he can negotiate the risk. The golfer will think about these holes long after his/her round. Other than a couple of spots where the routing gets tight on the front 9, the golf is really good. After having played most of the good golf in Hawaii, I have Manele ranked as the best golf course in the state. The front 9 has several good holes as it plays up and down the hillside. However, as noted above, the star of the show is the back 9, with one exciting hole after another. While not central to my evaluation of the golf course, I have to mention the level of service at Manele. It honestly may be the best service that I have ever experienced with a round of golf. It is hard to believe, but it may even exceed the scenic value of the property. It starts when you are picked up from the ferry and does not stop until you are dropped off for your return to Maui. In sum, Manele is a special place and Hawaii's best golf experience."
Read More2026
Review
“Manele delivers one of the most visually striking and enjoyable rounds anywhere. The par-3 12th gets most of the attention — and rightfully so — with its dramatic cliff-to-cliff carry over the ocean. But the par-4 17th, running back along the cliffs in the opposite direction, is just as memorable and adds a beautiful sense of symmetry late in the round. The Jack Nicklaus design uses elevation, wind, and terrain creatively, offering more shot variety than you’d expect for a resort course. It's fun and playable but has enough bite to keep you thinking, especially when the winds are up."
Read More2025
Review
“While the Plantation course on neighboring Maui gets way more attention, Manele is one of the most spectacular courses in Hawaii! Views of the ocean from every hole. The conditions are outstanding. Very few people play this course each day so you're assured of a relaxing round with few distractions other than the great views. Lots of interesting holes with elevation changes that wind through the foothills of Lanai. One of the best days of my golf life was spent on this beautiful and fun course. The green fee is for a day of golf, so you can even play it twice for the price. Not an easy one to get to, but worth the trouble and expense. A true top-shelf golf experience!"
Read More2025
Review
“A great place to play if you find yourself on the island of Lanai (and you are staying at the Four Seasons). The day that I played I was the ONLY person on the course and it was a real treat. This Nicklaus design is very fun with good shot options into well guarded holes. Lot's of beauty and aesthetics abound from the entire course. It is a fairly easy walk but you can also choose a cart or the ever popular golf surf-cart (think wake board but on wheels with your clubs strapped on the front). The fairways play true even with the daily light rains, the course ran firm while the greens were very receptive. Typical of other Nicklaus courses, Manele has its share of bunkers and they are well kept. The staff at the Four Season's tell a story that Bill Gates married his wife on the 12th hole (a fun / long par 3). The views are stunning and this time of year, the whales are breaching with regularity. This private course is NOT the caliber of Nanea but a great choice if you can get on."
Read More2025
Review
“Jack Nicklaus, 1993 This spectacular course is located on the island of Lanai, which is owned by Larry Ellison. It’s part of the Four Seasons Hotel Lanai and you must be a guest of the hotel to play. The course zig zags along the hillside and has 180 degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean on most every hole and is built on colorful black lava rocks. The course is in immaculate condition and averages around 20 rounds/day. One of the most scenic courses you’ll find in all of Hawaii"
Read More2024
Review
“This Jack Nicklaus design provides ocean views from every hole on the course as it makes its way up and down the side of this volcanic island. As beautiful as the holes are, this is not just a pretty face as well-designed holes and windy conditions will test your skill as a golfer. Fun day traveling from Maui to Lanai and back on the ferry between the islands. A very friendly and welcoming staff combined with a beautiful island setting make this a must play."
Read More2022
Review
“One of the most stunningly beautiful ocean cliff golf courses in the world, immaculate condition and challenging but fun to play. Routing was impressive utilizing the natural landscape, large welcoming fairways and challenging approach shots to the greens. The golf staff and service was top tier. Thoroughly enjoyed experience and a must visit."
Read More2022
Review
“Beautiful golf course if you can find your way to Lanai. The course generally traverses the bluffs above the ocean. I handful of holes run right on top of the massive ocean cliffs, which you won't soon forget. Not the least of which is the all-or-nothing par 3 12th hole, which is about as scenic as any hole you would ever play."
Read More2022
Review
“Manele is one of team Nicklaus' best designs. It requires a ferry ride from Maui to Lana'i to get there, but treat yourself and do it. The 12th and 17th holes along the cliff are really special."
Read More2021
