Manele Golf Course
Lanai, HI • Public







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 ranking 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 Cabot Barrens at Cabot Citrus Farms), which is currently 90th on our 100 Greatest Public. It’s hard to argue it’s under ranked now.
About
Awards



Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Inaugural appearance.
2023-'24 ranking: 140th.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since the inaugural edition in 2003.
2023-'24 ranking: 22nd.
Highest ranking: 21st, 2021-'22.
Best in State: Ranked second, 2021-'24. Ranked sixth, 2015-'20. Ranked seventh, 2011-'14.
Current ranking: 2nd.
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
“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
“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
Review
“A terrific golf course in an excellent location. I took the early ferry from Lahina and played the course and returned on the afternoon ferry. There was no rush at any time during the day and I enjoyed everything about the day. Highly recommend taking this trip to Lanai to play Manele."
Read More2020
Review
“An aspirational course if there ever was one. Beautiful setting, pristine conditions, wonderful service, and great design."
Read More2018
Review
“Is a companion of Four Seasons Resort on island of Lanai-- this is a fabulous design, wonderful condition, and beautiful views from every hole; Pro and staff all extremely friendly; special arrangements for Golf Digest Panelists."
Read More2018
Review
“Almost a perfect resort course with the conditioning, views, clubhouse, Four Seasons Hotel. Famous signature par 3 over the ocean is unforgettable. The only frustration is a weak finishing hole which seems out of place with respect to all the other splendor. It is very expensive, but worth visiting at least once. And, the ferry from Lahina on Maui makes for an unbelievable daytrip over all and a chance to escape Maui for something a little different."
Read More2018
Review
“I have played a lot of golf in Hawaii and this might be my favorite course. It is hard to match the golf with the site, but Nicklaus did. The course sits high atop the ocean and has one of the most memorable par threes on the planet. Of course, you either stay at the Four Seasons or you take the ferry from Maui. Lanai is not easily accessable. Whatever you do, the course will not disappoint. If you can have dinner at the hotel. The food and atmosphere are quite excellent."
Read More2018
Readers
Collection of reviews from our readers
There are no readers reviews yet. Be the first to write a review.