Mauna Kea Resort
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Mauna Kea Golf Course: Mauna Kea
Kamuela, HI•Public
Awards
Panelists Score
Mauna Kea Golf Course: Mauna Kea
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr
Kamuela, HI 96743-9706
United States
Telephone
Overview
The immediate thrill at Mauna Kea is its iconic par-3 third, a daunting tee shot over an ocean cove that’s a great substitute for those unable to gain an invitation to tackle the 16th at Cypress Point. The remaining holes at Mauna Kea are thrilling, too, with constant views of the ocean, awkward lies on sloping fairways and roughs of crunchy lava rock. A decade ago, Rees Jones updated his father’s original work by relocating and redesigning all the bunkers. They now add to Mauna Kea’s beauty.
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
“Green complexes are very difficult to navigate. The undulations in the greens in addition to the grain in the Paspalum putting surfaces make for a tough day. Aesthetically the course forms well to the land and the ocean. Wind can be a significant factor that adds to challenge. A great property that is worthy of visiting."
Read More2026
Review
“Great course to play. Excellent routing and high quality greens. Great placement and conditioning in bunkering throughout the course. Nice use of false sides and fronts enhancing the resistance in scoring. Aesthetically stunning views highlight the experience. Iconic #3 with carry over the Pacific Ocean is a shot you will remember forever."
Read More2026
Review
“Built back in 1964 by RTJ (Senior), this Hawaiian masterpiece was recently remodeled by his son in 2025. Beautiful views abound from virtually every hole. Solid shot options deliver a challenge that become even more difficult depending on the ever-changing trade-winds. Know for their awesome par-3 over the water (#3), this course is a must play when you find yourself on the Big Island. Yes it is a resort course and that comes with a pricey tee time cost, but trust me when I say that the layout and character of this course is well worth the price of admission."
Read More2026
Review
“Mauna Kea Golf Course is one of the world’s most dramatic intersections of land, ocean, and golf architecture—a volcanic coastal landscape where bold design meets elemental grandeur. Originally crafted by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later refined with modern sensitivity, the course occupies a shelf of rugged lava flows that descend toward the Pacific, creating a routing defined by contrast: green against black rock, turf against open sea, and strategic nuance against pure visual spectacle."
Read More2025
Review
“Mauna Kea Golf Course is one of the world’s most dramatic intersections of land, ocean, and golf architecture—a volcanic coastal landscape where bold design meets elemental grandeur. Originally crafted by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later refined with modern sensitivity, the course occupies a shelf of rugged lava flows that descend toward the Pacific, creating a routing defined by contrast: green against black rock, turf against open sea, and strategic nuance against pure visual spectacle."
Read More2025
Review
“Two of the most majestic par 3s I've ever played. The signature #3 which calls for a long carry over an ocean inlet, while #11 is equally stunning, with a long downhill shot with the ocean backing the green. The course is heavy in fun, sunshine, and aloha-vibes."
Read More2025
Review
“Two of the best par 3s in the world, between #3 and #11, showing two different ways to frame a visual element (in this case the ocean). One alongside and partially over the ocean, the other tumbling down the hill with the ocean behind the green."
Read More2025
Review
“Great, picturesque course with views of the mountains and ocean. Must play on the big island."
Read More2023
Review
“Mauna Kea takes complete advantage of the beauty of Hawaii in the routing from mountain to ocean views. The shots to raised greens in several cases frame the mountain in the distance, while the downhill holes finishing each nine make focusing on the shot to be played more difficult with the whales jumping in the distance."
Read More2023
Review
“A classic and must see when visiting the Big Island."
Read More2023
