Planning a Hawaii golf trip for winter 2027?
Put the Kohala Coast of the Big Island near the top of your list.
This is one of Hawaii's most distinctive golf destinations — a place where emerald fairways cut through ancient black lava fields, the Pacific Ocean sits just beyond the greens and some of the island's best resort courses are only a short drive from one another.
The Kohala Coast is also one of the sunnier parts of the Big Island, making it especially attractive for golfers escaping colder winter weather on the mainland.
For 25 years, Hawaii Tee Times has been helping visitors book discounted golf throughout Hawaii.
We're a local Hawaii golf company, and we can help you compare courses, rates and tee times for your winter 2027 Big Island golf trip.
Book online or call our Hawaii staff and let us help you put together your Kohala Coast golf schedule.
Why Play Golf on the Kohala Coast?
The Kohala Coast doesn't look like most golf destinations.
Much of the landscape was shaped by volcanic activity, and that history is visible everywhere.
Golf courses run through huge areas of black lava, while bright green fairways and palm trees create an incredible contrast against the deep blue Pacific Ocean.
Some holes run directly toward or alongside the coastline. Others sit higher above the water and provide panoramic ocean and mountain views.
Black lava. Ocean holes. Resort golf. Hawaii sunshine.
That's what makes golf on the Kohala Coast special.
Waikoloa Golf
Waikoloa offers 27 holes divided into three nine-hole layouts:
- Beach Nine
- Lakes Nine
- Kings' Nine
Those three nines can be combined into different 18-hole rounds, which makes Waikoloa particularly good if you're planning to play more than once during your stay.
The scenery is classic Big Island golf.
The Beach Nine runs through lava fields toward the Pacific, while the Kings' Nine heads farther inland through dramatic stretches of black lava.
One of Waikoloa's signature holes plays along an emerald ribbon of fairway surrounded by lava before reaching the ocean — exactly the kind of hole golfers remember long after the vacation is over.
Best for: Lava golf, ocean scenery and golfers wanting multiple course combinations.
Waikoloa Beach / Kings
This pairing combines coastal scenery on the Beach Nine with the more dramatic inland lava landscape of the Kings' Nine.
Waikoloa Beach / Lakes
Beach / Lakes combines Pacific Ocean views, lava, water features and resort-style golf.
Waikoloa Kings / Lakes
This combination moves farther away from the coastline and puts more emphasis on Waikoloa's dramatic lava landscape.
Mauna Lani South Course
If you want ocean and lava in the same round, Mauna Lani South should be high on your list.
The South Course is one of the Big Island's signature resort-golf experiences and includes several holes close to the Pacific.
The famous par-3 15th is surrounded by black lava with the ocean directly beyond the green, creating one of the most recognizable golf scenes on the island.
During the winter months, golfers may even spot humpback whales offshore while playing along the coast.
Best for: Ocean holes, black lava and a premium Hawaii resort-golf experience.
Mauna Lani North Course
Mauna Lani North gives golfers a different experience from the South Course.
Instead of emphasizing ocean holes, the North Course moves through rolling terrain and ancient lava fields.
Its signature par-3 17th sits inside a natural lava amphitheater and is one of the most distinctive holes on the Kohala Coast.
If you're staying at Mauna Lani or nearby and have time for two rounds, playing both North and South is a great way to experience two very different styles of Big Island golf.
Best for: Lava landscapes, resort golf and golfers planning several Kohala Coast rounds.
Hapuna Golf Course
Hapuna Golf Course sits above the Kohala Coast and provides huge views toward the Pacific.
Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, the course rises from near sea level into the rugged terrain above the coastline.
The elevated setting gives golfers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and the Kohala Mountains.
Hapuna feels different from the courses sitting directly beside the ocean, but the scenery is every bit as impressive.
Best for: Panoramic ocean views, elevation changes and championship-style resort golf.
Mauna Kea Golf Course
Mauna Kea Golf Course is one of Hawaii's classic golf experiences.
The Robert Trent Jones Sr. design has been part of Big Island golf since the 1960s and remains one of the most recognizable courses on the Kohala Coast.
Its famous par-3 third hole plays across an ocean inlet and is one of the holes many golfers specifically travel to Hawaii to experience.
Mauna Kea combines elevation changes, ocean scenery and classic resort-golf architecture.
If you're planning one special premium round during your winter 2027 golf vacation, Mauna Kea deserves serious consideration.
Best for: Signature ocean golf, classic Hawaii resort golf and a memorable premium round.
Which Kohala Coast Courses Should You Play?
If you're staying in this part of the Big Island, one of the biggest advantages is how easy it is to build a multi-round golf vacation.
A strong itinerary could include:
- Mauna Kea for a classic signature ocean round
- Mauna Lani South for ocean holes and black lava
- Mauna Lani North for a more dramatic lava-focused course
- Hapuna for elevated Pacific views
- Waikoloa for multiple layouts and another classic Big Island lava-golf experience
You don't need to choose only one.
The Kohala Coast is one of the best parts of Hawaii for a multi-round golf vacation because these courses provide very different experiences without requiring you to drive across the entire Big Island.
Coming to Hawaii in Winter 2027? Plan Your Golf Early
If you're visiting the Big Island during winter 2027, start planning your golf before you arrive.
Winter is one of Hawaii's busiest visitor periods, and desirable morning tee times at premium resort courses can become harder to secure.
If you know you're coming in January, February or March 2027, check Hawaii Tee Times as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
If the course hasn't yet opened inventory for your exact date, contact us and our local team can help you understand your options.
Don't wait until you're already at the resort to start looking for tee times.
Play in the Afternoon and You May Save More
If your schedule is flexible, you don't necessarily need to play every round first thing in the morning.
Some Kohala Coast courses offer lower afternoon or twilight pricing depending on the date and availability.
That can be an excellent strategy if you're planning several rounds.
Play one premium morning round, then mix in afternoon golf on another day.
Same Hawaii scenery. Same golf course. Potentially a lower rate.
Why Book Kohala Coast Golf with Hawaii Tee Times?
Golf on the Kohala Coast can be expensive.
That's why it makes sense to compare rates before simply paying the first resort price you see.
Hawaii Tee Times has been helping visitors find and book discounted Hawaii golf for 25 years.
We're a local Hawaii company and our staff knows the courses we sell.
We can help you compare:
- Mauna Kea
- Hapuna
- Mauna Lani North
- Mauna Lani South
- Waikoloa golf combinations
- Morning versus afternoon rates
- Course location
- Which courses fit your budget and playing ability
Book online or call us and talk to someone here in Hawaii.
Book Your Winter 2027 Kohala Coast Golf
If you're coming to the Big Island this winter, don't make golf an afterthought.
The Kohala Coast gives you some of the best combinations of lava, ocean scenery and resort golf anywhere in Hawaii.
Play Waikoloa.
Experience both Mauna Lani courses.
Take in the views at Hapuna.
And play the famous ocean holes at Mauna Kea.
Hawaii Tee Times has been helping golfers save on Hawaii golf for 25 years.
Start planning your winter 2027 Kohala Coast golf trip today.
VIEW KOHALA COAST & BIG ISLAND TEE TIMES
Local Hawaii company. Discounted tee times. 25 years helping golfers play Hawaii.
