Makalei Golf Club
Makalei Golf Club
Designed by Dick Nugent, this spectacular mountain golf course winds through lush tropical forests, ancient lava formations, and dramatic elevation changes on the slopes of Hualalai, with sweeping coastline views and an abundance of wildlife, including wild peacocks.
18 Holes | Par 72 | 7,091 Yards | Dick Nugent
Golf Cart Included
Golf Carts Must Be Returned by 5:30 PM
About Makalei Golf Club
Makalei Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course located above Kailua-Kona on Hawaii's Big Island. Designed by renowned golf architect Dick Nugent, the course opened in 1992 and measures 7,091 yards from the championship tees.
Situated on the western slopes of Hualalai Mountain, Makalei offers an unforgettable alternative to the island's more traditional oceanfront resort golf courses.
The course winds through beautiful native forests, rolling mountain terrain, natural volcanic formations, and lush green landscapes with spectacular views toward the Kona coastline.
One of Makalei's most distinctive features is its remarkable elevation. The course ranges from approximately 1,800 to 2,850 feet above sea level, offering cooler playing conditions than many of the coastal courses on the Big Island.
Golfers experience significant elevation changes throughout their round, with challenging downhill tee shots, elevated greens, rolling fairways, and dramatic mountain views.
The course incorporates several unusual volcanic features, including natural lava tubes, cinder cones, and a historic stone wall dating back more than a century.
Makalei is also known for its bentgrass putting greens, which are relatively uncommon among Hawaiian golf courses and provide a distinctive playing experience.
Another memorable feature is the abundance of wildlife. Wild peacocks, pheasants, turkeys, and other birds are frequently seen throughout the property.
The combination of colorful wildlife, lush mountain forests, and dramatic volcanic terrain gives Makalei a character unlike many other golf courses in Hawaii.
Makalei's signature par-3 15th hole is particularly spectacular, offering dramatic views toward the island of Maui and Mount Haleakala across the Pacific Ocean.
Golfers must account for the wind and elevation change when selecting the proper club for their tee shot.
The scenic par-4 eighth is another memorable hole, with an interesting approach shot and natural volcanic features near the green.
The challenging par-4 seventh is considered one of the course's toughest holes, requiring an accurate drive and precise approach shot.
With multiple tee positions, Makalei offers an enjoyable experience for recreational golfers while providing plenty of strategic challenges for more experienced players.
The facility features a driving range, practice facilities, golf shop, and rental clubs.
Conveniently located uphill from Kona International Airport, Makalei is accessible to golfers staying in Kailua-Kona and along the Kohala Coast.
Combining spectacular mountain scenery, unique volcanic terrain, exceptional wildlife, and classic Dick Nugent architecture, Makalei Golf Club provides a memorable Big Island golf experience.
No booking fees. Golf rates are per person. Club rentals may be available for an additional fee.
Course Details
| Address: 72-3890 Hawaii Belt Road - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 | |
| Architect: Dick Nugent | Director of Golf: Nolan Johnson |
| Open: 1992 | Golf Professional: |
| Course Type: 18 holes, par 72 | Yardage: 7091/6698/6161/5242 |
| Yardage Markers: : sprinklers | Slope: 144/140/134/118 |
| Rating: 74.3/72.4/68.7/65.6 | Bunkers: Yes |
| Golf Carts: yes | Pull Carts: No |
| Water Holes: Yes | Caddies: No |
| Five-somes Policy: usually no | Walking: No |
| Greens: Bent grass | Fairways: Bermuda |
| Dress Code: proper golf attire | Spike Policy: soft spike only |
| GPS Tracking: No | Lessons: no |
| Club House: Yes | Pro Shop: Yes |
| Restaurant:: no | Bar: no |
| Conference Facilities: No | Banquet Facilities: no |
| Lodging: No | Showers: No |
| Lockers: No | Rider Fee: $25 |
| Practice Green: no | Driving Range: yes, |
| Club Rental: Srixon ZX5 - $50 | Ocean Holes : No |
| Junior Rates: ≤17 yrs $30 | Real Time Slots/Inventory: Yes |
Score Card
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
| Championship | 406 | 364 | 610 | 423 | 198 | 514 | 443 | 213 | 442 | 3613 |
| Blue | 385 | 342 | 598 | 407 | 176 | 473 | 410 | 184 | 423 | 3398 |
| White | 350 | 293 | 580 | 388 | 154 | 435 | 351 | 164 | 391 | 3106 |
| Red | 297 | 259 | 495 | 306 | 123 | 389 | 331 | 144 | 313 | 2657 |
| Men's Hcp | 13 | 5 | 7 | 15 | 17 | 9 | 3 | 11 | 1 | |
| +/- | ||||||||||
| Men's Par | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 36 |
| +/- | ||||||||||
| Ladies' Hcp | 11 | 5 | 7 | 13 | 17 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 9 | |
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN |
| Championship | 434 | 587 | 311 | 223 | 411 | 519 | 205 | 341 | 447 | 3478 |
| Blue | 404 | 565 | 290 | 222 | 392 | 502 | 193 | 321 | 411 | 3300 |
| White | 375 | 544 | 269 | 199 | 355 | 478 | 176 | 278 | 381 | 3055 |
| Red | 297 | 259 | 495 | 306 | 123 | 389 | 331 | 144 | 313 | 2657 |
| Men's Hcp | 16 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 8 | 2 | |
| +/- | ||||||||||
| Men's Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 36 |
| +/- | ||||||||||
| Ladies' Hcp | 12 | 6 | 14 | 16 | 8 | 2 | 18 | 10 | 4 | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hawaii Tee Times charge booking fees?
No! Hawaii Tee Times never charges booking fees—ever. You can book your Hawaii golf tee times with no additional booking fees.
Is Hawaii Tee Times based in Hawaii?
Yes! Hawaii Tee Times has been locally based in Hawaii since 2002, with our team in Honolulu and Kauai. We're proud to offer golfers personalized service from people who know Hawaii and its golf courses.
Does your team personally visit and play the golf courses?
Absolutely! Our local team regularly plays Hawaii's golf courses and conducts on-site inspections. This firsthand experience helps us provide knowledgeable recommendations and assist you in choosing the right course for your Hawaii golf vacation.
Can I book Makalei Golf Club tee times online?
Yes. Hawaii Tee Times provides live tee-time availability and online reservations for Makalei Golf Club. Select your date to check current rates and available times.
Where is Makalei Golf Club located?
Makalei Golf Club is located at 72-3890 Hawaii Belt Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740, on the slopes of Hualalai Mountain above the Kona coastline.
Who designed Makalei Golf Club?
Makalei Golf Club was designed by Dick Nugent and Associates and opened in 1992.
How long is Makalei Golf Club?
Makalei is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course measuring 7,091 yards from the back tees. Other tee positions include 6,698, 6,161, and 5,242 yards.
What makes Makalei Golf Club unique?
Makalei is known for its dramatic mountain setting, elevation changes, bentgrass greens, volcanic lava tubes, historic stone features, and abundant wildlife, including wild peacocks.
Does Makalei Golf Club have ocean views?
Yes. Makalei offers sweeping views of the Kona coastline and Pacific Ocean from its elevated mountain setting. On clear days, golfers may also see the island of Maui in the distance.
Is Makalei an oceanfront golf course?
No. Makalei is a mountain golf course situated above the Kona Coast. Its elevated position offers spectacular panoramic coastal views, rather than fairways directly beside the ocean.
What is the signature hole at Makalei?
The par-3 15th is considered Makalei's signature hole, offering dramatic views toward Mount Haleakala on Maui. Wind and elevation changes add to the challenge of the tee shot.
Are there peacocks at Makalei Golf Club?
Yes. Wild peacocks, pheasants, and turkeys are commonly seen around the property. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Does the golf rate include a golf cart?
Yes. Hawaii Tee Times bookings include a shared golf cart. Prices are displayed per golfer.
Does Makalei have a driving range?
Yes. Makalei offers a driving range. Range access and ball purchases are subject to the course's current policies.
Are twilight tee times available?
Yes. Makalei offers discounted afternoon and late-afternoon tee times on eligible dates.
What time must golf carts be returned?
Golf carts must be returned to the golf shop by 5:30 PM. This is particularly important for golfers booking later tee times.
How early should I arrive for my tee time?
Makalei requires golfers to check in at least 20 minutes before their scheduled tee time. The first hole is approximately a 10-minute cart ride from the golf shop.
Can I rent golf clubs at Makalei Golf Club?
Yes. Srixon rental golf clubs are available for an additional fee through the golf shop.
Is Makalei suitable for recreational golfers?
Yes. Makalei offers multiple tee positions suitable for a variety of skill levels. Its mountain terrain, elevation changes, and challenging greens also provide a rewarding test for experienced golfers.
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