Mauna Kea Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course located along the spectacular Kohala Coast of Hawaii's Big Island. Originally designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course opened in 1964 and measures 7,370 yards from the championship tees.

Located at the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, this renowned oceanfront course has been a bucket-list destination for golfers for more than six decades.

Mauna Kea holds an important place in Hawaiian golf history. Originally developed as part of Laurance Rockefeller's vision for a luxury resort, the course transformed rugged volcanic lava fields into one of the Pacific's most celebrated golf destinations.

The course officially opened on December 10, 1964, with a celebrated exhibition featuring Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player.

Mauna Kea also has a remarkable architectural distinction: three members of the legendary Jones family have contributed to the course's design and evolution.

Robert Trent Jones Sr. created the original championship layout. His son Rees Jones later modernized the course, and Robert Trent Jones Jr. led its most recent major redesign.

Reopened in December 2024, the newly enhanced course features redesigned bunkers, updated fairways and greens, and improvements that preserve the character of the original design while enhancing playability.

The renovation introduced Platinum Paspalum turf on the fairways and greens, providing attractive, consistent playing surfaces suited to the coastal environment of Hawaii.

The course combines dramatic changes in elevation, challenging bunkering, large undulating greens, ocean breezes, and spectacular views of the Kohala Coast.

The most famous hole is undoubtedly the par-3 third, one of the most recognizable golf holes in Hawaii.

Golfers must carry their tee shot across a rocky ocean inlet, where powerful Pacific waves crash against the black lava cliffs below the green.

The distinctive kidney-shaped green is protected by challenging bunkers, requiring both accuracy and courage from the tee.

The spectacular oceanfront par-3 11th is another memorable hole, offering beautiful coastal views and an exciting downhill approach toward the Pacific Ocean.

The remaining holes provide an enjoyable combination of championship challenges, generous scenic vistas, elevated greens, and strategic shot-making opportunities.

Multiple tee positions make Mauna Kea enjoyable for golfers of varying abilities, while the championship tees offer a demanding test of accuracy, distance, and course management.

The facility also offers a driving range, putting practice areas, a full-service golf shop, golf instruction, rental clubs, and GPS-equipped golf carts.

After a round, golfers can relax at Number 3, the resort's open-air golf course restaurant located near the famous third hole.

The course is also home to native Hawaiian wildlife, including the endangered nene goose, Hawaii's state bird. Golfers are encouraged to respect the natural surroundings and protected wildlife.

Combining legendary Robert Trent Jones architecture, spectacular oceanfront golf, an extraordinary championship history, and newly renovated playing conditions, Mauna Kea Golf Course remains one of Hawaii's most memorable golf experiences.