Hapuna Golf Course

Hapuna Golf Course-Hidden Gem of a Course Designed by Arnold Palmer
The Bottom Line:

Hapuna Golf Course is an 18-hole par 72 course located near The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed the course, and it opened in 1992. Hapuna Golf Course offers golfers a challenging game with fast greens amidst a breathtaking backdrop of mountains, ocean, and coastline.

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

Golfers say that Hapuna Golf Course is a hidden gem! Located near the luxurious Hapuna Beach Resort, this golf course will challenge the pro and invigorate the novice.

The course opened in 1992, and Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed the course. Hapuna Golf Course features:

  • 18-holes
  • Par 72
  • 6,534 yards
  • Championship links-style
  • Club House
  • Lockers
  • Golf carts (pull carts and walking aren’t allowed)

You’ll love taking in the breathtaking scenery while teeing up. Every hole will give you a stunning view of the Kohala Coast, Pacific Ocean, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Kohala Mountains. The environmentally sensitive course blends with the terrain of this region, making it seamless to the eye as if it had been there for ages. The sweeping landscape, endless views, and elevation change from sea level to 700 feet make for a challenging yet beautiful game of golf. 

And like cheering fans, the Pacific is seen from every hole. The most notable hole is twelve. Here, you tee off at 700 feet with one of the most picturesque views of the Big Island you’ll find anywhere. And off in the distance, you’ll spy Maui amidst the deep blue waters of the Pacific. Such grandeur will challenge even the hardiest golfers to focus on their game, not the breathtaking views. 

Another challenging hole is No. 3. Arnold Palmer was known for his aggressive playing style, and this hole will tempt you to play like “Arny” or hold up and be more conservative. The fairway bends to the left toward the green but stops 240 yards short. When you size up the green, you’ll note how well protected it is, especially with water on the left. Now’s your moment of choice: Do you swing like Palmer for the green or play it safe? 

Golfers describe the greens as fast and near black lava fields, making for a striking contrast and a nightmare should your ball be off-target. The course is well-maintained, and golfers praise the pro shop and clubhouse staff. 

Hapuna Golf Course offers something new to golf: Golfboards. These four-wheeled electric boards carry both golfer and clubs easily, safely, and quickly around the course. This Hawaii-only experience is comparable to riding a surfboard, only much more manageable! We can’t think of a more exciting way to play golf than scooting about on a Golfboard while admiring the jaw-dropping views. 

If you’re a golfer vacationing in Hawaii, we believe you’ll experience a fantastic game of golf at the Hapuna Golf Course. It will be a game you’ll not soon forget, with breathtaking views, fast greens, and challenging holes. 

Insider Tip:
Be on the lookout for goats when you’re golfing at Hapuna Golf Course. No, not the Greatest of All Time, but the grass-eating variety. While we couldn’t find comments from players about the goats interfering with their game, if you’re having an off day, you can always use them as an excuse!