Waikoloa Village Golf, also known as The Village Course at Waikoloa, is a gorgeous public golf course that is located within the Waikoloa Village on the Big Island’s Kohala coast. This is the second oldest golf course on the island, but don’t let age deter you from visiting. There’s a reason, after all, why it’s lasted so long without needing major improvements.
The Village Course at Waikoloa was fully designed by esteemed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., first opening its doors in 1972. Then, as now, the golf course was rated as a par 72 with a total yardage of 6,812 and a slope rating of 122. In terms of technical, this course is best known for its wide fairways and well-bunkered greens that provide a nice game for beginners as well as more seasoned golfers. While providing a nice engaging game, Waikoloa Village Golf is not overly challenging, nor does it feel too long or drawn out.
There are a few key things that would draw golfers to Waikoloa Village Golf over other courses on the island. First, with a 9-hole Sunset special rate at just $30, cart included, this golf course offers some incredibly low rates. Even prime morning slots can be had for well under $100. Plus, they are constantly throwing tournaments, including the annual Waikoloa Amateur Championship, making them a great course to go to be social and really become immersed in the local golfing community.
It also doesn’t hurt that the Waikoloa Village Golf offers some stunning views. Not only do you get those panoramic ocean and mountain vistas, but throughout the entirety of a game at this golf course, you will also see no less than five volcanoes. This makes is a great choice for those hungry to play a round of golf on the Big Island partly because you are on the Big Island with all of its unique scenery that you aren’t going to get many other places.
In addition to the quality course, Waikoloa Village Golf also has two other key attributes. First, there is a full pro shop. At their onsite golf pro shop, you can find all of the equipment you might need, including rental clubs for those unable or unwilling to bring their own on the flight over to Hawaii. The golf pro club shop at Waikoloa Village Golf also features golf shoes and apparel both to be more comfortable on this course and to take home as a souvenir all in its own right.
Finally, Waikoloa Village Golf also has onsite restaurant facilities. Head to Johnny’s Restaurant either before or after your round of golf to enjoy savory American bistro fare. Johnny’s Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s also surprisingly inexpensive with special hour pricing like their Home of the $5.99 breakfast special menu which includes an order of short stack pancakes and an order of sausage links, eggs, and toast each for $5.99, among other menu items. While general American bistro and grill fare does reign supreme, you will find some local favorites like a Loco Moco dish and an Island Classic which features spam served with rice, eggs, and toast.
Note that while this course is well-maintained and has a lot going for it, it is more of a relaxed, locals feel. This is not the place to go if you are looking for a big five-star resort golf club feel, nor if you want an especially challenging course. It is the golf course to go to when you want an affordable, enjoyable round of golf with nice side amenities like the onsite restaurant and packaged cart deals.
Insider Tips:
-Waikoloa has several outstanding vacation rentals to choose from if you are looking to stay outside of the more traditional big resorts. You might choose this place as your lodging for all or part of your stay to enjoy easy access to the Waikoloa Village Golf Club and all of its amenities. Plus, you get discounted rates at the course.