Hawaii - Big Island

[MileHi]

Where to play?

Headed to Kona this week and wanted to get some input from forum members who have played there. We'll be staying next to Kona Country Club, so the closer the better. I'm sure we'll play both KCC courses. Last year only played once, KCC Ocean, and thought it was very nice. That was with rentals though, this time we're bringing the sticks and playing 3-4 times. Looks like Mauna Kea is the top one to play? Any thoughts on these and how they compare?

Mauna Kea
Hapuna
Waikoloa - Kings and Village
Makalei

[potuna]

KCC ocean is ok, Mauna Kea is my favorite course that I've played on the big island. Second is Big Island CC, Hapuna is pretty good and Makalei is worth playing.

[MileHi]

Thanks - was wondering about Hapuna and Makalei since they're a bit cheaper, good to know they're worth playing also. I'm surprised Big Island CC is your second, it's actually the cheapest I could find. Figured Mauna Kea must be the best, really looking forward to that one.

Now I just need to meet someone who's a member at Nanea...

[Judge440]

Mauna Kea
Mauna Lani

[Nej1140]

Hapuna looked amazing! I never played I just stayed at the hotel :p on course I couldn't tell you.

[FatSlice]

Last time I was there I stayed at the Fairmont and played the North and South courses. The south course was awesome, the north was just a tick under the south. Hapuna was also good.

You should check into the Prince hotels specials - they put you on multiple courses for a discount.

Here's an older email:


[b][b][size="4"][b] [/b][/size][/b][/b][b][size="3"][color="#000000"][color="#003300"][font="Tahoma"][size="2"][size="3"]Play In Style On The Big Island
[/size][/size][/color][/color][/size][/font] [/b]
[size="2"][color="#333333"][color="#333333"]Challenge yourself to two of the best golf courses on the sunny Kohala Coast of the Big Island with our "Play In Style" Promotion. Promotion expires 10/31/11. [/color][/color][/size] [size="2"][color="#333333"][b]Play Mauna Kea In Style - $250[/b] plus tax[/color][/size]
[b] [list][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"]Includes 18 holes of golf at Mauna Kea Golf Course[/color][/size][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"]Choice of one Mauna Kea Golf logo shirt[/color][/size][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"][url="http://click.guest-touch.com/?ju=fe1b16757c6d037a751277&ls=fde6117473660d7a7c16747c&m=feee1379726c06&l=fe5a16787263057e7713&s=fe21117470660379721375&jb=ffcf14&t="][b]Complete Details[/b][/url][/color][/size][/list][/b]****************
edit: here's the most recent email, still expired, but you could follow up to see what's cooking:

[b][size="3"][color="#000000"][color="#003300"][font="Tahoma"][size="2"][size="3"]Multi-Rounds On The Big Island
[/size][/size][/color][/color][/size][/font][color="#000000"] [/color][/b]
[size="2"][color="#333333"][color="#333333"]Challenge yourself to two of the best golf courses on the sunny Kohala Coast of the Big Island with our multi-round packages. [/color][/color][/size] [size="2"][color="#333333"][b]Triple Play $299[/b] plus tax[/color][/size]
[b] [list][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"]Two rounds of golf at Hapuna Golf Course[/color][/size][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"]One round of golf at Mauna Kea Golf Course[/color][/size][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"]$299 rate valid through 12/17/11 (rate increases to $375 starting 12/18/11)[/color][/size][/list][/b]
[size="2"][color="#333333"][b]Five Play $475[/b] plus tax[/color][/size]

[list][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"]Three rounds of golf at Hapuna Golf Course[/color][/size][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"]Two rounds of golf at Mauna Kea Golf Course[/color][/size][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"]$475 rate valid through 12/17/11 (rate increases to $500 starting 12/18/11)[/color][/size][/list]
[size="2"][color="#333333"][b]Play Hapuna In Style - $125[/b] plus tax[/color][/size]

[list][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"]Includes 18 holes of golf at Hapuna Golf Course[/color][/size][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"]Choice of one Hapuna Golf logo shirt [/color][/size][*] [size="2"][color="#333333"][url="http://click.guest-touch.com/?ju=fe1a16757c6d037a751278&ls=fde6117473660d7a7c16747c&m=feee1379726c06&l=fe5a16787263057e7713&s=fe21117470660379721375&jb=ffcf14&t="][b]Complete Details[/b][/url][/color][/size][/list]


I know that they run specials all the time, just don't know what the current one is.

[dcmidnight]

No love for Hualalai? Stayed there in '04 and was absolutely in love with the course. Had plans to play two other course in the area but ended up playing there the entire week, it was that good.

[raynorfan1]

[quote name='dcmidnight' timestamp='1330653038' post='4415433']
No love for Hualalai? Stayed there in '04 and was absolutely in love with the course. Had plans to play two other course in the area but ended up playing there the entire week, it was that good.
[/quote]

It's a great one to play, but I believe you have to be a resort guest.

[gambit]

Hualalai. First course I ever played, and it got me hooked. Beautiful views and black lava.

[MileHi]

Wow, Hualalai does look incredible, but it looks like you do have to be a resort guest.

 

Thanks for sending that Fatslice, looks like they do have a few specials going on, though this would limit us to Mauna Kea and Hapuna. I'll just have to make sure my father in law high fives me like that picture. "Knocked it in the drink? High five!"

 

TRIPLE PLAY PACKAGE Play three rounds at two of the best courses for one great price.

• Package Rate: $375 per person
• Includes one 18-hole round at Mauna Kea Golf Course and two 18-hole rounds at Hapuna Golf Course

FIVE PLAY PACKAGE Play five rounds at two of the best courses for one great price.

• Package Rate: $500 per person
• Includes two 18-hole rounds at Mauna Kea Golf Course and three 18-hole rounds at Hapuna Golf Course

To book, please call 808.882.5400.

 

Terms

Rates valid through 12/16/12. Rates plus applicable taxes. Not valid with any other promotions or special rate. Golf package is non-transferable. Some restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

[gambit]

Not sure where you're staying, but you know how they have those guest services that help you book stuff like snorkeling ATV'ing, etc. That's how we got Hualalai, and it was really very reasonable. Just check with guest services to see what they got. When you're done and are ready for a drink, check out Don the Beachcomber's outdoor bar. Simply amazing views, and they'll put it on the Golf Channel for you! Have fun Brudah!

[raynorfan1]

[quote name='gambit' timestamp='1330714059' post='4420263']
Not sure where you're staying, but you know how they have those guest services that help you book stuff like snorkeling ATV'ing, etc. That's how we got Hualalai, and it was really very reasonable. Just check with guest services to see what they got. When you're done and are ready for a drink, check out Don the Beachcomber's outdoor bar. Simply amazing views, and they'll put it on the Golf Channel for you! Have fun Brudah!
[/quote]

I imagine if you're staying at one of the better resorts, the concierge can probably get you on @ Hualalai. It's not like their tee sheet is busy - I've never seen more than three or four groups on the course at any given moment.

[matthilaman]

mauna lani is my favorite, been a while since ive played it though

[avrag]

I enjoyed one of the best rounds of golf of my life in Waimea. Not because of the golf course, which is in no way spectacular, although nice.
But the locals I got paired with were two of the nicest and funniest people I have ever met. So if you get fed up with the expensive manicured resort courses on the Kona coast, drive up there, pay about $ 70 (or something in that range) for 18 holes of Hawaiian "parkland", and maybe you'll get lucky like I did.

[gambit]

If you can, take a puddle jumper go to Kauai and play Poipu. Spectacular course.

[MileHi]

Thanks for all the input! We're staying at a rental house so no concierge, but I might have to look into another way to get onto Hualalai.

We went to Don's last year along with most all of the other places around there. There are some great spots to have a drink in Kona for sure!

Just took the plastic off my new MP59/69s that arrived few minutes ago, just in time to make the trip with me...

[potuna]

[quote name='gambit' timestamp='1330722938' post='4421443']
If you can, take a puddle jumper go to Kauai and play Poipu. Spectacular course.
[/quote]

If I was going to the trouble and expense of jumping to Kauai I'd be playing the Prince course. I'm not knocking Poipu but Prince is better.

[mr.haha]

[quote name='raynorfan1' timestamp='1330653372' post='4415467']
[quote name='dcmidnight' timestamp='1330653038' post='4415433']
No love for Hualalai? Stayed there in '04 and was absolutely in love with the course. Had plans to play two other course in the area but ended up playing there the entire week, it was that good.
[/quote]

It's a great one to play, but I believe you have to be a resort guest.
[/quote]

actually as of last year that requirement was lifted. i played there last may (nicklaus) and it was a perfectly manicured course. however, i didnt find the course to be all that challenging.

[tesuquegolfer]

I loved Mauna Lani but it was $240 when I played in Aug. However, it was wide open and I played 36 holes for that price which was my plan to make it feel more reasonable $120/round. It was in great shape and is a beautiful course.

[MileHi]

Just to follow up on my thread for any others reading it for future use-

Played four times while I was there:

Kona CC Mountain ($100ish) - Cool course, conditioning wasn't great, but pace of play was nice and fast. Seems to be played much less. Not bad overall.
Kona CC Ocean ($120ish) - Very similar to Mountain, but with (only) a couple of holes along the ocean. A little better condition but not great still.
Big Island CC ($55 from Golfnow) - Up at 2000 feet, very unique, very challenging course. Average conditioning, but the greens were nice. Really cool layout that would be amazing if they wanted to make it higher end, but I think it's more of a locals course. Great deal for the price.
Mauna Kea ($120 from Golfnow, usually $230) - Incredible course, and put the rest to shame. Immaculate conditioning, incredibly challenging from the tips, great service. If you can find the deals to get good rates, I'd just keep playing it over and over.

Didn't get to try Mauna Lani, though their rates are over $200 and they don't do deals very often. Some guys I played with at BICC said they like it better than Mauna Kea, which would be hard to believe but must be incredible if true.

[BENNYSUPREME]

Mauna Lani is a great course, every hole is lined with black lava rock. I think my avatar is from that course, maybe Mauna Kea can't remember. glad you got some rounds in on serveral courses. I will be heading to Lanai to play The Challenge at Manele and the Experience at Koele. Before I leave next year, I'm trying to make it to all the Island and play around or two of golf.

Post some pictures of your trip.

[bradski]

I am between the same three courses. hapuna, mauna kea, and BICC.

right now I would like Hapuna and Kea, but Kea is a bit more and I am wondering how the pace of play is.
I'm going in two weeks and staying in a condo at the waikoloa resort, The Kings and Beach course are there but not playing either based on reviews.

questions.
How was the wind? Are we talking 20+ or just 15 mph in the afternoon?
Look like the sun sets around 7 so can we tee of as late as 2 or are the courses crowded for twilight
what is the pace of play there? 3-4 or more?


I prefer longer challenging courses, I don't want to pay a good amount of money and play 6k yards .

[MileHi]

I need to figure out an easy way to get photos from my iphone to this forum. Too lazy to send them to myself and upload them.

Bradski:
-I think the wind is a crapshoot. When I played both KCC courses it was 10ish, Mauna Kea was never over 10, and BICC was howling over 20 most of the time.
-2:00 would be fine to start. The courses seemed less crowded in the afternoon. I think one day I started at 2:30 and had plenty of daylight.
-Pace is also a crapshoot. Both KCC were slow-ish, probably at least 4, less than 5. BICC I buzzed around by myself and got to play through a few folks, finished in under 3. Mauna Kea we played at like 6:45 so we never waited, and played in under 4. I bet it got slow later though. Really just going to depend on who you get stuck behind, but I never thought it was bad. Of course I'm used to being punished by 5 hour weekend rounds here in Denver.

Didn't play Hapuna but you can see it from Mauna Kea. Looks pretty good to me for the price. Keep an eye on golfnow though for MK, they usually have about one tee time a day for $100-120 that is a prepay, but so worth it. They release them late too it seemed. You simply must play it. I played it last so it wouldn't spoil me, if I had played it first I would have kept playing it I think, if not for the fact that we were an hour's drive away, near KCC.

[ronstars]

Makalei is a great course! I play it 2 or 3 times everytime I'm there. It's got massive MASSIVE elevation changes! Great scenery and is the longest course green to tee box I have ever seen!

[robbo32]

[quote name='bradski' timestamp='1332365237' post='4552176']
I am between the same three courses. hapuna, mauna kea, and BICC.

right now I would like Hapuna and Kea, but Kea is a bit more and I am wondering how the pace of play is.
I'm going in two weeks and staying in a condo at the waikoloa resort, The Kings and Beach course are there but not playing either based on reviews.

questions.
How was the wind? Are we talking 20+ or just 15 mph in the afternoon?
Look like the sun sets around 7 so can we tee of as late as 2 or are the courses crowded for twilight
what is the pace of play there? 3-4 or more?


I prefer longer challenging courses, I don't want to pay a good amount of money and play 6k yards .
[/quote]

First off have a great time at the Wiakoloa Resort, you're going to love it. My family owns a condo there and we usually go twice a year.

Courses I would recommend would be Hapuna, Kea, BICC, Mauna Lani and either of the Wiakoloa courses are fun.

Hapuna - This course is farily decent in length, 6800 yds from the back tees w/ a slope of 136, but don't let the length keep you from playing. If there is a flat spot in that course good luck finiding it.. It plays all up and down the side of the mountain while still being relatively close to the ocean. You can see the ocean on at least 14 of the 18 holes. I had a great time playing and the ground there are absolutly spectacular.

Manua Kea - Although I have not played it I do know of its reputation and I've been on the grounds and it's definitely top notch. My father has played it a few times and he says it's almost as good or maybe just as good as Mauna Lani which is saying a lot. This course would be well worth the money.

BICC - Big Island is definitely more of a locals course but talk about a fun track. Probably one of my most favorite courses just becasue it's not like a traditional resort course and it has a lot of great holes, #17 is an exact replica of #17 at TPC Sawgrass. For the price is it more than worth it and it is a neat mountain course. I didn't get to play the course in the past year but I have played it a handful of times. My parents said last year when they played there was new management and that the course had been in great shape, especially the greens, and that the course as a whole had really turned it up a notch.

Mauna Lani - Read my Mauna Kea review and times it by two. This course has to be the nicest on the Island, possibly all of Hawaii. Maybe thats why they held the Champions Tour Skins game there?

Kings & Beach Coruse - I don't know which reviews you read but I enjoy the courses. Condition is okay but not as good as Hapuna, Kea or Lani but still nice. For the price they aren't bad and length is ok. the Beach is a par 70 just so you know. If I've played these courses once I've played them a dozen times. Actually shot a 1 over 71 on the beach course two years ago. Don't completely cancel these courses out cus they can be fun to play and there a total of 2 minutes away.

As for your other questions. The wind can pick up but usually never anything to bad, maybe 15 mph. Twilight rounds are usually all we play becasue we find that all the slow players and especially the Asian tourists play in the mornings so they have the afternoons to not be in the sun or crowd the pools and beaches. Not to mention twilight rounds are always cheaper. Pace of play is the same for the most part, just watch out for the hacks who never play and the Asian travelers. They are by far the slowest players.

Just out of curiosity where are you staying exactly? Would happen to be called the Hali'i Kai would it?

[bradski]

I think it is called the kings land hilton vacation club? I guess right on the golf courses.

i liked the look of the courses ok but I have heard that hapuna and kea are way better and the price isn't that much different.
Hapuna $65-70 golfnow
Kea looks like $150-170(really thinking hard about spending the other 70 but looks like a great course.
Waikoloa $100
BICC$50 golfnow.

I looked at the hawaii golf deal card for the 195 hapuna/kea But it is $60 to get the card so it ends up being more. It does have unlimited golf though (i just don't see my wife loving me playing for 7 hours.



To me really the beach is nothing because we have that in San Diego and I prefer the mountain courses with slope and elevation changes.

If I am staying there do they have a range and how is the practice area? I could imagine a couple hours a day practicing .

[bradski]

I can't justify spending 240 at lani when I can spend 80 less at kea. I have heard good about both but noone says play one and not the other.


If it was just a course I would play Torrey Pines here but all I see when I go there is 6 hour rounds.
I want fast and good condition.

[MileHi]

Well for what it's worth, I played the last couple of holes of BICC with a couple of well-heeled older dudes, and they said that Mauna Lani is "way" better than Mauna Kea, just as Robbo says above. I just got too good of a deal on Kea to pass it up, that $120 prepay deal on golfnow. I'd suggest holding off and seeing what kind of deals they release, when I was there it was like a day or two before. However, if Lani really is that much better than Kea, you might need to check it out because that means it must be absolutely incredible.

Oh and Robbo I got a good laugh on the Asian tourist thing. Asians sure get ripped on a lot on this forum - lol.

[caller]

See the picture of Hapuna when I was there last September.

Green and fairway were nice and I actually liked the layouts and views.

It is less expensive than other courses and had tons of fun!

[eisen99]

Lived on the Big Island for three years while in school and played my fair share of golf while out there. I can only second the suggestions above. All the resort courses are going to be in better shape than the publics and munis...that said Kea is probably the toughest from the back tees, followed by Hapuna. Lani is probably in the best shape....all should have just about impeccable practice areas as well and plenty of picture OP's along the way. Don't discount the Waikoloa courses either...they are fun and to this day I insist that the toughest round I ever played was on the Kings course....the trade winds were blowing at a solid 45mph that day and we couldn't even put the flags back in the holes due to damage to the cups it would have caused. Waimea is actually one of my favorite on the Island...it's a fun course and the rates were just right. If you go to the other side of the island then I would recommend Volcano Golf Club if it is still around....I had lots of fun times and cheapest golf I've ever played at $10 per month as a student at the Hilo Muni good times but not a course I would necessary recommend playing.