This is a little late but this course is not for everyone. I love it for the price and enjoyment, set up in the mountain and can be cooler than down in kona or Mauna lani. Lots of elevation changes ... Continue »

This is a little late but this course is not for everyone. I love it for the price and enjoyment, set up in the mountain and can be cooler than down in kona or Mauna lani. Lots of elevation changes and a lot of roll out into gathering areas, so accuracy is key. Bent grass greens that were really nice but I imagine are a challenge to keep that way. Really fun if you are looking to not spend $200 bucks and play the resorts but still very pretty and fun and well worth the drive and the spend.

Played this course on the 25th of November. Another really fun track off the main highway, above Kona and worth the drive. Small sign, so follow the directions closely because you can miss the turn.... Continue »

Played this course on the 25th of November. Another really fun track off the main highway, above Kona and worth the drive. Small sign, so follow the directions closely because you can miss the turn. Great people again working this course and had great interactions with all. Course is a little rougher than most but that is due to the jungle it is carved through. Tons of elevation change and I mean hundreds of feet, not 80. They are redoing things and the clubhouse is a trailer but looks like they are moving in the right direction. Greens were fun, told the were moving them to bent grass and the front was great but the back needed some work. Fairways great and rough was enough but the OB is everywhere. Great wildlife and bring a camera. Highly recommend

played 6/29 but had some internet issues so very late with this--used teeoff deal time for $46. Course is more up country in the hills and jungle very lush with pretty constant elevation changes. Pa... Continue »

played 6/29 but had some internet issues so very late with this--used teeoff deal time for $46. Course is more up country in the hills and jungle very lush with pretty constant elevation changes. Par 3s downhill nice visual with the entire green and hazards easy to see. Fairways mostly with good cover firm enough to give a little extra roll but really soft and cushiony providing good lies overall except that there are not many that are level being on all types of slopes. Primary rough was mercifully cut to 2-3 inches and left about 10 yards in width--beyond that 2 feet of Hawaiian gorse--but even the short rough could be penal depending on where the ball settled.
Traps looked ok by observation. tees level and in good shape. Greens smooth at medium speed with overall topography a major factor--holes with a lot of down hill slope leading to the green tended to continue the trend on the green.
Due to the hills gas carts are in use. Staff is very friendly easy gong and honest--someone from the group ahead of us had dropped a $100 bill at the starter who tracked down the careless and clumsy golfer to return his booty--no I am not talking about my self.
A very interesting layout scenic and cooler with less humidity and a real good value and test of skills.

I live part time in Kona, Hi. Locally there is the Kona Country Club and Makalei Golf. Up north 45 minutes, there's the Mauna Kea, Hapuna, etc., i.e. all the glitzy courses. The trouble is you need t... Continue »

I live part time in Kona, Hi. Locally there is the Kona Country Club and Makalei Golf. Up north 45 minutes, there's the Mauna Kea, Hapuna, etc., i.e. all the glitzy courses. The trouble is you need to check the wind when you play at those high end courses because you could be spending mucho bucks to get your cap, headcover and ball blown away. Makalei is a hidden gem. It's up mauka (mountain) and it does rain more than makai (ocean). But it is cooler so very comfortable to play. The course is very hilly so if you typically play army style, then bring hella balls to offer up to Pele, the volcano god. But take a bit off of your drive and keep it in the middle and you will enjoy a fun and challenging round in a beautiful setting amongst all the peacocks and gorgeous foliage. You have elevation changes, water carries, tight fairways, lava tubes, kodak moments and great greens too. Buy peacock food at the pro shop. They hang out at many of the tee boxes and are pretty tame. A much more reasonable green fee for a nice course without the multi-million dollar clubhouse or views.

As mentioned in a previous review, Makalei Golf Club is located inland on the Big Island in the Hualalai Mountains. Needless to say there is significant elevation change throughout the course. A ver... Continue »

As mentioned in a previous review, Makalei Golf Club is located inland on the Big Island in the Hualalai Mountains. Needless to say there is significant elevation change throughout the course. A very nice contrast to many of the courses lying close to the ocean. The rates here are significantly less than the bigger name courses on the island, but that doesn't mean you'll enjoy your round less. The conditions were very good and pace of play was excellent.

The day I played, I found an "all you can play" rate online. I played alone in a cart and finished 36 holes in 5 hours. I saw maybe 3 groups all day. If you're planning on playing a few rounds on the Big Island and are looking to change things up, Makalei should be on the top of your list. Great value, great fun and great views.

Makalei Golf Club Review
Big Island Hawaii Golf Course Reviews