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Kailua-Kona is a seaside town on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a popular spot in Hawaii because of its weather, its coastline, and its food. Kailua-Kona has a lot to offer the Big Island visitor. The following is a list of the must-see sights in the Kailua-Kona area of the Big Island of Hawaii.
In downtown Kailua-Kona you will find King Kamehameha the Greats' personal temple, called 'Ahu'ena Heiau. This is where the great king settled down to live his final days. It is a historic site to say the least and a must-see on your visit to Kailua-Kona. As a bonus, right in front of King Kamehameha's temple is one of the best beaches on the island, Kamakahonu Beach. This is a great beach for snorkeling and kayaking.
Not too far away lies the Hulihe’e Palace, built in 1838 it was used as a vacation home for visiting royalty. It is now a museum featuring a collection of koa furniture and photos of Hawaiian royalty. The museum tour guides are very knowledgeable, providing a rich account of Hawaiian history, making this one of the must-see sights in Kailua-Kona. Admission is only $5.
South of Kailua-Kona you will find the Hikiau Heiau, a temple where human sacrifices were made. It is a stone structure on the south end of Kealakekua Bay. This is where the famous Captain Cook was worshipped as the god Lono, the deity of fertility, agriculture and music. This is a very historic site in Hawaiian culture and one of the must-see sights in the Kailua-Kona area of the Big Island, although not for the weak-kneed.
Near Honaunau Bay, you'll find another one of Kailua-Kona's must-see sights, the Painted Church. It is formally called Saint Benedict's Catholic Church. It was built in the late 1800s. At the turn of the 20th century, Father John Velge made it his mission to paint frescoes on the inside walls and ceiling depicting Biblical stories. While age has taken its toll on this beloved church, it is worth a visit.
Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii has a lot to offer the traveler. From beautiful beaches, perfect weather to Hawaiian history and culture. Listed above are the must-see sights of the Kailua-Kona region of the Big Island of Hawaii.
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The Big Island of Hawaii is a beautiful place to live and a wonderful vacation spot. If relaxation is high on your list of priorities during your next Hawaiian vacation, you may want to pay a visit to one of the Big Island's day spas. Here are some of the top spas on the Big Island.
The Kohala Sports Club and Spa at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is located on the Kohala Coast. It provides an outstanding tropical atmosphere and a variety of services. The Kohala Sports Club and Spa offers acupuncture, aromatherapy, body scrubs, wraps and facials, and a fifty-minute massage. Their gym features free weights and weight-training equipment, as well as cardiovascular machines. Classes and programs include Pilates, Spinning, body sculpting, personal training, tai chi, yoga, fitness analysis, and step aerobics. You can enjoy a hair salon, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a steam room, and sauna. You can contact the Kohala Sports Club and Spa at the Hilton Waikoloa Village by calling 808-886-2828, or you can visit their web site at kohalapsa.com for more information.
The Mauna Lani Spa at the Mauni Lani Resort on the Kohala Coast comes most highly recommended. Those in the know call the spa a one-of-a-kind experience. The service at the Mauna Spa goes above and beyond. Great attention is paid to every detail. Additional services include aquatic therapy and baths, Botox, Restylane and scrubs. The Mauna Lani Spa also offers kickboxing classes, in addition to Pilates, Spinning, weight training, yoga, and aerobics. You can contact the Mauna Lani Spa by calling 808-885-6622, or you can pay a visit to their web site at maunalani.com for further details.
The Mandara Spa at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort is the newest top spa on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a two story facility overlooking the resort's main pool with an ocean view. Also located on the Kohala Coast, the Mandara Spa at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort can be found at 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive. They also offer a hair salon and a steam room. You can contact the Mandara Spa by calling 808-886-8191, or you can visit the spa's web site at mandaraspa.com.
Other top spas on the Big Island of Hawaii include the Kalona Salon and Spa at the Outrigger Keaauhou Beach Resort; the Ho'ola Spa at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay in Kailua-Kona; the Spa at Hualalai; the Spa Without Walls at the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii; and Mamalahoa Hot Tubs and Massage in Kealekekua.
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The Big Island of Hawaii has everything, from pristine rain forests to lava deserts, from snow-covered mountains to an active volcano, from amazing sunsets to world-class beaches. These are the best beaches near Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Spencer Beach Park is a nice white-sand beach protected by a reef south of Kawaihae Harbor. The sand slopes gently and is good for kids. Green sea turtles are often seen on the northwest side of the beach near the coral heads by the breakwater. This is also one of the island’s nicest camping beaches.
Mauna Kea Beach (Kaunaoa Beach) is a quarter-mile crescent of fine, white sand surrounded by shady trees and the finely manicured Mauna Kea resort. There is usually good body boarding and swimming here unless the surf is too big, in which case you should not go in the water. You can also see Mauna Kea Volcano from the beach if the sky is clear. This beach is also known for a night light that attracts plankton, which in turn attracts manta rays.
Hapuna Beach State Park is a golden crescent between Mauna Lani Resort and Mauna Kea Beach Resort. The sand slopes gently into the water and the water is clear if the surf isn’t too big. The south end of the beach is the most protected area. Kids love body boarding at this beach when the waves are moderate. This beach also won the Best Beach award from Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
Kikaua Point Beach is great for families and has a nice crescent of white sand surrounded by lava rocks and palm trees that provide plenty of shade. There is also a grass lawn for relaxing, and a shallow inlet area with calm water where kids like to play. Kikaua Point Beach is next to the Kukio Golf Course.
Maniniowali Beach is a lovely crescent of white-sand beach along Kua Bay. The water is very clear and the sand slopes gently. When the surf is not large this is one of Kona’s best swimming beaches. When the waves are moderate there is great body boarding here, and there are also restrooms and showers.
Makalawena Beach is one of the most scenic Big Island beaches. Fondly known as “Maks,” it is also a good beach for surfing and body boarding. The ¾-mile-long curving stretch of white sand also has rocky points and coves amidst three crescent-shaped beaches. There are also sand dunes, and keep an eye out for sea turtles! A freshwater pool just inland from the dunes is a nice place for rinsing off. Makalawena Beach is never crowded because it is a bit of a hike to get to. Plan on a twenty minute walk each way along a trail, or bring your 4 WD Jeep.
Wawaloli Beach on the Westside is a long and sandy beach fronted by a large tide pool that is a nice swimming area for kids when big waves prevent swimming in the sea. This beach has restrooms and showers as well as barbecue pits and picnic tables. There is also a nice view of Hualalai Volcano and the Kona Coast.
Aiopio Beach is protected by an offshore reef making it nice for kids who also like swimming in the tidal pools in the inlet. Sea turtles often feed on the limu (seaweed) here. This is a good snorkeling beach. is the brackish pool known as Queen’s Bath.
Kamakahonu Beach is located between Kailua Pier on Kailua Bay and King Kamehameha Hotel. Often called King Kam Beach, this white-sandy beach is good for kids and has plenty of shady areas. Outside of the cove there is a great snorkeling area. This is also a very historic area with the heiau (sacred place) nearby.
Hookena Beach is a good beach for young kids as there are tide pools that provide a fun place to swim. There is also good snorkeling at this beach and plenty of shady areas as well as restrooms and showers. Body boarders like the south end of this beach which is usually well visited on weekends. When the surf is big, however, this beach can be dangerous.
Green Sand Beach (Mahana Beach) is located near South Point and is known for its green sand which comes from olivine deposits from nearby Mauna Loa Volcano. The bottom of the beach is mostly sandy but there is no reef protection so the shore break and currents can be strong. This is not a good swimming beach for kids but is a great place to let them roam the shoreline searching for the treasured olivine jewels! Kids love surprises and exploring, and the search for a nugget can be fun!
Waipio Beach is a wonderful black sand beach in Waipio Valley, though not safe for swimming due to rip currents. The thrill here is just the trip down into the ancient valley on the extremely steep road (four-wheel-drive vehicle required) with 2,000-foot cliffs on either side. This is also a great Whale Watching beach from November to March when whales often pass by just beyond the valley.
Pawai Bay is a secluded location - most people reach this spot by joining a snorkel or dive charter. However, if you would like to venture yourself and avoid the crowded tour, you can either hike the short trail from the Old Kona Airport (north end of runway) to the small strand of trees surrounding a sandy beach. Or you can paddle approximately 1.5 miles (each way) by kayak from Kailua Bay. Either way, your trip will be rewarded by amazing under-sea life and beautiful above-water scenery.
Kahalu'u Beach Park is one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. Many of the tourist brochures and maps simply refer to this place as "Snorkel Beach or 5 mile". It’s fed by fresh water spring, up to 10 million gallons per day. These waters are almost always calm, with colorful corals, rock formations, and 100+ species of fish. Swim with huge schools of colorful fish and green sea turtles in these protected waters; don't forget your underwater camera! The north end of the beach is where the waves break and is best for body boarding and surfing.
Best Beaches of the Big Island |
| Most Beautiful |
Kua Bay Beach Park Hapuna State Beach Park Makalawena Beach Mauna Kea Beach |
| Best Snorkeling |
Kahaluu Beach Park Honaunau Place of Refuge |
| Best Shore Diving | Honaunau Place of Refuge |
| Best Beaches for Families |
Kahaluu Beach Park Spencer Beach Park Anaehoomalu Bay Beach Kikaua Point Beach |
| Observe Sea Turtles |
Kahaluu Beach Park Spencer Beach Park Anaehoomalu Bay Beach |
| Best Black Sand Beach | Punaluu Beach |
Although we want to enjoy the magnificent ocean, you must be mindful of the potential dangers that exist. Please look for the following sign along the main entries to the beach. The signs are posted at City and County beaches throughout the State of Hawaii.
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Visiting the Hawaii Islands is a dream many of us share. It is a popular destination for golfers, honeymooners, surfers and anyone looking for a relaxing tropical vacation. Whether you are camping beachside, staying with friends or kicking back at a condo, be sure to venture out across the island and see all that it has to offer.
The Town of Kona on the west side of the Big Island, Hawaii, has an international airport and is likely where you’ll start your Big Island adventure. Kona is a great town to stroll through, check out shops and take in the sea air scented by plumeria flowers.
If you are looking for a laid back spot for a cool beverage, try the Kona Brewing Company’s. It’s tucked away on a private lot near downtown, the restaurant and bar offers specialty beers and a great menu made with fresh local ingredients. The brew house has a 2,000 square foot lanai (patio) and a beautiful interior made with locally found materials including ohia wood and an enormous mahogany driftwood log.
Open markets or farmer’s markets are held regularly in Kona and are a great place to find local flavors and flowers. Pineapples on the Big Island are sweeter than anywhere else. You’ll also find tangy apple bananas, fresh mangos and avocados the size of grapefruit. Orchids, birds-of-paradise and plumeria are just some of the tropical flowers you’ll find for sale and some, like plumeria, are often packaged and certified for export. You can’t miss the delight of a hot malasada. Malasadas are sweet, fried dough treats that came to the Hawaii Islands with Portuguese immigrants and are now a favorite island snack. As you peruse the markets keep in mind that the farmers and artists appreciate the local art of “talking story”, sharing ideas, recipes and a glimpse into local life.
Kona is known for its coffee and throughout the adjacent hills you’ll find many places to buy and taste an assortment of tasty brews. Macadamia nuts on the Big Island are also a local treat unlike anything you’ll find on the mainland. In Kona, the nuts are twice the size of exports, 100% fresh and available in a multitude of varieties including chocolate covered.
The Kona-Kohola coast is a 40 mile stretch of lava flows, pristine beaches, sparkling bays and historical sites. Kealakekua Bay Historical Park is one of the famous Big Island spots along this route. The bay’s waters are nearly pristine and host to a wide array of marine life. The coast is bordered by a sheer cliff where lava tubes and ancient Hawaiian burial caves remain. On the bay’s lava flats are the ruins of the ancient village of Ka’awaloa and the Pacific lashes the lava in spectacular shows here. In addition to Hawaiian history, the bay is known as the site where British explorer Captain James Cook met his demise and a monument was erected by Cook’s crew near the site where he was killed. Snorkeling, diving and kayaking are all permitted here and dolphins often swim through the bay to rest from the open ocean.
Heading south from Kealakekua will bring you to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau or “Place of Refuge” a beautiful National Historic Park and one of the most serene locations on the Big Island. The park covers 182 acres and includes temple platforms and royal fishponds. It is one of the best places to learn about Hawaiian culture as the land holds a long cultural history and was home to several generations of Hawaiian chiefs. The bay adjacent to the park is open to the public and filled with green sea turtles, moray eels and a variety of tropical fish. Local boat clubs paddle canoes out from the shores and dolphins and sharks are frequent visitors.
Continuing south from Kona the island becomes less touristy and starts to reveal more natural beauty. Traveling along the Mamalahoa Highway you’ll pass through cooled lava flows and expansive pasture land filled with horses. The route will take you to the southernmost part of the island and another can’t miss spot, Green Sand Beach. To get to Green Sand Beach involves parking and hiking along the windy tip of the Big Island. As the sun gleams off the Pacific, it’s easy to imagine how ancient travelers launched their boats and rode the trades to distant lands.
Green Sand Beach is an extraordinary geological formation of olivine that shines green in the tropical sun. The small bay is approached from above through wind eroded lava and sand. The hike into Green Sand Beach gives a vantage into the blue green water where sea turtles float and surf alongside other travelers to crash against the olive shore.
The next stop around the island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in the world. The park covers 377 square miles of dynamic volcano landscape that attracts tourists, geologists and anyone with a sense of wonder. Inside the gates, the visitor can hike or drive around the amazing volcano landscape to witness cooled calderas or live lava flows. The park features an observatory where visitors can view the Kilauea Caldera from above and decide if they want to hike across the steaming cooled lava.
According to legend, Hawaii's Big Island is the home of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess. Over eons, Pele shaped and formed her new abode with red-hot lava to create her unique fortress. Early Hawaiians respected and honored Pele, and made offerings to please her or placate her wrath.
Today, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is the state's #1 visitor attraction. It was created to preserve the region's unique volcanic features, its early human history and the plant and animal life that is part of this special region. The park is 96 miles southeast of Kona, open year round, 24 hours a day. (For more in depth on the Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park see Travel Guide: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Natural beauty on the Big Island by the author).
Just north of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the town of Hilo. Hilo is an old sugar town and home to the Big Island’s largest collection of historic buildings dating back to the turn of the century. Located on the eastern slopes of Mauna Kea, Hilo is on the “wet” side of the Big Island and the town is filled with lush vegetation and waterfalls. Onomea Bay Drive is a great way to see the jungle, waterfalls, cliffs and old Hawaiian homes that make Hilo unique and the drive leads to Akaka Falls. Both Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls are located near Hilo, two must see spots. Along the waterfall’s bamboo, palms, orchids and philodendrons all grow wild, lush and colorful. The two falls are intertwined with legends of local gods, goddesses and demons so in addition to natural beauty they are famous to Hawaiian mythology.
If you are visiting the island around Easter time, put Hilo’s Merry Monarch Festival on your list of things to see. The festival is a week-long cultural event that celebrates the coronation of the last king of the Hawaiian Islands, David Kalakua. The event boasts a prestigious hula competition in memory of the “merrie monarch.” There are also many one of a kind shop in Hilo with antiques, local artwork and distinctive clothing. Hilo is also famous for its farmers market every Wednesday and Saturday filled with tropical fruits, flowers and unique treasure.
For some island style relaxation head to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach located just south of Hilo. This quiet beach is perfect to sit under coconut trees, watch Green Sea Turtles or the park’s freshwater fish pond. The beach is the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling and picnicking on all the goodies from the Hilo Farmers Market.
After Hilo’s hula, waterfalls, beaches and shopping it’s hard to imagine the Big Island could get any better. But it does. On the north coast is Waipi’o Valley, the Valley of Kings. Waipi’o Valley is a mile wide at its black sand beach coast and near six miles deep. Both sides are sharp cliffs almost 2000 feet high with cascading waterfalls including one of the most famous waterfalls Hi’ilawe.
The valley can be enjoyed from an overlook where its immensity can be taken in full. Or you can brave the 25% grade, brake-testing road down to the valley floor by car, foot or horseback. Once in the valley you might notice a few demolished car wrecks at the cliffs foot and give thanks for your safe arrival.
Waipi’o Valley, like Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, is a sacred place of refuge and was once home to many of Hawaii’s rulers. Waipi’o Valley has significant historical and cultural importance to the Hawaiian people. It was here that Kamehameha the Great was proclaimed future king by his war god Kukailimoku. It is also the site of many heiaus or temples including the most sacred Pakaalana. Ancient burial caves exist in the steep cliffs along the valley where many kings have their final resting place. The mana or divine power of the kings protects all those who live in the valley.
It was once the most fertile and productive places on the Big Island and today fields across its expansive floor still yield taro for poi, a staple starch food of the Hawaiian diet. Near the turn of the century, Waipi’o had a large settlement with churches, restaurants, schools, hotels, post office and jail. A tsunami in 1946 engulfed the valley and caused most of the settlement to relocate. Another flood in 1979 covered the valley in four feet of water. True to legend, no one actually died in either disaster. Today, about fifty people live in Waipi’o including fisherman and taro farmers who grow the crop in the delta of the winding Waipi’o River. It is possible for visitors to camp at the black sand beach for extended stays but a permit is required well in advance and reservations are hard to get without advanced planning.
From Waipi’o Valley it is time to head to the island’s interior and traverse the saddle created by the Big Island’s two large volcanoes, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. As you head south down the middle of the island you enter Parker Ranch, home to the Hawaiian cowboy or ka’aina o ka paniolo. Parker Ranch is one of the longest running ranches in existence and one of the most expansive covering 150,000 acres. The story behind the ranch is filled with a mix of cultures, royalty, love and cowboys. A drive through the ranch’s pastures will reveal long landscapes and sometimes awesome birds of prey. The Parker Ranch also has historic homes, a visitor center and museum and offers guided tours on horseback or ATV.
At mile 28 along Saddle Road it’s possible to wind up slopes of Mauna Kea to the 14,000 foot summit. Before you head up Mauna Kea keep in mind that the summit is high and dry. It’s arid but can experience severe weather, including snow storms. The altitude can bring on acute altitude sickness (headache, nausea, shortness or breath). Be hydrated, dress for severe weather, wear sunscreen and sunglasses and only attempt the steep switchback road in a well maintained four wheel drive vehicle. Mauna Kea is a very remote location with no public accommodations, food or gasoline.
Spending a little time at the visitor information station at 9,200 feet will help you acclimatize, that’s what the scientists and technicians do. Here you can learn about the volcano, the telescopes and the research. The Mauna Kea Observatories are used for private research and in general closed to the public. However, one telescope is mounted so that visitors may view sunspots and stellar spectra during the day. You can also view the Keck and the UH2.2m telescopes or borrow a high quality portable telescope to view the night sky. Star gazing programs are held every night from 6:00 – 10:00 PM and summit tours happen every Saturday afternoon. The summit offers view across an amazing volcano landscape and one of the best vantage points to see all of Mauna Loa, the long mountain.
After conquering Mauna Kea you can head back to the northern shores and continue around the island’s northernmost tip, past Upolu Point. Upolu Point offers views to the Big Island’s neighbor Maui and is home to two sacred sites. The first is Mo'okini Heiau, a sacred place of worship dated back to 480 A.C.E and the second is the birthplace of King Kamehameha I.
Heading south you begin to approach where you started, Kona Coast. From Upolu to Kona, the highway cuts through lava flows dotted with Hawaiian graffiti, white coral arrangements on black lava. Many resorts and golf courses line the shore here with impressive landscaped entries. About half way from Upolu Point to Kona is Hapuna Beach State Park, a beautiful white sand beach which also boasts a view of Maui. Kicking back on the soft sand of Hapuna or in the warm waters, you can look up at the 14,000 foot summit of Mauna Kea where you just stood.
As you approach Kona from the north, you’ve completed a journey around the entire Big Island, Hawaii. Now the only question is if you have time to do it all again.
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Planning Your Dream Wedding is Easier than You Might Think!
The Big Island of Hawaii, with its spectacular beaches and incredible sunsets, is an inviting place to tie the knot. Larger and yet less populated than the Island of Oahu, the Big Island provides a beautiful and tranquil setting for a loving couple’s dream wedding. The possibilities on the Big Island are endless, as you design the perfect ceremony, reception, and honeymoon. Here is what you should know about getting married on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Marriage license information
Getting a marriage license in the State of Hawaii is fairly simple. If you choose to have your wedding at a major resort or to hire an independent wedding planner, they will assist you in obtaining your marriage license. If you’re going to do it on your own, no worries.
Before couples say “I do,” they will need to apply for and receive a marriage license in Hawaii. It’s easy to do:
The Romance of the Lei
Nothing quite symbolizes the romance of Hawaii like the lei, and a wedding here without lei for the bride and groom is almost unthinkable. The long open-ended lei made from the fragrant, leafy maile vine are frequently worn at special occasions in Hawaii. These intertwined vines are a perfect symbol for a wedding. Often, the groom will wear just a maile lei, and the bride will wear a maile lei with a flower lei wrapped around it. Popular wedding flower lei include orchids, tuberoses, pikake and ilima. The bride and groom may also want to consider a head lei with interwoven flowers and greenery. Lei’s are also often provided to honor the various members of the wedding party.
While all of the major resorts offer wedding packages, they tend to be a pricey, even if you are staying at their hotel. So, you may want to consider using an independent wedding planner and staying at a condo!
Beach Weddings Hawaii offers ceremonies starting at $350 and value packages from $495 on up. They offer a number of unique packages to suit your needs and your budget. Licensed ministers perform unique and inspired services in incredible settings on the Big Island. Visit their comprehensive website at http://www.beachweddingshawaii.com/.
Kona Bride has been planning stress-free Big Island weddings for the past quarter century. They strive to make your Hawaii wedding perfect. Located, of course, in Kona, Kona Bride limits themselves to four to six weddings per month, so that they have the time necessary to devote to your wedding needs. You can choose from a number of fabulous Big Island settings and packages from $400 to $3,000. Check out Kona Bride’s website at http://www.konabride.com/.
Paradise Weddings Hawaii offers wedding packages “from the intimate to the outrageous.” They will work with you to design your dream wedding while staying within your budget. No wedding is too large or too small for Paradise Weddings Hawaii. Located in Waikoloa, they have a comprehensive price list and breakdown on their website at http://www.paradiseweddingshawaii.com/.
As you can plainly see, most of the planning involved in getting married on the Big Island of Hawaii can be done on the internet, or even be left in the hands of someone else. If you decide to go without the independent planner, you can still visit their websites to determine exactly what you will need to make your Big Island wedding unforgettable. Ministers, musicians, flower arrangements, photographers, accommodations, and ceremony locations can all be accomplished using a simple internet search. So, why settle for an ordinary wedding, when you can marry in Paradise?
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The Big Island offers the driest climate, particularly in the lava fields of South Kona where you will find some of the most beautiful resorts in the world. From the resort courses to the hidden gems, we've left no volcanic stone un-turned to give you the top 5 golf courses on the Big Island.
No. 1
Mauna Lani Resort (South Course)
The former home of the Senior Skins game, this challenging golf course is built around the natural beauty of when the lava flow hits the sea. There are mountain and ocean views in every direction, providing the visitor a full range of the Big Island experience along the South Kona Coast. Designed by Robin Nelson in 1981, the resort course is near Kamuela and is a favorite for those who can drive and putt for dough. The resort itself loves to pamper its guests, giving in to their every need. The biggest town, Kailua-Kona, is 30-something miles away, but does provide a nice coastal community to visit if you get cabin fever.
No. 2
Hualalai Golf Club
The Champions Tour doesn’t want to begin its season any place else, recently signing a new deal to keep the winners-only tournament in the lava rocks of the Kona Coast. This Jack Nicklaus-designed course can be had if the winds stay low, mainly because of the immaculate greens, the senior circuit calls, “the best on tour.” That’s a good thing, because if you can’t keep it in the fairway here, you are in the rocks and that’s basically unplayable. When calling it a day at the Five Diamond Four Seasons Resort, plan to be spoiled. This place is so secluded, singer Janet Jackson is one of the neighbors.
No. 3
Hapuna Golf Course
A decade ago, they called this Arnold Palmer-designed course one for the future. With the help of Ed Seay, Palmer did his best not to disturb the natural landscape in building a course that goes from the seashore to the mountain. At its peak, Hapuna rises 700 feet above the ocean, providing golfers some of the more spectacular views on the Big Island. Once done, the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel provides the necessary amenities with the Mauna Kea volcano as a backdrop. Being sensitive to the environment was Palmer’s goal, showing the way for many courses worldwide since to think green.
No. 4
Mauna Kea Beach Golf Course
Built in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this South Kohala Coast course is another gem in the lava rocks. There are 120 bunkers on this course that has dramatic differences in elevation. The panoramic views of the Pacific and nearby mountain ranges leave you staring in wonder as you take in the natural beauty of this young island. This is the first resort course on the Big Island and took some serious imagination to build 18 holes in a lava field. The Mauna Kea Resort is there to provide for the rest of your needs. The nearby beaches are among the most beautiful in the island chain.
No. 5
Waikoloa (Beach Course)
Another resort layout born in the lava fields of south Kona, this 1980 design by Robert Trent Jones Jr. boasts the most spectacular par 5 in Hawaii. The 12th hole provides an ocean view Bill Gates wouldn’t mind having. You can often see humpback whales breaching off the coast, and like many of the courses on this stretch of beach, there is plenty of history and mystique to go around. Once done, there’s shopping and eating galore at a modest mall located on the resort. Just to get one look at Anaechoomalu Bay during sunset is worth the price of admission.
