Hualalai Golf Course

Hualalai Golf Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1996 at the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island\'s Kona Coast. The course hosts the PGA Champions Tour\'s Mitsubishi Electric Championship — the senior tour\'s season opener — every January.

Set within the dramatic lava fields of Ka\'upulehu, the layout traverses ancient volcanic flows with ocean views and tropical vegetation. The resort also features a second course (Ke\'olu by Tom Weiskopf) reserved for club members. The Nicklaus Course is accessible to Four Seasons resort guests.

Pristine five-star conditioning throughout. Lush green fairways create striking contrast against jet-black lava rock. The course winds from the coast inland through lava fields, then returns to the ocean for the closing stretch.

Lava replaces traditional rough — a ball hit into lava is essentially lost. Trade winds affect every shot. The Champions Tour event brings senior legends here every January.

Four Seasons resort guest access. Private for non-guests.

Bring extra golf balls — lava rough means any ball off the fairway is likely gone.

Trade winds affect ball flight significantly. Always account for the breeze in club selection.

Keep driver in the bag on tighter holes where lava borders both sides. Accuracy over distance throughout.

The closing stretch returns to the ocean — save your best for 17 and 18.