Mauna Kea Golf Course

Mauna Kea Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1964 on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii\'s Big Island — the course that launched the Hawaii resort golf era. Built as part of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel development by Laurance Rockefeller.

The iconic par-3 3rd hole over a Pacific Ocean cove is among the most photographed golf holes in the world. RTJ Jr. (the original designer\'s son) recently completed a major renovation updating fairways, greens, and bunkers while honoring his father\'s original vision.

Eight of the original greens were perched atop hills, well-fortified by bunkers, demanding aerial approaches — a signature RTJ Sr. defensive strategy.

A par-72 resort course playing through lava fields, Pacific Ocean coastline, and tropical vegetation on the Big Island\'s Kohala Coast. Coastal breezes are constant at 10-20 mph and significantly affect play.

The renovated layout features modern conditioning while preserving RTJ Sr.\'s dramatic hilltop greens fortified by bunkers. The lava rough is essentially out of play — keep it on maintained turf.

Resort guests at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel get preferred access and rates at $175-325.

On the iconic 3rd, play from the resort tees (179 yards) unless you have a reliable long-iron game in wind. The ocean cove is spectacular but the wind makes it treacherous from the tips.

Take extra clubs throughout — coastal breezes of 10-20 mph affect every shot. Morning tee times often offer calmer conditions.

Approach shots must be aerial — the hilltop greens are fortified by bunkers and reject ground-game approaches.

The lava is out of play. Keep it on the short grass and you\'ll score well.