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Makani Golf Club - Deep Research Report

Deep Research Report

Last updated: April 23, 2026

What it is

Makani Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course located approximately 15 minutes north of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Formerly known as Big Island Country Club, it was redesigned and reopened in 2018 with new greens, bunkers, and tee boxes. The course features panoramic ocean views and elevation changes, set within a natural Hawaiian landscape that includes native trees and vegetation. It is known for its challenging layout, designed by Perry Dye.

Visitor experience

Travelers choose Makani Golf Club for its scenic beauty, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding volcanic terrain. The course is designed to provide a challenging round for golfers of varying skill levels, with a layout that incorporates the natural contours of the land. It's often highlighted for its well-maintained conditions and fast greens. A full round of golf at Makani Golf Club typically offers a half-day or anchor activity experience. Visitors can expect a pro shop and a snack bar/restaurant on-site.

Logistics

Makani Golf Club is situated at 71-1420 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, easily accessible from Kailua-Kona. Tee times can be booked online via their website or by phone. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak visitor seasons. Green fees vary, and information regarding rates, including potential kama'aina (local resident) discounts, is available on their official website. Cart rentals are typically included with green fees. The average duration for a round of 18 holes is about 4 to 5 hours. Parking is available on-site.

Safety and cautions

As with any outdoor activity in Hawaii, golfers should be prepared for varying weather conditions, including sun, wind, and occasional rain. Hydration is important, especially when playing during the warmer parts of the day. There are no specific land-management or cultural caveats beyond general respect for the natural environment and adherence to golf course rules. Golfers should be mindful of wildlife, such as nene (Hawaiian geese), which may be present on the course.

Editorial take

Makani Golf Club is a strong choice for avid golfers seeking a scenic and challenging course experience on the Big Island. Its location just north of Kailua-Kona makes it convenient for those staying in the Kona area. It is best prioritized by travelers who want to dedicate a significant portion of their day to golf. Travelers not interested in golf, or those on a very tight schedule, might consider skipping it. It should not be confused with other golf courses in the wider Kona or Kohala regions, each of which offers distinct characteristics and price points. Its former name, Big Island Country Club, may still be mentioned in older guides, but the current name is Makani Golf Club.

Source notes

What it is

Makani Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course located approximately 15 minutes north of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Originally opened in 1997 as Big Island Country Club, the course was designed by Perry Dye. It features panoramic ocean views, dramatic elevation changes, and a layout that integrates natural Hawaiian landscapes, including native trees and plants. The course is known for its challenging yet fair design, with water in play on nine of the 18 holes and a particularly memorable 17th hole featuring an island green.

Visitor experience

Travelers choose Makani Golf Club for its combination of scenic beauty and a challenging golf experience at a more accessible price point compared to some resort courses. It offers sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains. The course is designed to be enjoyable for golfers of various skill levels, offering five sets of tee boxes. Visitors often praise the course conditions, including the bent grass greens and Bermuda grass fairways. Amenities include a fully-equipped pro shop for purchasing gear or renting clubs, a driving range, putting greens, and a snack bar. Encounters with wildlife, such as the nene (Hawaiian goose), add to the natural experience.

Logistics

Makani Golf Club is located at 71-1420 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, about a 30-minute drive from Kona and its airport. Tee times can be reserved online via their website or by calling the golf shop. Advance reservations are recommended. Green fees vary, with visitor rates for morning and afternoon play, and special twilight rates available after 2 PM, though 18 holes are not guaranteed with twilight play. Golf cart rentals are typically included, and carts are generally shared by two golfers. Club rentals are also available. The driving range is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, closing at 12 PM on Mondays for maintenance. Proper golf attire is required, meaning collared shirts, slacks or golf shorts for gentlemen, and dresses, collared shirts with skirts, slacks, or mid-length golf shorts for ladies, with no denim or swimsuits permitted. Softspikes or spikeless shoes are required. A round of 18 holes typically takes a half-day or more, making it an anchor activity.

Safety and cautions

Golfers should be prepared for sun exposure, wind, and potential rain, as weather conditions can vary. Hydration is important. The course is at an elevation of approximately 2,000 to 2,300 feet, which can offer cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes. Wildlife, such as nene, may be present on the course, so awareness is advised. There are no specific land-management or cultural caveats beyond typical golf course etiquette and respect for the natural environment. The minimum age for a golfer or rider is 8 years old.

Editorial take

Makani Golf Club is an excellent choice for golfers visiting the Big Island who appreciate a well-maintained, challenging course with stunning views at a good value. Its location near Kailua-Kona makes it easily accessible for many travelers. It's particularly suited for those looking for a golf experience that emphasizes strategic play amidst natural Hawaiian scenery, rather than a resort-style luxury course. Travelers primarily seeking oceanfront golf might consider other options, though Makani offers panoramic ocean views from its elevated position. Those on a very tight schedule or uninterested in a full round of golf may opt to skip it. The course was formerly known as Big Island Country Club, so visitors should be aware of this historical name to avoid confusion.

Source notes

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