Getting A Round on Lanai – Hawaii Island Golf Courses
Travelers searching for that quiet vacation, tropical paradise, and unbelievable golf need to look no further than the island of Lanai in Hawaii. Whether you are a scratch golfer or a family wishing to play a round together, this is a destination to make life-long memories.
The island of Lanai boast two 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole municipal course. The two championship resort courses, are as the saying goes, “the same….but different.” They are located and operated as part of the Four Seasons Lanai resorts.
The Challenge at Manele Bay
This Jack Nicklaus designed course is a par 72, 7039-5024 yard surfside gem. Located along Hulopoe Bay, you might see Humpback whales and spinner dolphins playing the bay as you address your shot. Each hole offers 180-degree ocean panoramas. Hole #12, 202 yard Par 3 is a “must photograph” hole. This is also the spot where Bill and Melinda gates were married. Guests of the Four Seasons Lanai Manele Bay can catch a short shuttle from the resort to the golf course.
Dress is standard golf attire for both men and women: collared shirt, slacks (no jeans), shorts (not more than 1″ above the knee). Metal spikes are not allowed.
Website: The Challenge at Manele Golf Course
The Experience at Koele
The Experience at Koele is completely different than her beachside sister and is a fantastic island golf course designed by Greg Norman. This mountainside course winds through old pineapple fields and mountain gorges. Bent grass greens and five sets of tees ranging from 5425 – 7014 yards allows for all levels of challenge. Hole #17 is a 444 yard Par 4 which plunges 250 feet to the fairway as part of the back nine that offers amazing views of Molikai and Maui.
Dress is standard golf attire for both men and women: collared shirt, slacks (no jeans), shorts (not more than 1″ above the knee). Metal spikes are not allowed.
Website: The Experience at Koele
Cavendish Golf Course
Looking for something that may not be found elsewhere in the US, or the world for that matter? Try your hand at CavendishGolf Course. This 9-hole, double tee box course is located adjacent to the Lodge at Koele and it’s FREE. It’s maintained by local residents and the funds for upkeep come from donations. You won’t find club rentals, pro shop, or cart rentals here. It was originally developed in 1947 for employees of Dole plantation. While the course may be free, it is suggested to leave a donation in the wooden donation box should you decide to enjoy the experience of this golf course.
Putting Around
The Lodge at Koele offers a fun amenity – an 18-hole par 51 executive putting course. This luxury version of putt-putt is just off the garden walk on the grounds of the lodge. Putters, golf balls, and score cards can be procured at the concierge desk of the Four Seasons Lanai Lodge at Koele.
Overall, the golf opportunities present on this island are phenomenal. If you arrive on the island of Lanai but didn’t think to bring your golf clubs, both resort courses offer full service amenities, including rental clubs. The rental clubs run around $70 but may end up costing you much more in the long run. The set I used was Callaway Diablos and I ended up ordering a few fairway woods to add to my personal set, once we arrived back to the mainland.
