Shrines and Surf
Kohanaiki’s back nine plays among 13 Ahu, ancient Hawaiian rock shrines, set between shimmering anchialine ponds and the Pacific surf. This gives every round a powerful connection to the island’s natural and cultural history.
The verdict
Hawaii’s Most Exclusive Lava Links
Kohanaiki blends big-time ocean drama with the raw beauty of black lava fields and volcanic ponds, delivering one of Hawaii’s most luxurious private rounds. The course is rich with coastal strategy and elite conditioning, but it’s the sense of seclusion and drama that makes it unforgettable for any golfer lucky enough to land an invite.
Course DNA
Difficulty
77
Scenery91
Conditioning84
Shot Variety80
Walkability66
Green Complexity76
Wow Factor88
Design Quality82
Don't miss
Pause by the ancient Ahu rock shrines on the back nine for an unforgettable glimpse of Hawaiian history woven directly into the round.
At a glance
Quick facts
Oceanfront holes
Six stretch along the Pacific
Volcanic terrain
Routed through ancient black lava flows
Anchialine ponds
Course plays past 200 rare ponds
Cultural sites
13 Ahu (rock shrines) integrated into design
Clubhouse
Private, luxury clubhouse with ocean views
Longest hole
No. 12 is a 637-yard par five
Design philosophy
Site-sensitive, works with native terrain
The design
The architecture
Kohanaiki is a masterclass in site-sensitive, modern resort-caliber design by Rees Jones that showcases Hawaii’s volcanic drama and ocean beauty. Routed across ancient lava beds and past hundreds of tranquil anchialine ponds, the course uses native contours and strategic bunkering to force meaningful decisions, especially in the wind. Six holes run right along the Pacific, where changing breezes and lava frames add visual and strategic bite. The result is unique: a challenging, playable and highly memorable layout immersive in both nature and local culture.
Rees Jones blended the wild, rugged volcanic landscape with surfside beauty, letting ancient rock and coastal breezes shape both the routing and the challenge.
Defining features
- Routing through black lava rock and anchialine ponds
- Six oceanfront holes with Pacific vistas
- Integration of 13 ancient Hawaiian rock shrines (Ahu)
- Strategic bunkering and fairway angles
- Wind-dependent shot requirements
- Large, undulating greens with run-offs
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 5
Windswept Peninsula Par 3
PAR
3
YARDAGE
233
A demanding long par 3 exposed to the full force of the ocean winds, requiring a solid long-iron or hybrid to a green perched among lava and coastal views.
Play it smart
Club selection and ball flight are everything here—use the wind, aim center, and accept a two-putt as a victory.
Where it bites
Miss left or long and tough recovery awaits among lava flows or deep run-off; the wind can exaggerate every error.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approach from the lava-framed fairway on No. 3 (481-yard par 4).
Favor the wider, safer side and do not flirt with Lava on the right—the long second is tough, but bogey is better than playing from black rock.
Wind in your face on No. 5 (par 3, 233 yards).
Club up, trust trajectory, and resist over-swinging—your miss must end short, not deep or into lava.
Second shot on No. 8 (533-yard par 5).
If the wind is up and lava pinches, lay back for a perfect wedge in—birdie is nice, but bogey is costly.
Lay-up on the marathon No. 12 (par 5, 637 yards).
Identify your perfect third-shot distance and play to the widest part of the fairway—don’t get greedy.
Attacking back pins on No. 16 (225-yard par 3).
Aim middle-green and let the slopes do the work—the edges here punish even small mistakes.
Trying to save par in the lava after a miss.
If your lie is playable, take medicine and return to grass quickly; hero shots rarely end well here.
Final drive on No. 18, nerves up.
Favor safety and placement. With water left and lava right, fairway is everything for a strong finish.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Impeccable year-round greens and fairways, with rugged lava flows defining both challenge and beauty.
Vibe
Ultra-private, laid-back luxury with a sense of occasion—every round feels both exclusive and infused with aloha.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Pack for Wind and Sun
The Pacific trade winds and exposure demand ball-control—and extra sunscreen.
02
Work on Long-Iron Accuracy
With several 200+ yard par 3s and daunting second shots, precision with longer clubs is key.
03
Bring Short-Game Creativity
Recovery from tight lies and between lava rocks will test your imagination.
04
Mentally Prepare for Exclusivity
Savor the invite—this is a rare Hawaii golf experience few ever check off.
The lore
How it came to be
- 2008
Rees Jones designs the Kohanaiki routing while renovating Mauna Kea.
- 2013
Kohanaiki opens as Rees Jones original 18-hole championship course.
- 2026
Hosts Longboard Couple’s Member-Guest tournament.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Forged in Lava
A defining drama of Kohanaiki is its navigation of black lava flows—balls striking the native rock might bounce anywhere, and the routing challenges the golfer to balance ambition with control on every shot.
Delayed But Defined
Although designed in 2008, the course sat dormant through the financial crisis before opening in 2013—the result is a layout as patient and timeless as the volcanic landscape that surrounds it.
Exclusivity Redefined
As one of the most private courses in Hawaii, Kohanaiki’s tee sheet is reserved for members and their guests—adding to the mystique and rarity of a round on these storied lava shores.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Kohanaiki’s back nine is routed past 13 ancient Hawaiian rock shrines, giving every round authentic historical context.
2
The course crosses over and between hundreds of rare anchialine ponds—unique aquatic habitats formed in coastal lava flows.
3
Six holes are directly on the oceanfront, delivering dramatic surfside views and wind exposure.
4
The course sat five years, fully designed but not built, during the global financial crisis.
5
Stray shots striking black lava can take unpredictable bounces—sometimes backwards or straight into the Pacific!
Build the trip
If you’re making a Big Island golf pilgrimage…
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Mauna Kea Golf Course
Resort
Hawaii’s most storied public-access course; classic seaside drama and Rees Jones history.
Hualālai Golf Course
Resort
Tom Weiskopf design with postcard views, part of the Four Seasons Hualālai Resort.
Waikoloa Kings’ Course
Resort
Acclaimed public course with strategic inland holes and strong Big Island scenery.
Waikoloa Beach Course
Resort
Easier, fun-filled alternative with oceanfront holes and wide fairways—great for mixed groups.
Makani Golf Club
Public
Value-packed inland layout with mountain views and breezier elevation.
Kailua-Kona or the Keauhou resort area gives you direct coastal access and is convenient to Kohanaiki, Hualālai, and top resort golf.
Course DNA
If You Like Kohanaiki
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.8
Trump National Golf Club Charlotte
Mooresville, North CarolinaScenery
Why it matches: If Kohanaiki is your kind of course, Trump National Golf Club Charlotte is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience.
Strong DNA Match8.5
McLemore (The Highlands Course)
Rising Fawn, GeorgiaScenery
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. McLemore (The Highlands Course) shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Kohanaiki.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Wailea Golf Club (Gold Course)
Wailea, HawaiiScenery
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Wailea Golf Club (Gold Course) shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Kohanaiki.
Community Sentiment
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