Hawaii Big Island - Mauna Kea vs Mauna Lani

I am also curious about this. Also, how do they compare to the four seasons course Hualalai?

I’ve played Mauna Lani South and North. Both are beautiful resort courses. I thought South was a touch easier than North but that’s probably due to the wind situation on the days I played. The North was more memorable but was also the first course I played in Hawaii. Both were in great shape and what you’d expect at a nice 4/5 star resort.

For an avid golfer, I’d say both North and South are easy courses, set up for the individual to have a nice enjoyable experience.

Can’t speak for Mauna Kea

Norman course is on the island of Lani...great course to play 1 time! Big Island ...go fishing its one of the best places at this time of year!

I’ve played both. Mauna Lani was in better shape, well kept, with a nice mix of holes, but windy AF. Mauna Kea went up and down the mountain with mix of jungle and ocean. I felt it was somewhat tricked up and not as well maintained. More touristy at MK. Personally I prefer condition to design.

The FS course at Hualalai whips both the Maunas IMHO for conditioning.

As far Nanea, not played it, but heard great things. Try Thousand Greens, maybe you can hook up with a member willing to host you.

Thanks for the good feedback in here. I’m renting clubs, so Mauna Lani sounds like the best play for a fun, enjoyable round.

To the Oahu question, I haven’t played any courses close to Waikiki. The Sony Open course may be the closest, but it’s private. Royal Hawaiian and Kaneohe Klipper are about 30 minutes away. KO Olina is about 45 minutes.

Royal Hawaiian is basically in a jungle and unlike anything I’ve ever played. It’s not the best track and isn’t that well maintained, but it’s fun.

Kaneohe Klipper has a beautiful stretch on the water. It won’t blow you away, but it’s a decent course and it’s on a military base, so it’s dirt cheap.

Ko Olina is more of a resort course. It’s well maintained and has some beautiful holes. If you have family, you can possibly bring them along and let them go to one of the beach coves in Ko Olina. If you do the one by Aulani, your family can go wander around the hotel and get Mickey shaped shaved ice. There are also shops and restaurants nearby.

Turtle Bay may be my favorite course on Oahu, but it’s on the North Shore. I love everything about that resort. The whole family had a blast there.

I watched some flyovers and course vlog that made it clear, as other suggested in here, that Mauna Lani South is the play. I was worried it was getting hype for the Instagram shot on the 15th, but it looks like a fun track all around.

Mauna Kea seems like a poor man’s Kapalua Plantation that’s conditions are hit or miss.