Our Favorite Resorts with the best GOLF

Comments: The Challenge at Manele Bay is my favorite course in the entire world. The course was in great condition when I played. The greens, tees and fairways were perfectly manicured. The greens are typical Hawaiian Bermuda which makes them a little slow to putt, but they were in great condition. On the front nine you get sweeping views of magnificent Hulopo'e Bay. The back nine is where I feel you get the true feel for Manele Bay. On most holes (I think every) you have ocean views. But on #12, #13 and #17 you play right along the 300 foot sea cliffs. # 12 is an awe inspiring hole that plays completely over the water to a green that looks like it is hovering over the ocean. #17 is the best/most beautiful/hardest hole I have ever played. You play over water twice and it's just a visually spectacular hole.

Do not miss playing this course if you are a golfer. And if you are not a golfer, definitely ride-along on the back nine as the views are spectacular. The Four Seasons allowed a free ride-along on the back nine which was nice. Just have the van bring your husband or wife over for the back nine; it is an experience you will not forget.

Comments: - Mauna Lani Resort has two beautiful 18-hole championship golf courses to meet all your golfing needs. The service at the course is first rate. Of the two courses, the South is the more famous with its dramatic holes over the ocean, but the North is also an awesome track. Both courses were in immaculate condition and the visuals are stunning as you wind through the ancient lava fields on a carpet of emerald green

The South Course, the more celebrated of the two courses at Mauna Lani, snakes through the stark, a'a lava fields and presents a demanding test of golf. Numbers 7 and 15 are amazing par 3's that utilize the Pacific Ocean on what can be intimidating tee shots. The course's signature hole is #15 and features a forced carry over the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean. This is definitely a hole where I brought out the camera as the views are amazing. Overall the course is an awesome experience and playing among the lava fields is a unique feature of Big Island golf. I love golf that utilizes the ocean whenever possible and Mauna Lani Golf course has two of the best holes in the world for this.

The North course, built on lava beds, is an interesting blend of ocean, lava and Kiawe (mesquite) trees that form a unique golf experience. While not as famous as the South with its par 3's over the ocean, the North Course is no less of a Big Island golf jewel. On this course I got different feels on different parts of the course. With the Kiawe trees, I felt an upcountry vibe and then the next two holes felt like a traditional Hawaiian course with its incredible ocean views. I loved the variety of that this golf course has to offer. Add the variety to the lush fairways and manicured greens and Mauna Lani North is a must play on the Big Island.

Comments: During your stay at the Fairmont Orchid you will have access to Mauna Lani Golf Resort's two beautiful 18-hole championship golf courses. Of the two courses, the South is the more famous with its dramatic holes over the ocean, but the North is also an awesome track. Both courses were in immaculate condition and the visuals are stunning as you wind through the ancient lava fields on a carpet of emerald green.

The South Course, the more celebrated of the two courses, snakes through the stark, a'a lava fields and presents a demanding test of golf. Numbers 7 and 15 are amazing par 3's that utilize the pacific ocean on what can be intimidating tee shots. The course's signature hole is #15 and features a forced carry over the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean. This is definitely a hole where I brought out the camera as the views are amazing. Overall the course is an awesome experience and playing among the lava fields is a unique feature of Big Island golf. I love golf that utilizes the ocean whenever possible and Mauna Lani Golf course has two of the best holes in the world for this.

The North course, built on lava beds, is an interesting blend of ocean, lava and Kiawe (mesquite) trees that form a unique golf experience. While not as famous as the South with its par 3's over the ocean, the North Course is no less of a Big Island golf jewel. On this course I got different feels on different parts of the course. Among the Kiawe trees, I felt an upcountry vibe and then the next two holes felt like a traditional Hawaiian course with its incredible ocean views. I loved the variety of that this golf course had to offer. Add the variety to the lush fairways and manicured greens and Mauna Lani North is a must play on the Big Island.

Comments: During our stay at Mauna Kea Resort, we had access to both Mauna Kea Golf Course and the Hapuna Golf Course (which is located next door at the sister Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel).

The Mauna Kea Golf Course is the more famous of the two courses and was designed by the celebrated golf architect Robert Trent Jones. The course was recently re-planted and some holes were modified without changing the essential character of the world famous design. For me, the course is defined by its signature hole, #3, a wonderful par 3 that plays across the crashing Pacific Ocean to a green that seems suspended over the water. It's a magnificent hole that is stunningly beautiful and one you will never forget (I won't after hitting in the ocean!). Hole #11 offers beautiful views of the Pacific and plays from an elevated tee to an oceanside green. Mauna Kea Golf Course is a demanding layout that is long and tough with many elevation changes. The course was in beautiful shape when I played and it was a special experience. Tough but fair, this course is one of the finest golf experiences in the Hawaiian Islands.

The Hapuna Golf Course was designed by Arnold Palmer and features lava dunes and native grass that gives it a links golf feel. You still have great views of the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean, but it definitely gives a different feel from many Hawaiian seaside courses. I would rate this course as more playable for the higher handicap player, but it is still a visually stunning course. Don't be afraid to give this course a try if you are looking for a little more forgiving course than Mauna Kea. The course was also in great shape with well maintained fairways, tees and rough and very true greens. Playing both courses will allow you to experience two different and distinct feels of Hawaiian golf.

Comments: While staying at the Hapuna Beach Resort, you have access to both the Hapuna Golf Course and Mauna Kea Golf Course which is located next door at the sister Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

The Hapuna Golf Course was designed by Arnold Palmer and features lava dunes and native grass that gives it a links golf feel. You still have great views of the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean, but it definitely gives a different feel from many Hawaiian seaside courses. I would rate this course as more playable for the higher handicap player, but it is still a visually stunning course. Don't be afraid to give this course a try if you are looking for a little more forgiving course than Mauna Kea. The course was also in great shape with well maintained fairways, tees and rough and very true greens. Playing both courses will allow you to experience two different and distinct feels of Hawaiian golf.

The Mauna Kea Golf Course is the more famous of the two courses and was designed by the celebrated golf architect Robert Trent Jones. For me, the course is defined by its signature hole, #3, a wonderful par 3 that plays across the crashing Pacific Ocean to a green that seems suspended over the water. It's a magnificent hole that is stunningly beautiful and one you will never forget (I won't after hitting in the ocean!). Hole #11 offers beautiful views of the Pacific and plays from an elevated tee to an oceanside green. Mauna Kea Golf Course is a demanding layout that is long and tough with many elevation changes. The course was in beautiful shape when I played and it was a special experience. Tough but fair, this course is one of the finest golf experiences in the Hawaiian Islands.

Comments: The Turtle Bay Resort features two world class golf courses to choose from on your vacation. The Fazio course is more open and the more forgiving of the two courses, while the Palmer course is a true championship course that will test even the finest golfers in the world. Both courses provide beautiful scenery and a great challenge. Make sure you plan enough time to play both of these spectacular courses.

The Palmer Course is the flagship of Turtle Bay golf and a truly exceptional course. When I played the course it was in immaculate condition. It is important that folks understand this is a stern examination of your golf game. A beast of a course, the Palmer is long, tight and difficult. You get it all here; tree-lined fairways, wetlands, lakes and amazing views of the coastline on the 17th hole. This diversity is one of the things that make this such a special course. Make sure you bring your "A" game as the magnificent Palmer course will test all aspects of your game.

While the Fazio Course is the more open and forgiving course of the two, this doesn't mean it is any less of an experience. The Fazio Course was in amazing shape when I played and features views of the coastline from several holes. If you are looking for a relaxing course that has all the beauty and scenery of Hawaii, be sure to give the Fazio course a try.

Comments: The course at Hualalai is immaculately manicured and well worth the price (it was $250 when I played). The course was not crowded (only resort guests allowed) and the staff were friendly and very accommodating. The fairways and tees were in perfect condition. Greens were typical Hawaiian Bermuda greens (a little slow, but very, very well maintained). The course is very playable and you can shoot a good score if you are hitting it well. Numbers 16, 17 and 18 play down to the ocean. #17 is Hualalai's signature hole and has stunning views that look across the contrast of emerald green grass and black lava rock to the dazzling blue Pacific Ocean. On # 18 before teeing off, be sure to look back towards the Pacific Ocean and take in the amazing views!

The experience was just first rate all the way around. The service on the course is exceptional. From complimentary drinks (non alcoholic) on the course to delicious cookies at the turn (watch out for the squirrels that will snag unattended cookies from your cart!) to the helpful attendants at the clubhouse, this was one of the best golf experiences ever. Just remember to slow down and take your time and enjoy every minute of your time on Hualalai Golf course. And remember to have a bite to eat at the Hualalai Grill above the clubhouse; the food is out of this world! You can enjoy a delicious lunch while overlooking the magnificent 18th hole. It really doesn't get better than the Four Seasons Hualalai!!!

Comments: If you love to golf, then you are going to love Maui. There are two courses at Ka'anapali (and very close to the Sheraton Maui) that are very good, with the Royal Ka'anapali (a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design) being the strongest. You also have Kapalua (2 courses), Wailea (3 courses), Makena (2 courses) as well as many other local courses. They are all excellent courses with styles and degrees of difficulty to fit any players' game. I will give you my thoughts on Ka'anapali, Kapalua and Wailea.

Kapalua - We were going to play the Plantation Course (home of the PGA Tour) but the greens had just been aerated so we decided against playing this course. The course looks magnificent and it was very tempting to play, even with the recent maintenance. It's a stunning course situated above Kapalua Bay with unrivaled views. Definitely worth the price. We played the Bay Course which was a good course. There were two holes by the water, so you got the beachfront golf course feel. It was a good course and I would recommend it.

Wailea - There are 3 courses: the Blue, Emerald and the Gold and I obsessed about which to play. The Blue is the oldest and I heard it was good for higher handicappers. The Emerald is supposed to be designed for fun, while still being a test. The Gold is a stern, Championship test. I chose the Gold. It was in excellent condition and was very tough. But I was playing with other folks who were more like high 90's players, and I think the Emerald would have been a better course. If you are a very good player, the Gold is a great course. But there are deep bunkers around the greens which can make it very difficult for a high to medium handicapper. Don't be afraid to choose the Emerald even if you want a special experience. The course looked in immaculate condition and the layout looked plenty challenging.

Ka'anapali - We choose not to play here (not enough time), but I did walk several of the holes. The courses were in very good condition. Not as dramatic as Kapalua or Wailea, but still very good. It's located right at the resorts, so that is a plus. Looks like another good option, well maintained and very playable.

Maui has many, many great courses. If you are looking for a wide variety of courses to play, I think Maui is your best option. The Big Island is another great option, but for sheer variety of courses, Maui is hard to beat. The concierge at the Sheraton Maui can get you set up on any course you want to play. If you want to play some of the finest courses in the world on your luxury tropical vacation, look no further than Maui and the Sheraton Maui Resort!