Big Island Golf Course Guide

Mauna Lani Resort - North Course

Mauna Lani Resort North Course is an 18-hole Kohala Coast resort course with kiawe-lined fairways, lava terrain, ocean views and a signature par-3 17th hole.

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Mauna Lani Resort - North Course

Mauna Lani Resort - North Course, Big Island

The North Course at the Mauna Lani Resort is one of the resort’s two championship golf courses, the other being the South Course. While both courses are design masterpieces and present players with considerable challenge, each course is strikingly different from the other, both geographically and in terms of player experience. The kiawe trees lining the fairways of the North Course and the markedly different terrain make this course appear significantly dissimilar to the South. The North Course has rapidly become a hugely popular tournament venue on the Big

Island and is bordered on its northern side by a protected archaeological district of some 230 acres. Feral goats can be found roaming the length of the course during the day.

Built on a lava bed, the rolling terrain of the 18-hole, par-72 North Course is interspersed at various intervals by Kiawe (mesquite) forests that come into play at several holes. The course provides plenty challenge for players of all abilities. However, most holes have up to five different tee options, so this gives players plenty choice to counteract the course’s many challenges. North Course has its share of water hazards, with several adjoining the ocean. The course’s signature hole is the 140-yard 17th. This par-3 plays from an elevated tee downwards to a lava-surrounded green. Although the playing distance is short, it can be difficult to gauge because of the elevation. But this position does provide players with a good photo opportunity!

A comprehensive range of facilities awaits those who choose to use the North Course at Mauna Lani Resort. As well as golf carts and a club rental service, there are practice facilities with driving range and putting green. Lessons and clinics are available from the resort’s professionals for beginners and existing players in all aspects of the game. The pro shop offers a wide selection of golf-related merchandise, catering for almost every requirement. The Golf Clubhouse is the place to go for anyone in need of refreshments after a challenging round. Aside from the Clubhouse, Mauna Lani resort offers several dining options, with the CanoeHouse being the resort’s signature restaurant. The resort also caters for meetings, weddings, and just about every type of event.

Key Features

18-hole, par-72 resort course in the Mauna Lani area
Kiawe trees and lava terrain shape much of the routing
Several tee choices help golfers adjust the round by distance
Signature par-3 17th hole plays downhill toward a lava-framed green
North Course has a more parkland and lava-field character than the South Course
Ocean views appear from parts of the course and resort area
Practice facilities, rentals, lessons and clubhouse services may be available
The course borders a protected archaeological district
Feral goats may be seen around the course and nearby lava areas
Reserve tee times and confirm current rates before arriving

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the North Course have a different look from the South Course?

The North Course moves through kiawe groves and lava terrain, while the South Course is better known for its oceanfront holes. Playing both gives golfers two very different Mauna Lani layouts.

What is special about the 17th hole?

The 17th is a short par 3 played from an elevated tee toward a green framed by lava. The drop in elevation and dark lava around the green make club choice less simple than the yardage suggests.

What kind of landscape surrounds the course?

The North Course was built through dry Kohala terrain with lava rock, kiawe trees and open ocean views. The setting feels less like a flat resort course and more like a course shaped by the island's lava fields.

Why are goats sometimes mentioned with this course?

Feral goats are sometimes seen around the course and nearby lava areas. They are part of the dry-side Big Island setting, especially around open resort and lava-field landscapes.

How does the protected archaeological area affect the course setting?

The course borders a protected archaeological district, which adds to the sense that the round is passing through a historic Kohala landscape rather than a standard resort subdivision.