Hawaii has long been hailed as the tropical destination of choice for thousands of vacationers each year. However, a truly spectacular golf experience can be had among the atypical Hawaiian topography of the Kohala Coast region of the Big Island, where black lava rocks are more prevalent than run-of-the-mill island vegetation. Unlike the descent onto Oahu or Maui, golfers landing at the Kona International Airport, just south of the Kohala Coast, are greeted by surf crashing against centuries-old lava rock.
Near the center of the resort district, north along the coast from the airport, The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows boasts exquisite accommodations with a refreshing open-air ambiance. In addition to a spa and fitness operation, Mauna Lani is also home to two Francis H. I`i Brown layouts that meander through bouquets of black rock and mingle with the Pacific. The North and South Courses set themselves apart from the island golf genre by featuring classically-inspired course design. The epitome of what the two tracks are about becomes apparent at the South Course’s par-3 15th hole, which plays over a crescent-shaped inlet of sea water. The only accessory guarding daring golf balls from plunging into the Pacific is a lava-lined bank and a flurry of greenside bunkers. Beginning with the 2009 PGA Tour season, Kaneohe-native Dean Wilson will provide the pro stamp of approval by representing the Mauna Lani and bearing the resort’s logo on his golf attire.
Southward along the coast is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, which seamlessly melds the contrasting elements of jagged rocks and lush greenery into a pleasant round for every handicap. Highlighting acres of black rock by way of a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, accessible by resort guests only, and a members-only Tom Weiskopf design, the golf at Hualalai is as elegant as the well-appointed resort rooms themselves. While wayward shots will get golfers into trouble, the central theme of the resort track rests on not penalizing golfers for playing the ball low. Likewise, the resort itself promotes a level of sophistication akin to the Four Seasons brand– no doubt, the ideal escape for the executive looking to veer away from the grindstone for some R and R.
