Golf

A major reason we return to Hawaii is the golf. Hawaii has some spectacular (and pretty expensive) golf courses available to tourists, and we tend to plan our vacation around golf as much as anything else. (But even the non-golfers can find plenty to do or laze on the beach while Dad golfs.)

Most resort courses offer special rates for visitors staying in hotels or condos at the resort, but tend to charge a whole lot for other visitors. If you're going to play more than a round or two of golf and either aren't staying at a resort, or want to play other courses, then I recommend getting a TeeTimes Hawaii card. I've used this myself the last several years. You pay up-front for the card, and then get better rates at most major courses in Hawaii. You can pay for the card with the first use. I also found that using the card was really easy - the courses knew about it, and knew what to do when you showed up - no questions or hassles. Their web site also offers a number of multi-day packages (usually with several courses in the same area), special rates, and other offerings that don't involve the card.

Big Island

• Mauna Kea (*****). Still rated as one of the top courses in Hawaii, this course was the first to be built on the Kohala Coast back in the mid-1960s when there was nothing but lava. Its a classic Robert Trent Jones course, where it seems you're always hitting up to a huge elevated green. The signature hole is the 3rd hole, a par 3 across an inlet that you've seen in numerous advertisements and articles.
• Hapuna (*****). Part of the Mauna Kea resort, Hapuna plays up and down the hills near the resort mauka (mountain-side) of the highway. This course emphasizes target golf, giving you interesting choices for many holes. Nice pro shop, clubhouse, and staff.
• Waikoloa Kings (*****). Links-style course in the Waikoloa resort. Pretty flat course, but with water and other hazards that come into play. Signature hole is a short, down-wind par 4 where the last 60-70 yards consists of lava and rocks.
• Mauna Lani (*****). Two courses - North and South. South course is gorgeous, with two par 3s alongside or across the ocean and holes surrounded by bare lava rock. North course has a different character with bushes and trees along the holes (as opposed to bare lava, except on the unique-looking par 3 17th). Both courses are great to play.
• Big Island Country Club (****). Fun upland course, with a nice variety of holes. Nene and other birds are common on the course.
• Waikoloa Beach (***). Resort course in the Waikoloa resort, with a couple of ocean-front holes. Too many condos too close to the course for me. If you're staying in Waikoloa, its a good deal, but otherwise I personally think there are better choices.
• Waikoloa Village (**). This course is in Waikoloa Village, about 6 miles up the mountain from the highway near the other Kohala resorts. Its an OK course, and a pretty good value for your money. Feels much more like a public course than a resort course, with a pretty basic clubhouse and pro shop. Only course I've seen that has a warning that they don't issue "wind checks".

Kauai

• Princeville Prince (*****). One of the best courses in Hawaii. Long, tough course, with lots of carry and precise shots required. Located on the north shore. Bring an umbrella.
• Kauai Lagoons (Kiele course) (*****). Another excellent course, with some spectacular holes along the water and across jungle. Located near the airport in Lihue.
• Puakea (****). Fairly new course in Lihue. First few holes aren't real impressive (first hole plays towards a Home Depot), but then you move into some very challenging and memorable holes.
• Poipu Bay (****). Excellent course, with a number of holes along the cliffs (though they don't really come into play). Site of the PGA Grand Slam. Located on the sourth shore.
• Princeville Makai (****). Actually 3 nines, located in the same resort as Princeville Prince. Another excellent course, but I found the Prince course more challenging and picturesque.
• Kauai Lagoons (Mokihana course) (***). A good course located alongside the Kiele course, but much easier to play with wide fairways and little danger to the side. Good place to play after you've been beaten up at Prince or Kiele.

Maui

• Kapalua Plantation (*****). Similar in many ways to the Prince course on Kauai. Long and hilly. Great views of the ocean throughout. Lots of greens tucked in next to the jungle, so demands accuracy. 18th hole (downhill and downwind) gives you a chance to hit a 300+ yard drive. Site of PGA Mercedes championship.
• Kapalua Village (****). A somewhat easier version of the Plantation course. Not quite as hilly (though there's an uphill par 3 in which it seems like the elevation exceeds the length). Very nice course.
• Wailea and Makena courses (****). Five courses in total, that are fun to play. But to be honest, I have trouble telling them apart or remembering anything specific about any of them. Good places to play, with nice views of the ocean and some nice ocean-side holes.
• Kapalua Bay (****). First of the Kapalua courses to be built, situated nearer the coast than the other two courses. Not quite as memorable as the other two, but nice to play.
• Kaanapali (***). Two courses in the Kaanapali resort. Nice courses, in an older "resort course" style with wide fairways. If you're staying at Kaanapali, worthwhile value, but better choices at Kapalua and Wailea.
• Elleair (**). Public course just mauka of Kihei. Good value, and some interesting holes. Played in once in 30 MPH winds, which made it extremely challenging!

Lanai

• Experience at Koele (*****). A unique and memorable course, up in the highlands of Lanai. One nine is links style and fairly flat; other nine plays up in the mountains, giving you a chance to see both sides of the island. The signature hole is a par 4 with a tee shot from about 100 feet above the fairway. Rarely busy, so you'll play very quickly.
• Challenge at Manele (*****). Down near the coast, this course winds back and forth along the side of a hill, with ocean views on every hole and a couple cliff-side holes. More difficult than Koele, but has a very different feel. Tends to be a bit busier than Koele, but still plays quickly.

Oahu

• Luana Hills (****). A gorgeous course on the windward side of the island, carved out of jungle.
• When in high school, I played a number of the public and military courses. But that was so long ago...