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Big Island’s Best Golf Courses

February 18, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

Golf may not first come to mind when you think of Hawaii; however, you might be surprised to know that some of the most world-renowned golf courses are located here. There are 75 golf courses in Hawaii, 17 on the Big Island, and 11 of those are along the ever sunny Kohala Coast, within about 20 miles of each other, and surrounded by some of the most spectacular ocean views on the planet.

If you are a golfer staying in one of the Kohala Coast resorts (Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, Hapuna, or Mauna Kea), you may as well welcome yourself to a golfer’s paradise. Many courses here are created by famous golf course designers and present a lot of fun and challenges for professionals and beginners alike. This blog post features the best Kohala Coast golf courses for you to enjoy while on your Hawaiian vacation.

Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf

Waikoloa Beach Resort is situated in the heart of the Kohala Coast and boasts not one but three world-class golf courses. Home of “Hawaii’s Premiere 27-Hole Golf Experience,” Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf is comprised of the Beach Nine, Lakes Nine, and Kings’ Nine. It presents a unique opportunity for golfers to design their own golf experience.

Beach Nine
The Beach Nine is a must-play, featuring generous landing areas from the tee boxes and large greens surrounded by low-lipped bunkers to reward the social golfer. Skilled and avid players can be aggressive and be rewarded with multiple birdie opportunities. Hole #6 is the highlight of this loop. This par-five plays on an emerald ribbon of fairway between black lava fields down to the ocean then takes a hard dogleg-left to a putting surfaced ringed by swaying palm trees and backed by Pacific waves, creating one of the most beautiful and memorable holes in Hawaii.

Lakes Nine
The Lakes Nine winds its way through the heart of the resort, taking its name from the bodies of water that come into play on five of the nine holes. This classic resort-style layout, part of the original Beach Course built back in 1980, will not beat you up with length, but does require strategic shots to avoid lava and water trouble. The lava beds in this resort area created some natural elevation changes incorporated into the design. Hole #8 is a fun and scenic par-three hole with water carry to reach the receptive green and a towering wall of lava as a backdrop.

Kings’ Nine
The Kings’ Nine provides an entirely different playing experience. A Scottish links-style layout, the Kings’ Nine features wide fairways and broader views of Mauna Kea in the background. Native grasses and pot bunkers add a degree of drama and strategy to shot-making. The signature hole on this loop is #5, a risk/reward par-four of only 277 yards. Better players might consider going for the green, but trouble lurks left and short in the form of a fairway-long sand bunker and massive lava boulders – a truly memorable hole on a truly great course.

Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf Course Lakes Nine

Many of our vacation rental properties are located in Waikoloa Beach Resort, right on the above-mentioned golf courses! Fantastic golf course views, perfect location, special discounts, and quality accommodations will contribute to every golfer’s dream vacation. Browse our vacation rentals for details.

Mauna Kea Golf Course

Located along the rugged coast of Mauna Kea Resort, this historic award-winning, 18-hole championship golf course has set the standard for Hawaii golf for generations. Created in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones Sr. on what was once a barren black lava field, today’s lush fairways tumble across seaside cliffs with unfolding ocean and coastal views. Elevated, undulating greens and prevailing coastal winds demand accuracy, while an epic over-the-ocean 3rd hole guarantees an unforgettable day of play.

Modern improvements to Mauna Kea Golf Course by the original designer’s son, Rees Jones, have kept the original character intact while opening up challenging, memorable play on the Big Island of Hawaii to all player levels.

Learn more about the course and booking tee times here if you are up to the challenge.

Hapuna Golf Course

The Hapuna Golf Course is a stunning 18-hole oceanfront course that is a part of the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, which also happens to be a part of Mauna Kea Resort. The course was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay and opened to the public in 1992. It has a total yardage of 6,875, a slope rating of 136, and a USPGA rating of 73.3. The signature holes on this stunning course are the 3rd, 9th, and 18th holes.

The Hapuna Golf Course has a driving range, putting greens, and practice bunkers for you to sharpen your strokes before you start on your first official round. There are also locker rooms and shower facilities for your convenience and a full-service pro shop that supplies everything you need for your first round of golf. The pro shop stocks golf clubs, shoes, and other memorabilia. The Hapuna Course also allows public guests to play on the course. The course hosts several tournaments and is regarded as Hawaii’s best-kept secret.

Mauna Lani Golf Course

Mauna Lani Resort is located in-between Waikoloa Beach and Hapuna resorts and, you guessed it, has two beautiful golf courses with breathtaking ocean views.

The South Course is an iconic championship ocean course that has challenged golf legends including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Lee Trevino. It snakes through the stark, rugged a’a lava of the prehistoric Kaniku lava flow. This challenging 18 hole course offers the golfer a panorama of mountain and ocean views. It is also home to No. 15, one of the world’s most photographed over-the-water golf course holes. In addition, it was the host venue for the annual Senior Skins Game from 1990 – 2000.

The North Course offers a quintessential Hawaiian golf experience characterized by rolling terrain, lava rock, and Kiawe forests. A 230-acre protected archaeological district lies on the northern boundary of the golf course. No.17, a par three tucked into a natural lava amphitheater, is the resort’s signature hole and a favorite “I was here” photo spot. This course has become one of the most popular tournament venues on the Island.

Golfers at Hapuna Golf Course

The best thing is that all of these golf courses are located within just a few minutes’ ride from each other, so you can try most of them, if not all, during a single trip! So enjoy time together with family and friends, making fun memories, getting out in the Hawaiian sunshine, and taking in some of the most beautiful scenery nature can offer. Let time escape you as you golf across Big Island’s best golf courses with those you care about.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Do You Want to Own a Second Home or Vacation Rental in Hawaii? Here is Your Opportunity

October 1, 2021/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Homes For Sale, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

There is something about Hawaii that keeps you want to come back again and again once you visit it. If you ever vacationed here, on the islands, you know the feeling. Maybe it’s the smell of the air, saturated with flower scent, superb tropical climate, or a sense of peace and tranquility that people find here. Nowadays, many of us crave just that – to get away from the chaos of the pandemic and enjoy some peaceful time in the safety of a tropical paradise.

If that thought crossed your mind, you are not alone. More and more people seriously consider this choice and are doing it, too. But where would you go? Which Island would you choose to find that perfect spot? For many of us, living here for years, the choice is simple – The Big Island. With its low population and safe environment, the Island of Hawaii delivers not only peace of mind but also high-end accommodations, beautiful resorts and beaches, and plenty of shopping, dining, and activity options. Perhaps that is why out of the ten most expensive properties in Hawaii, nine are located on this Island. But it is not only reserved for the rich and famous. There are plenty of locations on Big Island where you can find your own piece of paradise.

One such place is Waikoloa Beach Resort, located at the heart of the Kohala Coast. It is one of the best places to live on the Island due to its microclimate and central location. Compared to other parts of Hawaii, It only rains here a few days out of the year, yet the whole Resort looks like a vibrant tropical garden. Lush vegetation wraps around luxury condos, hotels, and multiple sidewalks, asking you to take a stroll to one of the Resort’s shopping centers, Queens Marketplace, or King’s Shops. You can enjoy dinner and local rum tastings at Kuleana Rum Shack or an award-winning Asian fare at Sansei Seafood, Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. Take in the sunset while sharing pupu (appetizers) and tropical cocktails at Lava Lava Beach Club, or discover the Island’s rich history while feasting at a lū’au.

The Resort is also home to Hawai’i’s Best Golf Value – the Beach Course and Kings’ Course. Each course presents different challenges, yet neither fails to provide a rewarding and fun golf experience that beckons each golfer to return.

Not into golf? No problem. The Resort offers plenty of entertainment choices and events to keep you busy. Enjoy a movie at the Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas, or attend a show at one of the shopping centers or Marriott or Hilton Waikoloa Village hotels.

Walk the ancient Ala Kahakai pathway that runs along the coastline and through Waikoloa Beach Resort, or explore unique Anchialine Ponds, home to the’ ōpae’ ula, tiny red shrimp found only in Hawaii.

And, finally, take a walk to the beach!’ Anaeho’omalu (or A-Bay) is the Hawaiian name of the bay and beach neighboring Waikoloa Beach Resort. A long granular salt & pepper sandy beach is a popular, picturesque place for visitors and locals alike with plenty of fun water activities to enjoy, like swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and more. You can walk south to wild secluded beaches and contemplate the vastness of the ocean or watch the sunset and relax along the shady shore.

Anaeho'omalu Beach

As the day draws to an end and the sun sinks into the ocean, enjoy the barbecue on your lanai with your friends and loved ones, and with happiness and quiet satisfaction in your heart, drift off into sleep to wake up to the adventure of a new day.

Does that lifestyle sound like something that you could live? If so, make your move fast.

With the demand for properties outpacing supply and more people from the mainland (continental US) wanting to move to Hawaii, prices won’t stay at this level for long, and fewer properties will be available.

Kohala Coast Properties offers you the opportunity to get your own piece of paradise. Our featured property below is located at the center of Waikoloa Beach Resort and will let you experience the island living at its best. This luxurious top-of-the-line golf vacation home is now offered for sale, and it will go fast.

Waikoloa Beach Villas pool

The location is the best in the Resort. Away from it all and central to everywhere! This property is situated in the Waikoloa Beach Villas gated community, right on the Waikoloa Beach Golf course providing spectacular views. It is a spacious and secluded two-bedroom two-bath villa, completely turnkey furnished. It is also an active and successful vacation rental with a short-term vacation rental certificate that will be conveyed to the new Owner.

And if you want this property as a second home, we offer a profitable, carefully administered property management service to take care of your investment when you are away.

For more information about the property features and location, click here. If you are interested in price and listing info, click here.

Rare Opportunity: Waikoloa Beach Villas G2 – GOLFER’S PARADISE HALE! – For Sale Now

The fabulous Waikoloa Beach Resort; anyone who has been there knows the great updated construction, 2 swimming pools with spas, workout room. BBQs, and super easy across the street walk to restaurants, movies, shopping, exercise, entertainment, and just a nice walk to the beach. The location is the best in the Resort, you can bike, swim, hike or just relax because it’s all taken care of. There is beautiful landscaping and views wherever you look. This property is privately located within the resort. It’s located right on the Waikoloa Beach Golf course providing spectacular views. It is a spacious 2 bedroom 2 bath villa, completely turnkey furnished, and is an active and successful vacation rental with a short-term vacation rental certificate that will be conveyed to the new Owner. View the property here.

Ready to live your dream? Contact Alice Hughes at 808-989-1905 or alice@alicehughes.com to schedule a virtual or in-person tour and get your own piece of paradise.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Images courtesy of LoveBigIsland.com, Hapuna Golf Course, Brown’s Beach House, Kona Coffee Festival, Inoptia.

6 Reasons to Visit the Big Island in the Fall

September 17, 2021/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

People usually like to visit Hawaii when the weather is lousy elsewhere, particularly in the winter months. But experienced travelers know that the best time to come here is in the Fall, September, and October. This period is called shoulder season in Hawaii, which is the time of year between peak and off-seasons. Why is it so attractive to visit Hawaii in the Fall? Let’s explore below.

1. Fewer Crowds

Big Island’s shoulder season is a sweet spot between summer family vacation time and the winter peak season starting in November. Back to school time here means a lot fewer people on the beaches, in the parks, restaurants, and on the roads. You can explore the island’s sites in near solitude and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and nearby vistas that are gorgeous year-round.

2. Better weather

Hawaii’s summer weather generally lasts through October. Yet, in September and October, it is not as hot as in July and August, and it can be the perfect time to take advantage of beautiful beach days without the crowds. Although the rainy season can begin near the end of October, South Kohala is notoriously dry, averaging only 10-12 inches of rain per year. Typically, the ocean is a bit calmer in the Fall, meaning smaller waves – great for swimming and an easier introduction to surfing and other water sports.

3. Lower Prices

In Hawaii’s shoulder season, decreased demand and fewer visitors typically mean lower accommodations prices, but all the attractions, entertainment, and restaurants are still open and ready for your enjoyment. Airfare from the mainland to Hawaii is also typically more affordable in September and October, while rates start to rise in November.

4. Fun Events and Activities

With the summer family tourists gone, you can experience the island’s sights and activities without fighting off crowds. Fall is the time for some of the best events taking place on the Big Island. Even though the usual October Ironman Championship was rescheduled until February of the following year, there are still many things to do and see. Here are some events worth participating in:

Big Island Chocolate Festival

October 15, 2021, 9 am – October 16, 2021, 12 am

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Big Island Chocolate Festival includes farm seminars for local cacao growers and cacao tours to learn about cacao growing and local chocolate. As well as chef demonstrations with tastings and a gala featuring 25-chef booths with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. More detail on their website.

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival – Pele & Poliahu

October 01, 2021 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

This grand tasting event brings you a contrast of flavors and tastes. Executive chef Peter Abarcar shares his expertise in local fare and teams up with seven celebrated chefs from across the U.S. to bring you a mouth-watering harmony of fire-roasted bites hot off the grill served alongside a raw bar on ice and refreshingly cool sips. For more details, visit their website.

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival – Cuisines of the Sun

October 02, 2021 5:00pm – 9:30pm

Canoe House at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Curated by HFWF co-founder and pioneering chef Alan Wong, this five-course dinner is an unparalleled display of gastronomic diversity and excellence. Wong is joined by Canoe House’s executive chef Matt Raso and renowned California chefs Raphael Lunetta and Celestino Drago. With a solid commitment to using sustainably sourced local ingredients, these culinary masters create an eclectic menu featuring dishes inspired by warm climates and destinations that stretch across the Equator. Find out more here.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (50th Annual)

November 04, 2021 – November 07, 2021 10:00am – 7:00pm

Kona, Hawaii

Excitement brewing as Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary. The 4-day Festival will bring the community together with in-person events that have their own charm. The Festival will also feature an online virtual format that will provide a broader reach and engaging program experiences.

Throughout the Festival, festival-goers celebrate the harvest as Kona coffee farms offer a firsthand look at growing this world-famous crop, the coffee art scene fills with inspiration, and music and dance enrich cultural exchanges. In addition, Kona coffee and food events offer tastings, and hands-on cultural events help tell the story of Kona’s rich coffee history. Find out more here.

5. Best Restaurants

Besides the unique food festivals, the Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for incredible seafood restaurants and delicious authentic Hawaiian dining experiences. While reservations book up early during summer and winter, Fall provides you the chance to experience some of the best restaurants on the Big Island without having to make reservations months in advance. A few of our favorite restaurants include:

Napua

Brown’s Beach House

Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar

Canoe House

Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill

6. Famous Big Island Golf Courses

The Kohala Coast is known for spectacular golf courses with lush green fairways rising above blue ocean water. Fall is a perfect time to enjoy a game of golf with no crowds or trade winds that can be intense during the wintertime. Some of the best-known courses in the area are Hapuna Golf Course, Mauna Lani Courses, and Waikoloa Beach Resort Courses. Many of our properties are located nearby or right on our stunning Big Island golf courses.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Images courtesy of LoveBigIsland.com, Hapuna Golf Course, Brown’s Beach House, Kona Coffee Festival, Inoptia.