Makalei Golf Club

The Makalei  Golf Club is a mountain course built on a plateau on the slopes of the Hualalai volcano about 8 miles up highway 190 from Kailua-Kona.  I said up and that's just what it is... up.  Located between 1,950 feet and 2,850 feet in elevation makes for pleasant weather on most days.  It is a good idea to bring a light jacket along though because even in the summertime the upper part of the course can get a bit chilly.  Basically you play uphill for half the course and then downhill for the finish.  Carts are most welcome!

(Page from www.makalei.com used without permission)

I don't play golf, but I was able to convince a friend to play a round with my son, who just loves the game.  For him to be able to say he played in Hawaii was worth the green fees.  Which, by the way, was not all that bad because between getting the Kamaaina discount and them letting them play an afternoon round at only the cart rental, the day was far cheaper than, well say, parasailing or a snorkeling cruise.
	Here is my son Stephen ready (and posing) for his second shot on a par four.  After watching their play, I think it might should have been a par 8.  Not saying anything more.
Talk about a hazard!  Even Tiger would have to take a drop!  Not many courses will have a lava tube as a hazard.
There were several peacocks that just wander about the course.  The one on the right had his tail feathers spread for us.
Many of the holes on the back nine have the tee several hundred feet above the greens.  Drives all look like a professional hit them!  Easy to overshoot the greens though.
Directions and Address From the www.makalei.com website: 72-3890 Hawaii Belt Road - Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 From the Kona International Airport Take a right out of the Kona International Airport on to HWY 19 Then take your next Left on to Kaiminani Drive Head straight up the hill about 7 miles until you reach HWY 190 Take a left on to HWY 190, travel about 2 miles and Makalei will be located on your right Approximate travel time -- 20 minutes
Posted by Richard Binckley at 4/14/2006 5:08 PM | View Comments | Add Comment |