Mauna Kea Golf Course on the Big Island: Better than ever after Rees Jones revamp
KOHALA COAST, Hawaii -- The original course on the Big Island of Hawaii, Mauna Kea Golf Course, is still one of, if not the, top layouts on the island.
This Robert Trent Jones Sr. gem was magnificently restored by son Rees Jones, preserving all the great views, strategy and challenge that the course had when it opened in 1964. The difference is that today, at more than 7,300 yards, it's 200 yards longer.
The bunkers are sharper, the sand is whiter and the Bermuda grasses have been updated with TifEagle on the greens. The iconic par-3 third, which plays as long as 270 yards, still beckons players just as did more than 40 years ago when The Big Three -- Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer -- tamed the third as well as the rest of the course.
Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 3
The signature par-3 third at Mauna Kea Golf Course on the Big Island can play as long as 270 yards.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 2
The par-4 second hole at Mauna Kea Golf Course plays downhill.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 4
The 438-yard, par-4 fourth at Mauna Kea Golf Course is the No. 1 handicap hole.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 6
The sixth at Mauna Kea Golf Course is a short par 4 that's driveable for big hitters.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 9
The beautiful, downhill, par-4 ninth at Mauna Kea Golf Course turns at the clubhouse.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 10
The par-5 10th at Mauna Kea Golf Course has one of the most difficult greens on the course.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 11
The 11th, along with the third, gives Mauna Kea two of the prettiest par 3s in the world.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 13
Avoiding the fairway bunkers on Mauna Kea Golf Course's 13th is critical.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 14
The dogleg-left 14th at Mauna Kea Golf Course encourages a right-to-left tee shot.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 15
The ocean is distracting on the 211-yard 15th at Mauna Kea Golf Course.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 16
The 484-yard 16th at Mauna Kea requires a well-struck and well-placed tee shot.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 17
The par-5 17th at Mauna Kea Golf Course plays 620 yards from the tips.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course - hole 18
The finishing hole at Mauna Kea Golf Course affords a great view of the clubhouse and the Pacific Ocean.
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(based on 11 reviews)