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Makalei Golf Club

public
Kailua-Kona, HI
Moderately competitive
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About Makalei Golf Club

Makalei Golf Club is a hidden gem in the upland forests above Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, one of the most unusual and rewarding golf experiences in all of Hawaii. Sitting at elevations up to 2,500 feet, Makalei plays through a lush native forest of ohia trees and tree ferns, a world apart from the lava-field courses along the coast below. The cooler temperatures and misty mountain air create a completely different Hawaii golf atmosphere. The course design takes full advantage of dramatic elevation changes, with tees perched above wooded ravines and fairways that tumble through the forest canopy. Wildlife sightings including Hawaiian birds are common. The 18th hole offers a breathtaking descent with panoramic ocean views emerging suddenly from the forest. Makalei is a must-play for golfers wanting something genuinely different from standard resort golf.

History

Makalei Golf Club opened in 1994, carved from the native upland forest above Kona by designer Dick Nugent. The course was conceived as a counterpoint to the lava-field resort courses dominating the Big Island west coast. Makalei has developed a devoted following among golfers who seek out Hawaii most distinctive and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Adventurous golfers wanting a completely unique Hawaiian forest experience far removed from typical resort golf.
Course Highlights
  • Unique mountain forest setting at 2,500 feet elevation above Kailua-Kona
  • Ohia tree and native tree fern forest creates one of Hawaii most distinctive golf environments
  • Cool temperatures and misty air offer relief from coastal heat
  • Dramatic elevation changes and ravine carries throughout the layout
  • 18th hole reveals sudden panoramic Pacific Ocean views through the forest
Why Makalei Golf Club is Hard to Book
Booking Difficulty
Moderately competitive

Lower profile than coastal resort courses; tee times typically available with 2-3 days notice.

Without automated alerts, you'd need to constantly refresh the booking site hoping to catch a cancellation. That's where TeeTimeGo comes in — we monitor the tee sheet and notify you the moment a slot opens.

Insider Booking Tips

Morning rounds are clearer; afternoon mist can roll in and affect visibility and conditions. Book direct through Makalei for best rates. Bring a light jacket as temperatures are 10-15 degrees cooler than the coast.

Pro tip: Set a TeeTimeGo alert so you're notified the instant a cancellation opens — even at 2am.

How TeeTimeGo Helps

Instant Alerts

Get notified via email and SMS the moment a tee time opens at Makalei Golf Club.

24/7 Monitoring

We monitor the tee sheet around the clock, so you don't have to.

Flexible Preferences

Set your preferred times, dates, and group size. We'll only alert you for matches.

Course Information
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
www.golfnow.com/tee-times/facility/2564-makalei-golf-club
18 holes
Par 72
Designed by Dick Nugent
Established 1994
Green fees: $75-$130
Cart included with green fee
Collared shirt preferred

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting tee time alerts for Makalei Golf Club

How do I get tee time alerts for Makalei Golf Club?

Sign up for TeeTimeGo and create an alert for Makalei Golf Club. We'll monitor the tee sheet and notify you instantly when cancellations open up.

When do tee times typically open at Makalei Golf Club?

Morning rounds are clearer; afternoon mist can roll in and affect visibility and conditions. Book direct through Makalei for best rates. Bring a light jacket as temperatures are 10-15 degrees cooler than the coast.

Can I set alerts for specific times at Makalei Golf Club?

Yes! When creating your alert, you can specify preferred tee times, number of players, and date ranges. We'll only notify you when matching slots open.

How quickly will I be notified about Makalei Golf Club tee times?

TeeTimeGo sends near-instant alerts via email and SMS when cancellations appear at Makalei Golf Club, giving you the best chance to book before others.

Is Makalei Golf Club hard to book?

Lower profile than coastal resort courses; tee times typically available with 2-3 days notice.

What if I want to book multiple courses including Makalei Golf Club?

You can create alerts for multiple courses at once. Add Makalei Golf Club along with other favorites to maximize your chances of securing the perfect tee time.

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