• Mauna Lani resort in Hawaii offers a unique golfing experience with courses set in volcanic landscapes.
• The resort features two 18-hole courses, the North and South, each with distinct challenges and seaside views.
• In addition to championship golf, Mauna Lani provides a short course, a sunrise canoe paddle, and upscale dining options.
• The North Course is known for trees in the fairways and a par-3 17th hole set in a lava bowl.
• The South Course is famous for its scenic par-3s, including the 15th hole which requires a carry over a Pacific inlet.

(Editor’s note: Although the PGA Tour’s 2026 Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua was canceled, golf in Hawaii is very much alive and well. As the year comes to a close, Golfweek has been highlighting some of the state’s incredible courses and views.)

WAIMEA, Hawaii — A few decades ago, Ross Birch was a 20-something with big golf dreams and plenty of time to chase them. One day, he found himself walking outside the ropes alongside Jack Nicklaus during a practice round for the PGA Senior Skins Game at Mauna Lani. The setting was pure paradise — crystal-blue waters lapping against the shores of Hawaii’s two-course resort.

Nicklaus had played the South Course as part of the event’s 10-year run, which also featured legends like Arnold Palmer, Raymond Floyd and Lee Trevino. But when the Golden Bear turned his attention to the North Course — a layout dotted with large trees in the middle of fairways — even the 18-time major champion was flummoxed.

“What the hell is with these trees?” Nicklaus said, eyeing the first hole, a dogleg right guarded by a towering kiawe tree, a tropical cousin of mesquite.

Birch laughed and warned him there were plenty more surprises ahead. Nicklaus threw up his hands in disbelief, then motioned for Birch — who was working at another Big Island course at the time — to join the group.

“It was one of the greatest days of my life,” Birch recalls, “walking this incredible course with one of the greatest players ever.”

Today, Birch shares that story often in his role as Mauna Lani’s director of golf, a position he’s held since 2022. An affable host and solid player, he sprinkles anecdotes like this throughout an afternoon on either of the resort’s stunning seaside courses. And at Mauna Lani, there’s no shortage of tales to tell.

Despite the cancellation of the 2026 The Sentry, golf in Hawaii is thriving. Here, the game becomes an experience — teeing off on courses carved into volcanic landscapes, challenging seaside holes where waves crash just beyond the green, and soaking in panoramic views that stop you in your tracks. With more than 70 courses across the islands, every round is an adventure.

But Mauna Lani offers something truly special.

The North Course

Opened in 1988, the North Course is a mature track, its rolling fairways framed by weathered lava beds and kiawe forests. Trees often stand boldly in the middle of fairways, forcing creative shot-making, while trade winds add another layer of challenge. On the ninth hole, a par-4 near the water, strong gusts can turn an approach into a test of nerve.

Wildlife adds to the charm — and the challenge. Feral goats frequently wander across fairways, a quirky hazard that once caused serious backups. In fact, the state held a lottery in 2021 to relocate some of the herds, which had become invasive in the nearby Historic Park. That park, Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau, holds deep cultural significance as a place of refuge for defeated warriors and civilians during times of battle.

Survive the wildlife and navigate the narrow fairways, and you’ll reach the course’s crown jewel: the par-3 17th. From elevated tees, you’ll fire toward a green cradled in a dramatic lava bowl—a natural amphitheater and one of the most unforgettable shots in Hawaii.

More: In pictures: Mauna Lani in Hawaii reopens North Course as COVID travel restrictions ease

The South Course

For those who prefer a more forgiving layout, the South Course delivers equally stunning views with fewer trees but newer, jagged lava flows. Opened in 1981, it’s a sensory feast — and home to two of the most spectacular par 3s you’ll ever play.

No. 7 demands a long iron or fairway wood to reach a green perched beside the ocean, with water hugging the left and a tall tree guarding the right. A well-placed bunker offers a lucky bailout for those who flirt with disaster.

Later, the shorter 15th hole tests your nerves with a mid-iron carry over an inlet to a green framed by palms and water. It’s no wonder this hole ranks among the most photographed in the country. No matter what your score, these two holes will be lodged in your memory for years to come.

Short course and more

As if the two courses don’t offer enough to keep a golfer fully engaged, Mauna Lani’s short course is the perfect way to spend some time before sunset, or to get the kids out on the course before a day at the beach.

The WikiWiki short course is best played in flip-flops or with no shoes at all. Lined on the outside by towering palms, the course was originally part two holes from the main complex, but have since become a perfect way to enjoy tropical breezes for an hour or so, preferably with a Kona Big Wave or a dragonfruit margarita in hand.

We played the course as a group, two teams playing rotating shots, and the laughs and smiles were consistent. The short course sits up on a slight perch, so the winds are even more severe and the views of the Mauna Kea, the state’s highest point, are breathtaking.

Other amenities

Golf may be the star at Mauna Lani as the South Course is currently No. 13 on Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play in Hawaii and the North Course sits at No. 6, but the resort offers experiences that linger long after the final putt. One highlight? A sunrise canoe paddle that stirs the soul. Before dawn, our group pushed off into the gentle surf, working hard for 15 minutes to break free from the incoming waves. Then, as the first light crept over the mountains, our guides shared stories of the island’s heritage — how generations of Hawaiians gave thanks each morning to the sun and all it provided. It’s a moment that blends effort, beauty, and deep cultural connection — an unforgettable way to start the day.

There’s a reason both locals and visitors gravitate to the Clubhouse Bar. Perched on the second floor overlooking the practice facility, it offers sweeping ocean views and a relaxed vibe — the perfect spot to toast the day with craft cocktails and island-inspired bites.

Craving something more indulgent? Head to the nearby CanoeHouse, where Japanese-inspired cuisine meets a breathtaking oceanfront setting. Menu highlights include a melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu ribeye, local mushrooms like lion’s mane and ali‘i with koji barbecue and cashews, and the showstopper: The King Tower — a lavish spread of poached lobster, Kaua‘i shrimp, Hokkaido scallops, Japanese uni, local sashimi, oysters, and snow crab. It’s a feast as unforgettable as the view.

In Hawaiian, Mauna Lani means “mountain reaching heaven.” And after a day — or even a week — on these breathtaking shores, no matter what your scorecard says, you’ll drift off with a full belly and an even fuller heart.

Law enforcement officials, kupuna advocates and state lawmakers urged caution and vigilance Wednesday after Honolulu
police reported Oahu residents lost more than
$7 million in 222 fraud cases this year.

Representatives from the Hawaii Bankers Association, state Department of Law Enforcement, AARP, the Honolulu Police Department, the Office of Consumer Protection at Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and crypto currency ATM company Coin Flip briefed state lawmakers about how “prevalent fraud is in the state and what steps are being taken to prevent such crimes.”

The informational briefing was convened by state House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce chair Rep. Scot Z. Matayoshi and Vice Chair Rep. Tina Nakada Grandinetti.

“Really the purpose of this is to address the fraud that we’ve seen in the community. It seems fraud scams are
increasing exponentially” said Matayoshi, at the outset of the briefing. “…mostly kupuna getting ripped off, sending money overseas, believing they are helping their…grandchild out of jail…or they won a lottery…it’s crushing. It’s become a real burden on our community. Just about everyone I’ve ever talked to knows somebody who has been scammed.”

Hawaii residents lost at least $55,180,901 last year to online crime, with kupuna age 60 and over losing more than $18 million, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2024 Internet Crime
Report.

Law enforcement officials caution that number is likely significantly higher as a lot of fraud losses go unreported.

Hawaii generated 2,603 online fraud complaints last year tied to U.S. dollar losses. Cryptocurrency investors in Hawaii filed 709 complaints and lost crypto valued at $24,893,821.

Kupuna in Hawaii over the age of 60 filed 647 complaints last year and lost $18,851,052.

That is an increase from
453 complaints filed by Hawaii residents age 60 and over in 2023. The 453 complaints in 2023 represented $27,965,497 in losses for seniors.

The losses by Hawaii fraud victims last year represent a significant increase from 2021, when local people lost
$17.2 million to online crimes.

Honolulu police Lt. Ioane Keehu of the department’s Financial Crimes Detail told lawmakers Wednesday that the average age of the 222 victims who reported $7,668,743 in fraud losses this year is 51.

There is an increase in online scams targeting residents with “high impact on kupuna and young alike,” Keehu said Wednesday.

Prevention is more effective than prosecution because the majority of financial fraudsters are outside U.S. jurisdiction and very difficult to arrest. Hawaii residents are often targeted because of “isolation and trust culture,” according to police.

“A lot of what we are seeing is impersonation scams, people pretending to be law enforcement, pretending to be a government agent and directing people to play a lot of money. Gift cards, crypto currency or wire transfer, for any…reason. ‘Hey you missed jury duty,’” said Keehu.

Elderly with fixed incomes are among the most high value targets for scammers because a larger amount of money is exposed after accumulating.

HPD is also seeing college-­aged individuals searching for rentals being scammed. Young people looking for housing fall prey to fake listings and scammers collecting deposits online.

Keehu said a rental scam case came in Wednesday morning before the briefing.

White collar professionals in Hawaii also are popular marks as they are targeted via investment scams as local families try to find financial investments, real estate or quick high return investments.

Some financial fraud purveyors execute schemes where they call or contact people and identify themselves as “HPD,” “Sheriff,” “IRS,” or “FBI.”

The callers threaten the mark that they will be arrested if immediate financial payments are not made.

Callers try to negotiate large lump sums, $5,000 to $10,000 and keep the fraud target on the phone until they agree on an amount and throughout the payment process.

Law enforcement or government agents will never ask for payments in the form crypto currency, gift cards, or wire transfers, Keehu said. HPD is also seeing cryptocurrency scams run through fake trading platforms and social media “gurus” that promise high guaranteed returns.

Police also detailed some of the tactics employed by fraudsters and urged the public to be aware for signs of scammers.

Callers will fake a sense
of urgency,” or “Account compromised.”

Fake law enforcement scammers sometimes say, “Don’t tell anyone or the case is ruined” and use fake badges, spoofed numbers, and scripted dialogue.

Professional scammers go so far as to create fake websites, AI-generated voices, and doctored IDs.

Keehu highlighted two types of fraud cases for lawmakers that they are seeing an increasing amount of.

The “Grandson in Jail” scam uses a caller who claims a grandchild has been arrested and needs $15,000 in bail money. Victims panic, send the money to an overseas account and the money is gone.

“Prevention would have stopped the loss,” according to HPD. Keehu told lawmakers he has kept scammers trying to take him on the phone for an hour, just to keep them too busy to scam others.

The other prevalent scheme HPD is seeing involves cryptocurrency and demands made by fake police officers. Targets are pressured into depositing $10,000 into cryptocurrency ATMs after calling with a spoofed HPD number.

Once the money is deposited and converted into crypto it is immediately split into multiple wallets.

Keehu urged residents to slow down any financial decision under pressure and verify the identity by calling back on official numbers.

Never pay with gift cards, crypto, or wire unless verified, and talk to a trusted family member or friend before sending money.

Keehu urged residents to report the scam early to HPD by calling 911 or walking into a police station and filing a report.

“We would like to see that 911 report…a patrol officer comes to your house or you come to the police station,” said Keehu. “Even though you may not get your money back, you may help us…stopping someone else from getting scammed.”

In January when state lawmakers convene, the AARP will push for cryptocurrency kiosk anti-fraud legislation to “expand consumer protections around the machines,” according to a statement.

The legislation will include a daily transaction limit, fraud warnings on the machines, clear details about fees, and receipts with transaction information.

The AARP wants Hawaii to join 18 states that have passed laws or issued regulations.

AARP Hawaii has argued that putting a limit of $2,000 per transaction and adding other consumer protections to cryptocurrency ATMs makes sense and will help “protect kupuna and consumers of all ages.”

“Kupuna, over their entire lifetime working have saved up resources. That’s what makes it tragic. When they lose their resources to a scam, they don’t have 10 to 20 years to make up that loss,” said Kealii Lopez, AARP Hawaii state director, speaking to lawmakers Wednesday. If it’s significant they are losing their homes. They are losing their retirement accounts. Scams really are an epidemic.”

The AARP operates a Fraud Watch Network with links to resources for prevention, reporting, and tips to protect their resources. Their helplines available at 877-908-3360, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.