GOLF

Golf courses in Hawaii are as varied as the island’s vegetation.  At the top end are the course you watch the pros play, Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani and Waikola.  These great courses are all located on the Kona side and are priced in the $120 to $180 price range.  Though spendy, how many chances are you going to get to play the same greens as Palmer, Player and Pavin?  Why not be a Tiger?  The only difference in the other courses on the Kona side is the price and the notoriety.

The best value is the Wiamea Country Club in Wiamea.

At the other end of the price spectrum and the other end of the island are the “local” courses.  My two favorites are the municipal course at Hilo and Volcano Country Club, just past the park entrance.

Hilo Municipal is an 18-hole layout with some very challenging greens.  Play your approach shot short and straight, as most holes are hard to reach from the side.  Coming from the house take the Kilauea Ave. exit and then left on Haihai St.  The green fees are very reasonable.

The 18-hole Volcano Golf Course is on the right of Highway 11 about 2 miles past the park entrance.  This fun course gives the golfer a different look on every hole.  It is reasonably priced but bring plenty of balls.

Other courses include an excellent 18-hole layout at Waimea, and another at Punaluu.  There is a 9 hole course in Hilo on Banyon Drive and one at Discover Harbor toward South Point.