Hawaii's Mauna Kea Golf Course announces reopening

Mauna Kea Resort, comprised of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Residences, has announced the reopening of the newly renovated Mauna Kea Golf Course. After an extensive enhancement led by architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course will officially open the week of Christmas, offering a golfing experience that blends challenging play with breathtaking views. The reopening coincides with the 60th anniversary of the golf course’s original opening on December 10, 1964, by the 'Big Three'—Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player—marking a historic milestone in its storied legacy.

First crafted in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the 18-hole Mauna Kea Golf Course transformed a rugged and barren black lava field into a lush fairway, establishing itself as the island’s first resort course. Updated by his son Rees Jones decades later, and most recently by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course holds a unique distinction as the only one in the world to feature the combined vision of the Jones family. The course captivates players with its seaside cliffs, undulating greens, and the iconic over-the-ocean 3rd hole, hailed as one of the most unforgettable challenges in the sport. The latest renovations honor this legacy, with Jones Jr. incorporating modern design elements to enhance playability while preserving the course’s historic charm.

"The Mauna Kea Golf Course has long been hailed as one of Hawaii’s top courses, with a deep history and cultural connection to the island," hotel manager Kansas Henderson said. "With this renovation, we’ve elevated the course to new heights, while honoring its legacy. By working alongside its original designer's son, Robert Trent Jones Jr., we’ve ensured the updated course remains true to his father’s original vision and continues to be one of the most celebrated in the world. From its breathtaking cliffside views to its thoughtfully enhanced features for better playability, the course is a true celebration of golf’s enduring spirit and the iconic allure of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.”

 Highlights of the renovation include:

• Upgraded fairways and greens: The course now features seashore paspalum grass, known for its lush appearance and suitability for tropical climates, ensuring optimal playing conditions year-round.
• Redesigned bunkers: Enhanced for modern play while complementing the natural landscape, the redesigned bunkers offer improved playability and aesthetic appeal, while still providing a challenge for golfers of all levels.
• Restored iconic holes: The renowned over-the-ocean 3rd hole, a par-3 masterpiece with a kidney-shaped green and breathtaking cliffside views, remains a highlight of the course, demanding precision and rewarding players with unparalleled vistas.
• Commitment to sustainability: Efforts include water conservation using drought-tolerant seashore paspalum grass, native landscaping, and eco-friendly management practices to help preserve the surrounding environment.
• Modern amenities: The reimagination also includes a pro shop, practice range, professional lessons, and GPS-equipped carts to enhance the golfing experience.

The golf course retains its challenging yet approachable design, offering a mix of long and short holes that cater to players of all skill levels.