Southern California's No. 1 Golf Source
STROKE OF THE DAY |
"Golf gets people outdoors, the sort of people who should be kept indoors. " |
-Linda Smith |
SITE
SEARCH
GOLF RESOURCE
GUIDE
Travel
|
||||
 As my plane begins to land, it’s evident how different the landscape of the Big Island is to that of the other Hawaiian Islands. Volcanic rock formations encompass the runway and are a dramatic contrast to the blue coastline surrounding the island. A 30-minute drive from Kona International Airport, the Kohala Coast is a 20-mile stretch of tropical paradise. Along Highway 19, white coral rocks are peppered against black onyx lava fields to create lava graffiti and personal messages from memorials to marriage proposals. With an average of 355 days of sunshine each year, beautiful beaches, eight resorts and world-class golf courses, the Kohala Coast is a destination that combines ancient culture and modern amenities. The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows Resort is on the sandy shores of the Kohala Coast. Situated amid the lava flow and built around ancient fish ponds, the contemporary structure offers exceptional ocean views and private lanais in every room. The secluded bungalows include 4,000 square feet of living space, butler service and private access to the beach. The resort offers complimentary daily activities, including golf and tennis instruction, access to the sports and fitness center, arts and crafts, ukulele lessons and a sunset catamaran sail.  The Mauna Lani golf courses provide players with two unique experiences. The South Course is carved out of jagged lava from a prehistoric eruption, and the stunning 15th hole is one of the most beautiful over-the-water holes in the world. The North Course has more rolling terrain and trees, making the challenge more about accuracy than length. The Mauna Lani Spa is a short shuttle ride from the hotel. The soothing setting allows guests to immerse themselves into the healing powers of the ancient culture with the spa’s signature treatments. The open-air lava sauna allows guests to interact with the environment or experience a treatment in a thatched hut or hale. The Golfer’s Lomi Lomi Massage can be tailored for pre-game conditioning or post-game soreness. The resort’s Twilight at Kalahuipua’a is a must-see event. Led by cultural historian Danny Akaka, the cultural and enchanting evening of music, dance and storytelling is held monthly at the site’s oceanfront cottage. Bring a boxed dinner and a bottle of wine to enjoy the sunset views and stars as darkness falls.  If you’re truly seeking serenity, the Fairmont Orchid has 32 acres of beachfront property with views of the nearby mountains. The Spa Without Walls has private outdoor treatment rooms where the sounds from the waterfall gardens contribute to the overall wellness experience. Another property to check out is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, a five-diamond hotel where the focus is on sensitivity to the land. There will be no problem staying fit and pampered at the Hualalai Sports Club and Spa, which features an open-air gym, tennis courts, yoga and invigorating spa treatments. The private Jack Nicklaus-designed Hualalai Golf Course offers 18 holes of winding fairways situated around lava fields and nestled along the coastline. The Champions Tour’s MasterCard Championship will be held at the course in January. Also in Hualalai is the Kona Village Resort, an 82-acre hideaway of bungalows, lagoons, palm trees and beaches built on an ancient fishing village. One should prepare for a true escape from home and the office, as the resort is unplugged with no telephones, televisions or radios to interrupt the serenity. The highlight of the Kona Village Resort is its luau with an impressive menu and exceptional entertainment. The Waikoloa Village features two resort properties — the Waikoloa Beach Marriott and the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The Waikoloa Beach Marriott has gone through recent upgrades, including the addition of the Mandara Spa and fitness center. The 555 guest rooms, suites and cabanas all have been updated. The Hilton Waikoloa Village has had major renovations and improvements to its 1,240 guest rooms, lobby, restaurants and Kohala Sports Club and Spa. Cruise the vast property on canal boats or view the wildlife on air-conditioned trams. For extra excitement, get some face time with bottlenose dolphins at the Dolphin Quest Encounter. The Waikoloa Beach Resort Kings’ Course and Beach Course offer the ultimate golf experience for all skill levels. The Kings’ Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, offers a links-style layout with views of volcanoes as a backdrop. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Beach Course offers water features and mesmerizing views of the coast. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Resort was the first hotel to open along the Kohala Coast. Currently undergoing a repair and renovation project because of damage from a 2007 earthquake, the resort is scheduled to reopen late this year. The property includes a Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course that utilizes the elevation changes of the natural terrain and has coastline views. Adjacent to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Resort is the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Situated within the natural contours of the shoreline and with views of Mauna Kea, the Hapuna Golf Course is a links-style layout designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. Mauna Kea and neighboring slopes are often covered with snow during the winter months, so visitors can go snowboarding, snorkel and golf on the same day. The summit of Mauna Kea has several observatories and offers unforgettable 360-degree views. To enhance your trek, book a guide from Hawaii Forest & Trail’s Nature Adventures service.  The ultimate way to view the beauty and diversity of the Big Island is on a Blue Hawaiian Helicopter tour. From sea cliffs and tropical rainforests with waterfalls to views of the many volcanoes, visitors can get a different perspective of the Big Island from high above the landscape. Whether you’re in search of relaxation, exploration or non-stop activity, the Big Island is a destination that embraces the Hawaiian culture, history and geography from every angle with warmth and a true aloha spirit. |
||||
RSS Subscribe
