Kai Ioh | December, 2025
I hated golf until I moved to Hawai‘i and had no intention of playing the sport. But Hawai‘i’s golf environment changed me. Maybe it’s the views, or maybe, as I’ve seasoned and matured, I’ve come to appreciate the unpredictable, humbling, and occasionally brilliant nature of this game. There’s something about the game of golf that keeps drawing me back.
A Personal Milestone, Ten Years in the Making
This year, I played 30 rounds where I counted my score, and another 10 or so rounds with friends and family that were fun. No score. Just laughter and quality time.
The biggest personal news of 2025? I finally broke 80.
They say only 5% of golfers ever do. I’d shot 80 a few times, but this was the first time I posted a number in the 70s: a 79!
It took ten years to break that mental (and technical) barrier. My 2025 scores ranged from 79 to 99, averaging 89.8. It’s not just about the number—it’s about presence, focus, and finding peace on the course. Still, breaking 80 felt really good.
Every Fairway Has a Memory
In 2025, I played nearly every course on the Big Island; only Makalei and Hapuna (closed for renovations) remained untouched.
- Hokuli’a
- Kona Country Club
- Makani
- Waikoloa Village
- Waikoloa Beach Resort
- Hualalai Ke’olu
- Hualalai Jack Nicklaus
- Kukio
- Nanea
- Mauna Lani North and South
- Mauna Kea
Some rounds were competitive. Others were pure joy. I played with friends, family, and clients. As I grow older, I appreciate golf more than ever. It’s a rare space to focus, disconnect from the digital noise, and reconnect with nature. And when you’re surrounded by ocean views, lava rock, and green fairways? That’s Hawai‘i magic.
Even better? The courses are all nearby, rarely crowded. I can play early and still be back to work in the afternoon—or pack a lunch and enjoy a long, meditative practice session.
For those who are curious, here are the top 3 most challenging courses on the island, at least for me:
- Mauna Kea :
The elevation changes are significant, and many greens are blind from the approach. The greenside bunkers are extremely punishing, and the greens themselves are very difficult to read. I didn’t break 90 here even once this year. - Hokulia:
A long course with greens tightly guarded by bunkers. There’s very little room for luck here. The greens are tough, and my average score is over 90. - Kohanaiki
Holes 12 through 18 are brutally difficult. On a bad day, my score easily goes over 100. There is a fantastic comfort station mid-round—but if alcohol gets involved there, it’s game over.
I’m curious to know what you think.
Private Golf Life on the Big Island: More Than Just a Perk
I’m fortunate to play often at some of the Big Island’s best private clubs: Kukio, Hualalai, Nanea, Kohanaiki, and Hokuli‘a. For players who value peace, pace, and connection, the experience is special.
Most of these clubs don’t require tee times outside peak holiday periods. You often have the course to yourself. Play 18 holes in under three hours—or take your time and enjoy the comfort stations along the way. That kind of flexibility is a luxury.
You set your own pace. No pressure. No waiting. Pristine conditions. For new golfers, it’s a gentle and welcoming environment. That’s what makes private golf on the Big Island feel so different from typical resort rounds.
That said, some of my favorite memories were on public courses. Big Island’s golf culture is inclusive. Whether you play Makani or Mauna Lani, the natural beauty is the same—and the joy of the game is universal. We all share the same sky, same ocean view, and same lava landscape.
Nanea: The Crown Jewel of Hawai‘i Golf
According to Golf Digest, Nanea has held the #1 spot in Hawai‘i since 2013, and for good reason.
Designed by David McLay Kidd, Nanea is perched high on Hualalai’s slopes. No homes. No distractions. Just pure golf. Membership is limited, and there’s no real estate—just the game in its purest form. ar.
What’s Next: North Shore Club on O‘ahu
A new private golf community is making waves: North Shore Club on O‘ahu. They’re redesigning the former Arnold Palmer course—again with David McLay Kidd—and launching a new kind of lifestyle. Villas start around $7M, and it’s the first club of its kind on O‘ahu.
If you’re curious, let’s go check it out together.
Real Estate Meets the Fairway
If your ideal day starts on the green and ends with a sunset view from your lanai, I’d love to show you what’s available. I currently have listings in Hualalai and a beautiful lot in Kukio—each offering direct access to private club life.
Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just someone who loves the lifestyle, the Big Island offers a rare blend of nature, recreation, and tranquility. Just being here, playing golf in this setting—that alone is a luxury.
Let’s talk about what kind of lifestyle fits you best. I’m always happy to share more about the courses, the homes, and what makes this island so special.