This month, I had the pleasure of playing a round at Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf, combining the Beach and Kings courses for an 18-hole day on the Kohala Coast.
Waikoloa offers 27 holes—Beach, Kings, and Lakes—mixed into different 18-hole combinations. On this particular day, it was Beach + Kings.
And then there’s Hole #6 on the Beach Course.
Hole 6 at Waikoloa Beach Course: Why It’s So Special
Waikoloa Resort Beach Course #6
Hole #6 is a Par 5 stretching along the lava coastline of the Kohala Coast. Ocean-front par 5s are rare anywhere. On the Big Island, this one feels particularly memorable.
From the tee box, we spotted humpback whales breaching offshore. That alone redefined the round.
It’s a Par 5, which means we get to “live” in the hole a little longer. And here, that’s exactly what you want. Still, I don’t mean hitting triple bogey, though.
On this particular day, the surf was high. Waves were crashing dramatically against black lava rock. The contrast of turquoise water, dark coastline, and manicured fairway creates a setting that feels distinctly Hawaiian.
Golf. Ocean. Lava. Whales. Palm trees.
It’s difficult to frame it any better.
What Makes Waikoloa Beach Course Hole 6 Unique?
Several elements come together here:
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True Ocean Exposure – The hole runs parallel to the shoreline, not just offering a glimpse, but a sustained ocean presence.
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Par 5 Layout – A scoring opportunity with visual drama.
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Seasonal Whale Watching – Winter rounds can include spontaneous whale sightings.
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Lava Landscape – A reminder you’re playing on a volcanic island, not a mainland coastal course.
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King’s Trail Nearby – A historic coastal walking path that adds cultural context (and occasionally requires awareness before you swing).
Once you reach the green, the view expands even more. Looking north or south, you see the sweeping Kohala Coast stretching into the distance. It’s one of those rare greens where you almost forget about your scorecard.
The view to the north from Waikoloa Beach Course #6 green
I could stand there all afternoon.
The view to the south from Waikoloa Beach Course #6 green
Before heading to the next hole, I took one last look back from the 7th tee. Palm trees frame the fairway beautifully. Postcard Hawai‘i.
A Quick Note on the Kings Course at Waikoloa
The Kings Course has recently completed renovations, and this time we played what felt like the original routing.
It made me wonder whether Waikoloa now effectively offers something closer to 36 distinct hole experiences, depending on routing combinations.
I honestly didn’t remember the layout very well, and my score reflected that.
But that’s okay.
Because I made par on #6 at Beach.
And that alone made it a perfect day.
If you are curious about my 5 Best Ocean Holes in Big Island, here is the link.
If you’ve ever imagined owning a home where ocean views and world-class golf are woven into everyday life, Waikoloa Beach Resort remains one of the most approachable entry points along the Kohala Coast.
Let’s talk story anytime. 🌊⛳