Just another day at Makalei

This morning we headed out for another early morning round at Makalei Golf Club... the perfect way to start the day.  All four of us struggled on the first hole, which is an uphill par 4, leaving us with much to improve upon for the duration of the round.

This course is like a golf roller-coaster as the fairways roll their way up and down the mountain side.  It's  not hard to see why this is rated as the third most difficult course in all of Hawaii.  With challenging uphill holes, they are also complimented with a few long downhill fairways which help provide some extra distance off the tee box.  On the 10th hole, a long 600 yard par 5, I watched as my playing partner Craig crushed a monster drive which sailed out into the horizon and rolled down the fairway out of sight.  We drove down the fairway in pursuit of our balls, and 400 yards later found Craigs' drive at the bottom of what proved to be a helpful decline.    

Another feature that makes this course truly unique is the abundance of wildlife who call Makalei home.  Hundreds of peacocks roam the course and keep a watchful eye over things.  There's also a good chance you'll see other wildlife on the course including several species of birds, mongoose and even the chance of spotting a wild boar.

This is easily one of my favorite courses, not only in Hawaii, but anywhere in North America.  The sheer uniqueness of the surroundings, rolling fairways and the abundance of wildlife make Makalei a must play while on the Big Island.

For more details about Makalei Golf Club click here.  Have you played Makalei before?  Let us know what you thought for a chance to win a Hang Loose Golf prize pack!