The Alii Mountain Course

In contrast to the Ocean G.C., the Alii Mountain Course—so named because the site was once a playground to Hawaiian royalty—climbs into the cool foothills above Kona, dishing up sweeping views of the coastline below. Golfers encounter more natural hazards and hillside lies on this 18, and discover sites like: rock walls constructed longago by the Hawaiian people, wild goats grazing, and spectacular vistas.

The first nine holes were designed by William Bell in 1985, and the second nine were added by Nelson & Wright in 1991. Overall, the Alii Mountain Course is shorter than the Ocean Course but is the more challenging of the two, due to its elevation changes and hazards (it is rated 41/2 stars by Golf Digest; the Ocean is rated 4 stars).

Hole No. 7 is one of the signature holes on the layout. A 446-yard par 4, the fairway doglegs left, inviting players to cut the corner. But a rock wall and some gnarly rough await the short shot; and there’s a scary lake fronting the green.

Designer Robin Nelson calls hole No. 14 one of the “prettiest par-3s” in Hawaii; playing dramatically downhill with a lake fronting the putting surface and expansive ocean views behind.

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