A week in Waikoloa and I managed to find myself at the Beach course (9-holes) followed by the Kings 9. I will review both here. The Waikoloa mixed use community is now offering 3 nine-hole options for players. The Beach, Kings, and Lakes. Lets start with the Beach.

The Beach 9 is about as classic of a resort course as you can find. Some challenging holes and well placed bunkers, with most holes offering double wide fairways and forgiveness. Every hole I was thinking, why is this called the beach 9 when its not actually on or near the beach. Only one hole plays near the water. In terms of course conditions, everything was really great. The greens rolled pure and were quick, the fairways, rough, and tee boxes are 9/10, the sand however was lacking and was not soft. The bunkers were so hard to get out of, creating a real challenge if you got in one . Overall, I loved it and I want to play this side again, its what Hawaii resort golf should be... fun.

The Kings 9-

This side is much more challenging and requires some real shot shaping and creativity. Not sure why its called the Kings but I can tell you that there are feral goats all over the course. No I am not talking about great golfers or GK members/gurus, literally feral goats in the fairways, on the greens, and in the rough. They are peaceful and will not bother you. This did throw me off just slightly. The greens were dryer and faster on this side, the wind picked up, and the pin placements made the Kings 9 a good challenge. The rough, tee boxes, and fairway conditions mirrored the Beach side except for the wind. Overall, I loved it.

Waikoloa is a fun and cheaper option than those at the surrounding expensive resorts(Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Lani). If you stay anywhere on the property you get a discount. The people are helpful and friendly, and the course is not going to crush you. I recommend this course, mahalo!