Nanea

The Island of Hawaii, or Big Island as it is also known, is an extraordinary place to visit. It’s naturally Hawaii’s largest island where numerous different climate zones create bizarre extremes, including lush rain forests, black sandy beaches, arid deserts and even a snow-capped volcano called Mauna Kea, which is actually a dormant volcano that last erupted some 4,000 years ago. However, it’s also the world’s tallest mountain when measured from the foot of the ocean floor. Big Island is perhaps more famous for it’s active volcano “Kilauea” but, for the benefit of the world of golf, the island really should be better known as home to Nanea Golf Club, Hawaii’s best course.

Opened in 2003 and designed by David McLay Kidd for Charles Schwab and Safeway magnate George Roberts, Nanea Golf Club is the most exclusive club in Hawaii. "Our selection David McLay Kidd to design our course was based on his creativity and his flair for creating outstanding links golf courses, the determination of his entire team to produce the best results, and of course his Scottish brogue." Stated Charles Schwab & George Roberts.

Nanea Golf Club is so exclusive that it shuns publicity. Membership is by invitation only and consequently you’ll have to befriend one of the lucky few to get a game here. Alternatively, you could try and make it into nearby Kealakehe High School’s golf team who are allowed to practice and play home matches here.

The clubhouse was designed to resemble the island’s five volcanoes and the course itself was laid out on a thick lava mantle with the heart of British seaside links at its roots. We’d love to hear from anyone who has played the course. Better still, why not write a review and let the world know what they’ve been missing.