Makalei Golf Club: A gem hidden in the hills above Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii -- The one constant complaint at Makalei Golf Club was its first hole. Starting the round on a 311-yard par 4 that climbs dramatically uphill didn't exactly ease players into the round.

A routing adjustment in September has rectified the issue -- and a handful of others -- at this unique club hidden in the hills and forests high above the dry Kohala Coast. If you're looking for a change of pace from high-priced ocean golf courses among the lava rock, Makalei is the place.

The 7,091-yard course designed by Dick Nugent in 1992 isn't as well groomed as the celebrated Mauna Kea Golf Course and Mauna Lani's North Course and South Course. Its more affordable green fees, cool temperatures and roller-coaster terrain through a magical mix of trees, flora and fauna remain the main attractions.

Gorgeous vistas, especially from the driving range and the par-3 eighth hole (the old 15th), and flocks of peacocks roaming the lush landscape add beauty to Makalei, which is located roughly a half-hour's drive from the major coastal golf resorts. More than 950 feet in elevation change occurs from the current clubhouse to the third tee, the club's highest point.

The old first tee was steps from the clubhouse, making it incredibly inconvenient for players to drive winding paths 500 feet up the mountain to reach the driving range. The new routing starts at the old eighth hole, a solid par 4 near the range and putting green. There aren't many flat lies on Makalei -- hence the high 144 slope from the tips -- but that's the fun of playing here, creating shots that will impress your foursome. New owners continue to invest in improvements, making Makalei a club worth considering on any golf trip to the island.