KOHALA COAST, Hawaii -- There are moments on the golf courses of Hawaii that overshadow the game. When a whale surfaces offshore or a crashing wave splashes up some spray, it's hard to concentrate on just golf.
The island of Hawaii (called "the Big Island" by many tourists) provides an ocean backdrop as good as any in the world. It all started with the island's first course, Mauna Kea, built in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Hapuna G.C., a sister course to Mauna Kea, sits in the hillsides with panoramic views of the Pacific. The Waikoloa Beach Resort development delivers two more affordable options on flatter ground, the Kings' Course and Beach Course. Only the Beach skirts the coast.
Both the Francis H. I'i Brown South Course and North Course at Mauna Lani Resort explore the shore. Two great par 3s on the water highlight rounds on the more playable South Course. The much tougher North Course heads toward the water on three holes, notably the demanding ninth hole.
The Jack Nicklaus Course at Hualalai Golf Club annually hosts the Champions Tour, serving as a great TV commercial for what the island has to offer.
The Big Island also boasts a private club scene more extravagant than the other islands. The new exclusive Kohanaiki Club opened its oceanfront Rees Jones course in 2013 and allows some access to locals who have a Hawaii driver's license.
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Cliffs and waves stimulate the senses on the third hole at Mauna Kea on Hawaii's Big Island. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
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The 12th hole at Hapuna Golf Course provides panoramic ocean views of Hawaii's Kohala Coast. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
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The 184-yard seventh hole on the Kings' Course at Waikoloa Beach Resort can be tricky. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
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The 17th hole on the Francis H. I'i Brown North Course at Mauna Lani Resort sits in a lava bowl. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
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The 15th hole on the Francis H. I'i Brown South Course at Mauna Lani Resort flies over a coastal cove on Hawaii. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
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It takes a carry over a lava hazard to reach the 15th green at Kohanaiki. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
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The Nicklaus Course at Hualalai Golf Club hosts the Champions Tour. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
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The Pacific Ocean backdrop encourages you to take your time on the seventh hole of the Beach Course at Waikoloa Beach Resort. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
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An island green on a Dye-designed golf course? Go figure. Here's no. 17 at Big Island Country Club. Courtesy of Big Island C.C.
