Every year, golf fans like me look forward to some of the best tournaments in beautiful Hawaii. The top golf tournaments in Hawaii let players and fans enjoy amazing courses, fun competition, and stunning island views.
Whether you want to play or just watch, there’s something special about golf in paradise.
Some of the most popular events include the Sony Open in Hawaii, which brings top pros to the islands. Local tournaments welcome golfers of every level.
I enjoy reading about major tournaments like these and smaller events you can join, such as those listed on the Hawaii State Golf Association calendar.
If you’re thinking about visiting Hawaii or already live here, you’ll want to know about the main events that make golf in the islands so unique.
Here are some favorites and hidden gems so every golf fan can find a tournament to watch or play.
Overview of Golf Tournaments in Hawaii
Golf plays an important role in Hawaii as both a sport and a way to bring people together. The islands host annual events that draw top talent and highlight famous courses.
These tournaments celebrate Hawaii’s unique golf history.
History of Golf in Hawaii
Golf began in Hawaii in the late 19th century when the first courses opened for local players and visitors. As tourism grew, more people became interested in the sport.
In the mid-20th century, major hotel resorts built championship courses. Hawaii became a top golf destination.
Over time, the tradition of hosting top tournaments grew stronger. Legendary golfers from the Professional Golfers’ Association have played here.
The Aloha Section, part of the PGA, organized and promoted local tournaments. This helped make golf more accessible to residents and visitors.
Major Tournament Types
Hawaii hosts both amateur and professional events. One of the most well-known is the Sony Open in Hawaii, the PGA Tour’s first full-field event of the year at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.
This tournament brings in some of the world’s best players and attracts many golf fans.
Other events include the LOTTE Championship on the LPGA Tour, which showcases top women golfers. For amateurs, there are popular contests like the Barbers Point Invitational and the Maui Open.
The Aloha Section PGA also hosts regular events for both local and visiting players.
Notable Golf Courses
Hawaii offers a wide range of scenic and challenging courses. Waialae Country Club on Oahu hosts the Sony Open and is known for its classic layout and ocean views.
Hoakalei Country Club, another top site, hosts tournaments like the LOTTE Championship.
Courses such as The Dunes at Maui Lani and the Village Course at Waikoloa are popular for amateur tournaments.
Here’s a quick table of key tournament courses:
| Course Name | Island | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| Waialae Country Club | Oahu | Sony Open in Hawaii |
| Hoakalei Country Club | Oahu | LOTTE Championship |
| The Dunes at Maui Lani | Maui | Maui Open |
| Barbers Point Golf Course | Oahu | Barbers Point Invitational |
Each course has unique features. All offer a memorable Hawaii golf experience.
The natural scenery and island weather make every tournament special for players and fans.
PGA Tour Events in Hawaii
Hawaii hosts exciting tournaments on the PGA Tour. These events bring top golfers to beautiful courses.
Fans get a chance to watch world-class action and see champions receive awards.
Sony Open in Hawaii
The Sony Open in Hawaii is a famous PGA Tour event. It takes place every January at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.
This tournament is the first full-field event of the PGA Tour season. Top professionals come to play.
Recent players include past champions, rising stars, and fan favorites. The course is known for its ocean views and tight layout.
The event lasts four rounds and usually ends with an exciting final round on Sunday.
Winners receive a trophy and a generous prize. The awards ceremony happens on the 18th green, often with live music or hula dancers nearby.
You can see past results on the official Sony Open in Hawaii leaderboard.
Mitsubishi Electric Championship
The Mitsubishi Electric Championship takes place at Hualalai Golf Course on the Big Island. This tournament is part of the Champions Tour and features golfers who are 50 and older.
Organizers invite past champions, major winners, and season-long standouts.
The event has a relaxed but competitive atmosphere. The smaller field means every shot matters.
Fans can get closer to the action.
The final round often stays close, leading to an enjoyable awards ceremony. Winners receive floral leis and enjoy Hawaiian music.
Hyundai Tournament of Champions
The Hyundai Tournament of Champions, now called The Sentry, happens at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort in Maui. Only winners from the previous PGA Tour season can play.
This creates a strong field of top performers.
The format is limited entry, so all players start on equal footing. The course is long and hilly, with dramatic Pacific Ocean views.
The final round can be dramatic and often comes down to the last hole. The awards ceremony is held outdoors near the clubhouse.
For more details, visit the official Sentry Tournament page.
Premier State and Amateur Championships
Every year, Hawaii attracts talented amateur and professional golfers to its most historic events. These tournaments highlight top players and unique course challenges.
Hawaii State Amateur Stroke Play Championship
The Hawaii State Amateur Stroke Play Championship showcases the best amateur talent in the islands. Top courses like Pearl at Kalauao host the event over several days.
Golfers compete in a stroke play format, aiming for the lowest total score. The event is open to all amateurs with qualifying handicaps.
This mix brings together experienced players and promising young talent.
Winners earn recognition throughout the local golf community. You can find recent results on the Hawaii State Golf Association’s tournament page.
Manoa Cup
The Manoa Cup is Hawaii’s longest-running golf tournament. Oahu Country Club hosts this event using a match play format.
Players compete head-to-head instead of only against the field.
There are divisions for both amateurs and seniors. The “116th Manoa Cup” marks more than a century of tradition in Hawaiian golf.
The event is famous for intense, strategic battles and memorable upsets.
Winning the Manoa Cup is a lifelong dream for many in the Hawaii golf community. Most consider it the state’s match play championship and a true test of skill and nerves.
Mid-Pacific Open
The Mid-Pacific Open is a rare event where amateurs face off directly against professionals. Mid-Pacific Country Club hosts the tournament every spring.
Both amateurs and professionals compete in four rounds of stroke play. The course features ocean breezes and fast, tricky greens.
The Mid-Pacific Open lets amateur players measure up against seasoned pros. The championship has crowned many notable men’s and senior champions in Hawaii golf history.
Organizers and fans value this event for building connections between amateurs and professionals.
Other Notable Hawaii Golf Tournaments
Hawaii’s golf scene offers more than just major tour events. Each year, the state hosts tournaments with deep roots in local tradition.
These events welcome amateurs, professionals, and senior players.
Maui Open
The Maui Open is one of Hawaii’s oldest ongoing golf competitions. Since 1952, it has attracted top amateurs and professionals from the islands and the mainland.
Many golfers see this event as an important stepping stone because of its history and strong competition.
The Maui Open is played at the scenic Wailea Golf Club. The course layout and changing trade winds make every round challenging.
Winners join a list of respected Hawaii golfers. The event typically runs through a weekend with a 36- or 54-hole stroke play format.
The Maui Open gives up-and-coming players a chance to stand out. Local spectators enjoy close finishes and a community atmosphere.
Prize purses have grown in recent years, attracting even stronger fields.
Key facts about the Maui Open:
- Started in 1952
- Hosts amateurs and professionals
- Held at Wailea Golf Club
- Spectator-friendly environment
Aloha Section Tournaments
The Aloha Section, part of the PGA of America, organizes many tournaments across the Hawaiian Islands. Their schedule includes events for juniors, amateurs, and golf professionals.
Some tournaments are invitational, while others are open to anyone with a qualifying handicap.
Major events include the Hawaii State Open, the Aloha Section Stroke Play Championship, and several pro-am tournaments. These competitions help local golfers earn recognition and move up in regional and national standings.
Many top Hawaii golfers started in Aloha Section events.
The Aloha Section tournaments focus on player development. There are also regular senior and women’s tournaments, giving all golfers a chance to compete.
For more information on tournaments and how to enter, visit the Hawaii State Golf Association for a full schedule.
Highlights of Aloha Section events:
- Open to various skill levels and age groups
- Covers all Hawaiian Islands
- Includes pro, amateur, junior, women’s, and senior divisions
- Important for local golf development
Women’s & Senior Golf Competitions
Hawaii hosts top golf events with special competitions for women and senior golfers. Some tournaments give players a chance to qualify for national events and honor high achievers in local golf communities.
U.S. Women’s Amateur Qualifiers
Each year, Hawaii holds qualifiers for the U.S. Women’s Amateur. These local events let women compete for a spot on a national stage.
The format is usually stroke play, and only the best scores move on. Top young golfers from across the islands enter these qualifiers.
Rising stars compete for a prized spot in the U.S. Women’s Amateur field. Success in these events can lead to scholarships and more tournament invitations.
Hawaii’s courses challenge players with wind and different types of terrain. Golfers must adapt quickly because the competition is fierce.
Check local tournament calendars to find out which courses are hosting the next qualifiers. You can also visit the Hawaii State Golf Association’s tournament list for more details.
U.S. Senior Amateur
Hawaii runs qualifying events for the U.S. Senior Amateur. Golfers aged 55 and older can join these tournaments.
Seasoned players with decades of experience compete in these events. The format is tough, and only a few low scorers advance to the main championship.
Competing here takes skill, mental toughness, and stamina. Senior competitions often happen on challenging layouts like Mililani Golf Club.
The annual state senior amateur is a highlight for many. It provides a path to national play and celebrates local golf legends.
2024 Women’s Champion
In 2024, Traci Kashiwabara won the Women’s Division Champion title in Hawaii. She earned her victory at one of the top senior amateur events.
Other winners in 2024 included Kay Landry for the Super Senior Women’s Net and David Ujihara for the Super Senior Men’s division. Their victories are listed on the Hawaii State Golf Association tournament page.
Winning a state title in Hawaii is a big achievement. These events bring out strong competition from across the islands and inspire younger golfers.
Highlighting Past Champions and Rising Stars
Golf in Hawaii features legendary winners and talented newcomers. These tournaments bring together the best players and tomorrow’s stars.
Notable Players
Hawaii’s mix of famous champions and homegrown talent stands out. For example, Ernie Els won the 2025 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai with a strong final round.
This event gathers senior major winners and standout players each year. Its field is one of the most competitive on the island.
Local players like Kate Nakaoka and Remington Hirano have made their mark. These rising stars perform well at state and amateur events, such as the Hawaii State Amateur.
The blend of seasoned champions and promising youth gives each tournament a special feel. Hawaii’s golf tradition connects with its future through these events.
Memorable Tournament Moments
Some tournament moments stand out for their drama and skill. Watching a spectacular hole in one always excites the crowd.
Events like the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai have seen senior champions like Ernie Els deliver under pressure. Amateur tournaments in Hawaii also create unforgettable highlights.
Winning putts on the final hole, playoff victories, and young players surprising the field are memorable. These moments show why golf fans love Hawaii’s tournaments.
Top Golf Courses Hosting Tournaments
Some golf courses in Hawaii stand out for their history, beautiful scenery, and the big tournaments they host. Each venue offers something special for players and fans.
Waialae Country Club
Waialae Country Club sits along the shores of Honolulu. This course is famous for hosting the Sony Open, a PGA Tour event that brings top golfers to Hawaii every January.
The course design lets steady trade winds play a big role in the game, so each round feels different. Wide fairways and fast greens challenge all players.
The 18th hole, lined with palm trees, creates memorable finishes. Waialae offers a traditional clubhouse and high-quality practice facilities.
Challenging layouts and ocean views make events here special.
Oahu Country Club
Oahu Country Club is in the lush Nuuanu Valley, close to downtown Honolulu. Since 1906, it has hosted many local championships and is one of Hawaii’s oldest clubs.
The layout requires golfers to use every club in the bag. Tree-lined fairways, rolling hills, and small greens demand careful shots.
The clubhouse, set against mountain views, is a relaxing spot for players and fans. Tournaments here feel private and intimate.
Ko Olina Golf Club
Ko Olina Golf Club is on Oahu’s sunny west side, near beautiful lagoons and resorts. The course hosts major tournaments like the LPGA Lotte Championship, bringing top women golfers to the islands.
Water comes into play on many holes, and palm trees frame the fairways. Ted Robinson designed the course with wide landing areas and challenging approach shots.
Practice areas, a pro shop, and on-site dining make Ko Olina a full-service golf destination. The resort setting adds a relaxing vibe to every tournament.
The Dunes at Maui Lani
The Dunes at Maui Lani offers real Hawaiian links-style golf. The course sits on natural sand dunes in central Maui and uses the land’s features for a unique layout.
Local and state championships often take place here. Each hole offers different views, from the West Maui Mountains to open fairways, with wind affecting every round.
Fast greens, tall native grasses, and rolling hills make The Dunes both fun and challenging. After a round, players can relax at the on-site café.
The original design and welcoming staff make tournaments here memorable.
How to Get Involved in Hawaii Golf Tournaments
Joining golf tournaments in Hawaii means meeting certain rules and sometimes passing a skills test. Entry paths and skill levels are important to know.
Entry Requirements and Categories
To enter a golf tournament in Hawaii, players usually need to meet age and handicap requirements. Many events, like the Manoa Cup, require membership in the Hawaii State Golf Association or a similar group.
Most tournaments organize players by gender, age, or handicap. For example, the Big Island Amateur Championship has divisions for men, women, seniors, and sometimes juniors.
Here’s a sample of possible categories:
| Division | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Men | USGA Handicap, Age 18+ |
| Women | USGA Handicap, Age 18+ |
| Senior | Age 50+ |
| Junior | Under 18 |
Events often use online signups, with deadlines a few weeks before play. It’s important to read event details on sites like the Hawaii State Golf Association or Amateur Golf.
Players need to make sure they qualify for the division and have all paperwork, like proof of USGA handicap, ready at registration.
Playing Ability Test
Some tournaments, especially state-level or more competitive events, require me to take a playing ability test (PAT).
This test checks if my playing skills meet the level expected in the competition.
A PAT usually involves playing a set number of holes, often 18, and scoring below a certain number based on course difficulty.
The organizers use the test to ensure fairness and keep the competition strong.
I play from the back tees under tournament rules, and I must score equal to or better than a target number.
For some team or amateur tournaments, organizers do not require a PAT, but championships and qualifying events often include it.
If I’m new to the process, I check the tournament page for PAT rules or contact the tournament director.
This helps me prepare and prevents surprises on event day.
