Golf Courses in Hilo, Hawaii
There are two golf courses in Hilo: Hilo Muni and the Naniloa Golf Club. Both are good courses and fun to play, unless you are looking for something that is a little more high end. But the side benefit is that they don’t cost an arm and a leg. Hilo Muni is already one of the most inexpensive golf courses in the state, but it is even more inexpensive to us, residents. Last time I played there it was $40 for a one month pass for all you can play on week days. Let’s just say it is a bargain for all of the retirees who seem to play five rounds a week rain or shine. Though in Hilo it is generally more rain then shine.
I don’t remember exactly how much Naniloa costs but it wasn’t that bad either compared to the $50 to $150 rounds I played in California. But the Naniloa is only 9 holes. Though what is nice about it is that it is located across the street from Hilo Bay, so if you like looking at water it might be the course for you. And if you are staying at one of the Banyan Drive Hotels it is a no brainer because it is right across the street.
One fun thing about Naniloa is that it is right in the flight path of the airplanes that are landing in Hilo Airport. This makes both putting and driving a very interesting and uncertain event, unless you have the exact departure and arrival schedule on your iPhone.
Here’s a little blog post with some pictures of Hilo Muni. I’d snap some photos of Hilo Muni myself, but my back has kept me from playing golf for a while. Oh well. Besides, I’d be more focused on my round than on taking photos anyway. That is unless there’s some slow play going on in the group ahead of me. My favorite quote from that post is:
Every green is elevated, if you hit short, you did not get on. If you hit a flyer you were off the back. I suggest you practice your chipping if you play Hilo Municipal Golf Course.
Do you know why all the greens are elevated?
It’s because of all the rain we get here. If the greens weren’t elevated the would be a water hazard or at least a mud hazard.
It also has a covered driving range so that you can hit golf balls in the rain. But it’s not much of a help when the rain is coming down sideways. Just don’t hit an air ball or you will hit the roof and all the middle school golfers will laugh at you when they hear the loud clank. But then again, this advice is probably just for me. I’m sure that you are a much better golfer than I am.