Mauna Kea Golf Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii - Hawaii's First Great Golf Course

As the story goes, course designer Robert Trent Jones, Sr. said when looking at the future site of the proposed 3rd hole: "Mr. Rockefeller, if you allow me to build a golf course here, this'll be the most beautiful hole in the world.'' The Mauna Kea Golf Course subsequently opened in 1964, setting the standard, as "Hawaii's first great golf course,'' by which all other Hawaiian courses would be judged.

The course has since been updated by Rees Jones, son of the original designer. The younger Jones maintained the essential character of his father's design, but re-planted the championship course with more efficient ultra-dwarf Tifeagle Bermuda grass on the greens, and Tifway 419 hybrid Bermuda grass on the tees, fairways and roughs. He also added state-of-the-art irrigation systems, liners in the bunkers, and advancements to the drainage system to keep the course in prime condition.

Rees Jones also increased the number of bunkers to 99 and added another 200 yards to the overall course length. From the back tees, the 18-hole, par-72 course now plays to 7,370 yards with a USGA course rating of 77.2 and a slope rating of 136.

The 3rd hole remains one of Mauna Kea's signature holes - a daunting Par 3 at up to 272 yards that plays from a cliff-side tee across a large inlet of the Pacific Ocean to a cliff-side green situated on a finger of lava surrounded by seven bunkers. Either golfers clear the ocean with their tee shot, or they're wet. The ocean winds are almost always working against that happening, and the sound of waves pounding against the rocks makes for an added distraction. Just as original course designer Robert Trent Jones, Sr. envisioned, however, the hole remains one of the most beautiful and most photographed in the golfing world.

The course continues to receive honors and awards, including being named to the "Top 50 Resort Courses, Readers Choice Awards,'' by Golf World magazine, 2008; making the "Platinum List, Top 20 Golf Courses,'' by Celebrated Living, 2009; and being ranked #31 among "America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses'' by Golf Digest, 2007.

Practice facilities include a driving range and putting greens. Lessons are available from PGA Professionals for private and group lessons, as well as clinics.

In addition to the renovations to the course itself, new golf facilities have also been added. A new Pro Shop, designed by John Hara Associates, Inc. and Procraft Heritage Creations, features the latest equipment, attire and accessories. The "Number 3'' clubhouse restaurant has also been updated with a new look, and features tasty cuisine and drinks in a casual atmosphere.

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has also been updated, and remains a luxury Hawaiian resort. All of the hotel rooms have new interiors and feature large, flat-screen TVs, media hubs, including iPod docks, as well as other luxury amenities.

For dining, the hotel's restaurants feature cultured international cuisine, as well as fresh, local Kohala Coast ingredients.