Hualalai Golf Club, Nicklaus Course, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii - The First Jack Nicklaus-Designed Course on Hawaii

The Hualalai Golf Course was the first Jack Nicklaus-designed course on Hawaii and, according to Nicklaus, his inspiration for the design came from the native lava. Nicklaus used the ups and downs he found there, as well as the influence of the ocean, to create what is described as a "spectacular playing field.''

The 18-hole, par-72 course plays 7,117 yards from the championship tees, with a USGA rating of 73.7 and a slope rating of 139. Golfers will begin by playing through a lush kipuka (oasis), then follow a layout of vibrant-green fairways sculpted against a backdrop of black lava rock. The course then finds its way back to the ocean, with finishing holes that deliver on the expected beauty, difficulty and drama of direct seaside golf.

The couse, which is the home of the PGA Champions Tour Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, features a number of noteworthy holes. The par-3 No. 12 is a rush and a challenge for just about any golfer, as the hole features something you just don't see everyday: an expansive, contoured green with a deep, intimidating bunker right at its heart.

Hole No. 17 is Hualalai's signature hole, and the layout features a green that actually touches the ocean. Another noteworthy hole is the par-3 No. 5, which is considered the most difficult hole on the course. Playing toward the mountain, an elevated tee looks down upon a picturesque hole with a number of water hazards. When explaining his theory of course design, Nicklaus likened it to "painting on a canvas'' with some good golf shots included, and that sums up the Nicklaus Course.

Golf facilities include a driving range, putting green, and pro shop with club rental. Golf instruction is also available. The course also features a clubhouse that serves up tropical refreshments at the Hualalai Grille, as well as beautiful views of the ocean.

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu is a reflection of the nature all around it. Making use of materials indigenous to Hawaii, such as bamboo, rattan and lava rock, the resort has received numerous honors and awards. It was voted No. 12 among the World's Top 100 Resorts in the 2006 Travel & Leisure Reader's Poll, and ranks among the World's Top Resorts, Top Rooms, Top Services, Top Facilities and Top Destination Spas in the Zagat Survey 2007-2008.

The resort features the 15,000-square-foot Hualalai Sports Club for fitness training, which also includes a whirlpool, sauna and steam room. The resort also offers exotic spa treatments and massages at the Hualalai Spa with a uniquely Hawaiian flair.

Other activities include the Hualalai Tennis Club, the Beach Tree Pool, and the Beach Tree Bar & Grille. For dining, the resort offers Pahu i`a, which provides an oceanfront dining experience and a brilliant aquarium. The restaurant has received numerous awards, including a Four Diamond award from AAA.

The resort also offers dining Naupuka Terrace, as well as the Lava Lounge and Beach Tree Bar.