During a Big Island golf vacation the key is to keep focused on your game and somehow block out the beauty of lava bordered fairways, crystal clear waters, palm laden greens and resounding waves crashing beyond the bunker before you. Until it's someone else's turn that is! Big Island golf courses number twenty in total, some designed by top rated course designers. A fair share of the stunning scenic holes on Hawaiian islands are found on Big Island.

One of the top Big Island Hawaii golf courses is the Hapuna course at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Hapuna is a great place to relish in a Big Island golf vacation. The resort offers services at one of the world class Big Island resorts coupled with the exciting close proximity of the course. Designed by legendary Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, the 18-hole championship course is tucked into the impressive contours of terrain from the coast to almost 700 feet above sea level. This is a really impressive course to see during a helicopter tour.

Dramatic views of the Pacific and the Kohala Coast offer a further distraction as the snow-tipped Mauna Kea volcano looms in the background. Hapuna serves up exquisite challenging play and landscape sensitivity providing an enjoyable game for even the most experienced golfer. Guests of the resort also enjoy a number of terrific Hawaii travel packages and great tee times during a Big Island golf vacation.

Neighboring the Hapuna course is the Mauna Kea Golf Course, another of the top Big Island Hawaii golf courses. Aside form the many things to do in and around the resort golf remains at the top of the list for many. Robert Trent Jones Sr. is the acclaimed designer of the Mauna Kea course featuring daring feats for every level. The course's stunning landscape covers 230-acres and houses an incredible 18-hole championship course.

Undulating greens, striking elevation changes and 120 strategically placed bunkers provide play-through unlike any other Big Island golf courses. Sweeping ocean views and rugged terrain highlight dramatic lava beds and sparkling water. The course's beauty is maximized by the arresting third hole where the rushing water of the inlet surges in meeting the rugged shoreline and creating a breathtaking spectacle. A Big Island golf vacation at Mauna Kea affords guests many opportunities to explore the island further with many excellent Hawaii tours, diving excursions and snorkeling trips.

Top Big Island Hawaii golf courses also include the Kona Country Club where choices lie in the Mountain Course and the Ocean Course. Bot designed by William bell in 1966, the Ocean Course features striking seaside settings replete with beautiful mountain views. Both experts and beginners enjoy the innovative 18-hole course design highlighted by wide, verdant fairways, several sand bunkers, Bermuda grass and lava rock obstacles.

The Mountain Course is another fantastic course to play during a Big Island golf vacation. Bordered by the stunning Kona coastline, it features a refreshing mountain backdrop, vibrant Bermuda greens, raised tees, several bunkers and three sparkling lakes. Elevations on the front nine provide numerous challenges with the added distraction of swaying palms, vivid blue ocean and sweeping views from Kona to Keauhou. Stop at the 14th hole where a cascading waterfall, black lava rock, and miles of ocean reward players with the best scenery around.

If golfers manage to tear themselves away from the Big Island golf courses there are plenty of other activities to revel in. A Hawaii cruise is a great way to see the extensive and dramatic shoreline. Hawaii sailing is another sport many savor as they careen over gentle ocean waves and soak up the warm Hawaiian sunshine. Hawaiian attractions such as Akaka Falls and Big Island beaches offer another way to relax and soak in the abundant dramatic scenery the island is brimming with.