Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
The best beach on the Big Island is located just steps from the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel about 20 miles up the Kohala Coast from the Kona airport. This spacious property is one of the newer additions to the area and features a unique design. From the entry gate you drive about a mile or so past the Hapuna Beach Golf Course down to the front lobby area. The ocean is in view the moment you get out of your vehicle. The entire open air lobby theatre affords panoramic ocean views as do most of the rooms. The golf course is just across the street and within walking distance.
A Little More Challenging Than Most
Hapuna Beach Golf Course was designed by Arnold Palmer whose picture adorns most of the walls in the clubhouse area. Even the restaurant is named Arniešs. I found this course to be a little more challenging than most of his work although I did play it all the way back at 6875 yards. The blue tees would be more reasonable at 6534 yards. There are also white tees at 6029 yards, red at 5067 yards, and green tees as well. Hapuna winds its way up into the hills from the hotel with sweeping Pacific Ocean views from almost every hole. On most days you get a good look at Maui which is just 25 miles away. Most of the front nine winds its way up the hill, but downwind. Of note, the ninth does not come into the clubhouse, but there is a drink/food cart always nearby.
On the front nine numbers 6 and 9 drew my attention. Number 6 plays 441 yards downhill but into the prevailing breeze. Both the tee shot and the second shot are fairly tight. A large lava wall surrounds the green and runs down the right side of the fairway. The ninth hole is a par four dogleg left with a pond guarding the right side. It measures 435 yards and plays slightly into the wind. Number 14 is a 566 yard par five which plays uphill but downwind. It is a dogleg right with lava guarding the right side all the way. The 3rd shot is played across the lava to a severely elevated green.
The 16th is a short par three at 162 yards with water on the right. This green is visible from Highway 19 which intersects the property but is lightly traveled in this area. The finish at Hapuna can be tough. Number 17 is a 419 yard dogleg right par 4 with a fairly tight fairway. The tee shot is somewhat blind from the tips but as you move up the fairway becomes more visible. The second shot plays downhill, but donšt go left or long or you will be in your pocket. The 18th is also tough at 442 yards from the back. It plays downhill and a dogleg to the left. The tee shot is deceptive with less room available on the left than appears and the second shot is all carry to an elevated green. Hapuna has a large practice area and the entire facility was in excellent shape. The Bermuda greens which are prevalent on the Kohala Coast will take a little adjusting to. The Golf Clubhouse also houses the hotels fitness center.
Exploring Hapuna
There are many day trips available on the Big Island. Visiting the Volcanoes National Park is one of them. If you really just want to see the lava though, I would recommend one of the many helicopter tours. The lava is actually hard to see from the ground as we found out Also Mt. Mauna Kea is the highest mountain in the Pacific at 13,000 feet. Star gazing is at its best from the visitor center located at almost 10,000 feet. Check it out before you go as it is a 2 hour drive and the altitude can cause problems for some
The Hapuna Beach Hotel has 350 rooms is very family friendly. The large pool area is set just above and in view of the beach. In fact our kids would run back and forth continuously. The Coast Grill Restaurant is just above the pool area and has great food as well as ocean views from its terraces. One great feature of all the public areas within the hotel is that they offer shaded terraces. One can sit outside with great views and be protected from the strong sun in this part of the world. Hapuna Beach is widely regarded as the best on the Big Island. The part in front of the hotel stretches for a couple of hundred yards of shimmering Pacific Ocean. The waves are mostly mild, but on windy days swells will be great for body surfing. Snorkeling equipment can be rented from the pool stand. There are also large grass areas just above the beach area which are shaded by palm trees and include lounge chairs. Hapuna has extensive convention facilities as well as the only full service business center on the Kohala Coast. The gift shop offers snacks and drinks which are more convenient than room service. There is also a small deli in the lobby area. For more information, visit www.hapunabeachhotel.com or call 808-880-1111.