A New Era of Golf at Mauna Lani: What’s Coming to Hawaiʻi Island’s Kohala Coast

A New Era of Golf at Mauna Lani: What’s Coming to Hawaiʻi Island’s Kohala Coast

Mauna Lani is introducing an exciting new chapter in golf, bringing together technology, recreation, instruction, and social experiences in one of Hawaiʻi Island’s most celebrated resort destinations.

The Kohala Coast has long been recognized for its championship golf courses, luxury resorts, oceanfront communities, and exceptional outdoor lifestyle. Now, Mauna Lani is preparing to introduce a new dimension to that experience.

Announced by Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, on November 6, 2026, the resort’s expanded golf offerings are scheduled to debut in December 2026, introducing new practice facilities, interactive golf experiences, short-game courses, professional instruction, and enhanced membership opportunities.

For residents, second-home owners, and visitors, this expansion represents more than an improvement to traditional golf facilities. It reflects a broader evolution in how people experience recreation, community, and resort living on Hawaiʻi Island.

What’s New at Mauna Lani Golf?

The upcoming additions are designed to make golf more accessible, engaging, and social, while continuing to serve experienced players who appreciate the sport’s technical challenges.

Three key experiences anchor this new chapter: The Bays, The Wave, and The Academy.

The Bays: A New Approach to Golf Practice and Entertainment

One of the most anticipated additions is The Bays, a modern golf practice and entertainment destination that combines traditional skill development with interactive technology.

The facility will feature:

• Eight covered golf bays
• 16 hitting areas
• A natural-turf tee
• Toptracer technology and interactive golf challenges
• Food trucks and self-service beverages
• Live sports viewing and member events

Toptracer technology introduces a more interactive element to the driving range, allowing golfers to participate in challenges while practicing their game.

But The Bays is designed to be more than a practice facility.

With comfortable gathering spaces, refreshments, and opportunities to socialize, it creates an environment where golfers and non-golfers alike can spend time together.

For Mauna Lani residents and homeowners, this type of amenity adds another recreational option close to home, whether for an afternoon practice session, a casual gathering with friends, or an introduction to golf for visiting family members.

The Wave: A More Relaxed and Social Golf Experience

Not every golf experience needs to involve a full 18-hole round.

The Wave introduces a more approachable way to enjoy the game, featuring an 18-hole putting course and a nine-hole short course, with contours inspired by the Pacific Ocean.

The concept encourages participation across different ages and experience levels.

Families can enjoy a casual outing, experienced golfers can sharpen their short game, and friends can gather for some friendly competition.

Mauna Lani also envisions relaxed sunset rounds, creating an experience that feels distinctly connected to the outdoor lifestyle of the Kohala Coast.

This is particularly appealing in a resort community where recreation often extends beyond traditional sports into shared experiences.

For homeowners who regularly host family and guests, The Wave offers another way to enjoy the destination without committing to a full day on the golf course.

The Academy: Golf Instruction for Every Skill Level

The expansion also introduces The Academy, where nationally recognized golf instructors will offer private lessons and group clinics.

Programs are intended to accommodate different skill levels, from beginners learning the fundamentals to experienced players looking to improve specific aspects of their game.

Access to professional instruction adds another layer to Mauna Lani’s golf offerings.

For residents who play regularly, having instructional opportunities within the resort environment can make continued skill development more convenient.

For newcomers, The Academy provides a welcoming entry point into the sport.

A Refreshed Golf Retail Experience

Alongside the new recreational facilities, Mauna Lani is refreshing its golf retail experience.

Serving as the check-in location for the resort’s established North and South Courses, the retail space will offer performance apparel, golf equipment, accessories, and other essentials.

The updated environment is intended to make the transition from arrival to the first tee more seamless.

Together with the new practice and entertainment facilities, these improvements create a more connected golf experience throughout the resort.

Golf Membership Beyond the Fairways

Mauna Lani is also expanding the appeal of its golf membership program.

According to the resort’s announcement, membership benefits include:

• Unlimited golf and practice access
• Tee-time reservations up to 60 days in advance
• Special rates for up to three accompanied guests
• Member Pau Hana gatherings
• Exclusive Masters in Residence events
• Complimentary golf bag storage
• Preferred pricing on instruction, merchandise, and select dining

These offerings emphasize both the sporting and social aspects of membership.

For frequent golfers, advance reservations and practice access provide practical benefits. For residents who value community connections, member gatherings and special events create opportunities to build relationships beyond the course.

Membership availability, pricing, eligibility, and specific terms should be confirmed directly with Mauna Lani Golf.

What This Means for Mauna Lani Real Estate

For buyers exploring luxury homes and condominiums along the Kohala Coast, lifestyle amenities are often an important part of the decision-making process.

The conversation is rarely limited to the property’s square footage, architectural design, or ocean views.

Buyers also want to understand what everyday life looks like within a community.

How accessible are recreational activities? What opportunities exist for entertaining guests? How does the surrounding resort environment support the way they want to spend their time?

Mauna Lani’s latest golf expansion adds another dimension to those considerations.

1. A Broader Lifestyle Appeal

Traditional championship golf remains an important attraction for the Kohala Coast, but newer recreational concepts can appeal to a wider audience.

Interactive driving ranges, putting courses, short-game experiences, and social gathering areas create opportunities for participation beyond serious golfers.

This broader appeal can be particularly meaningful for second-home buyers and families who want a destination that accommodates different interests and generations.

2. Additional Amenities for Second-Home Owners

For buyers considering a vacation residence, the surrounding amenities can be just as important as the home itself.

A property may offer privacy, outdoor living space, and proximity to the ocean, while nearby resort facilities provide opportunities for recreation and entertainment.

The new Mauna Lani golf experiences add to the range of activities available within the destination.

However, buyers should confirm which facilities are publicly accessible, which require membership, and whether any property-specific access privileges apply.

3. A Continued Investment in the Resort Experience

Established resort communities benefit from ongoing attention to their amenities and infrastructure.

The introduction of modern golf technology, updated retail facilities, expanded instruction, and new recreational spaces demonstrates continued investment in Mauna Lani’s guest and golf experience.

From a real estate perspective, these improvements are relevant because they contribute to the overall lifestyle offering of the destination.

That does not automatically translate into higher property values or rental returns. Those outcomes depend on market conditions, property characteristics, ownership costs, and buyer demand.

Still, for buyers comparing resort communities, the quality and variety of surrounding amenities remain meaningful considerations.

4. Another Consideration for Vacation Property Buyers

Some buyers exploring Mauna Lani are also interested in the potential to generate vacation rental income when they are not using their property.

Golf and resort amenities can contribute to a destination’s appeal to visitors, but buyers should evaluate rental opportunities carefully.

Short-term rental eligibility, community rules, operating expenses, association fees, and applicable regulations vary by property.

The availability of nearby golf experiences should be viewed as one part of the overall investment picture rather than a guarantee of rental performance.

Why Mauna Lani Continues to Attract Luxury Homebuyers

Located along Hawaiʻi Island’s South Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani offers a distinctive combination of natural beauty, resort amenities, and residential communities.

The destination is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery, championship golf, and access to outdoor recreation.

Residential options in the broader Mauna Lani area include luxury condominiums, resort residences, and custom homes, each with different ownership structures, community amenities, and maintenance considerations.

For some buyers, the priority is a private retreat with convenient access to the ocean and golf.

For others, it is the ability to spend extended periods on Hawaiʻi Island while enjoying the services and experiences associated with resort living.

The newest additions to Mauna Lani Golf further support that lifestyle, offering more ways for residents and visitors to enjoy their time on the Kohala Coast.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Mauna Lani

With its new golf experiences scheduled to open in December 2026, Mauna Lani is preparing to expand how residents, members, and visitors engage with the game.

The Bays brings technology and social entertainment to golf practice. The Wave introduces a relaxed approach to putting and short-game recreation. The Academy creates additional opportunities for learning and improvement.

Together, these additions build on the destination’s established golf reputation while introducing experiences designed for a broader audience.

For Hawaiʻi Island real estate buyers, the announcement is another reminder that choosing a resort property involves more than selecting a home.

It is also about choosing the lifestyle, community, and experiences that surround it.

Explore Mauna Lani Real Estate with Hawaiʻi Development Group

At Hawaiʻi Development Group, we help buyers and sellers navigate the distinct characteristics of Hawaiʻi Island’s resort communities, including Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Beach Resort, and the surrounding Kohala Coast.

Whether you’re considering a luxury residence, a second home, or an investment property, understanding the community’s amenities, ownership costs, and long-term considerations is an essential part of making an informed decision.

Thinking about buying or selling in Mauna Lani?

Connect with our team for local market insight, available property opportunities, and guidance tailored to your real estate goals.

Hawaiʻi Development Group
www.hawaiidevelopmentgroup.com

Source: Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection — “A New Era of Golf at Mauna Lani,” November 6, 2026. Opening schedules, facilities, and membership benefits are subject to change.