By Lailan Bento
Kailua-Kona’s country club scene stretches from Keauhou’s ocean-view fairways to the lava-framed coast near Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and up toward the renowned resort corridor along Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway. Proximity to country clubs influences real estate decisions in places like Keauhou, Kalaoa, and the coastal communities that sit minutes from the shoreline.
If you’re comparing options, I’ll help you match the club experience to the setting, the commute rhythm, and the style of home that fits life on the Kona Coast.
Key Takeaways
-
Closest classic option: easy access in Keauhou with coastline views
-
Private coastal lifestyle: members-only amenities with a residential focus
-
Resort-linked golf: club access tied closely to high-end hospitality
-
Location strategy: use drive patterns from KOA, Keauhou, and Kailua Village
Kona Country Club: Keauhou Convenience With Ocean-View Holes
Kona Country Club sits in Keauhou, a straightforward drive from Kailua Village and the everyday stops along Aliʻi Drive.
Why this club works for a Keauhou-based routine
-
Keauhou location: quick access from Keauhou neighborhoods and the shopping and dining around Keauhou Shopping Center
-
Coastal scenery: fairways and tees oriented toward Kona’s open-water views and sunset angles
-
Flexible play culture: an approachable atmosphere that supports regular rounds and relaxed post-golf meals
That combination creates a club day that fits smoothly around beach time at Kahaluʻu and dinners back in town.
Kohanaiki: Private Club Living Near the Kona Coast
Kohanaiki sits close to KOA and the north-of-town corridor, where lava fields meet carefully planned coastal amenities.
Why Kohanaiki feels like an all-in-one lifestyle hub
-
Member-focused amenities: dining, wellness, and recreation designed to support full days on property
-
Coastal access: a shoreline setting that encourages paddling, lounging, and sunset meetups after golf
-
Resort-level clubhouse feel: spaces geared toward social time, fitness blocks, and relaxed evenings
From a real estate standpoint, this area rewards careful attention to lot orientation, prevailing breezes, and how the home’s lanai connects to outdoor entertaining.
Hualālai Golf Club: Iconic Resort Energy With Elevated Service
Hualālai is closely associated with the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai area, with golf and amenities that reflect the standards of a high-end resort setting.
Why Hualālai appeals to resort-minded routines
-
Signature-course reputation: a course experience positioned as a marquee part of the Kona resort corridor
-
Hospitality alignment: service levels that support seamless tee times, dining, and lounge moments
-
Amenity adjacency: easy pairing with spa, fitness, and oceanfront resort programming nearby
When I tour properties here, I pay close attention to how landscaping and hardscape choices complement the lava terrain and keep upkeep straightforward across seasons.
Kukio Golf and Beach Club: Ultra-Private Coastal Prestige
Kukio sits along the Kona-Kohala coast corridor north of Kailua-Kona, where private beach access and high-end club amenities set the tone.
Why Kukio stands out for privacy and coastal access
-
Beach-club component: oceanfront amenities that support beach days alongside golf days
-
Full-service facilities: fitness, spa-style elements, and dining options designed for on-property living
-
Luxury real estate focus: a strong connection between club life and high-design residential options
If you’re comparing home locations, this corridor rewards looking at travel time to KOA, your favorite groceries, and your go-to restaurants in Kailua Village.
The Club at Hōkūliʻa: Kealakekua Views and a Private Golf Setting
Hōkūliʻa is based in Kealakekua, a short drive south of Kailua-Kona, where the landscape rises and the views open wide.
Why Hōkūliʻa fits a quieter, view-driven lifestyle
-
Kealakekua location: a South Kona setting that feels distinct from the busier in-town corridor
-
Private play culture: an experience shaped around membership access and consistent standards
-
Upland perspective: elevation and sightlines that influence how the round feels from the first tee
Real estate around this stretch often highlights privacy, generous lanais, and landscaping that complements the terrain and climate.
FAQs
How do I choose between a Keauhou club and a north Kona resort-style club?
I start by mapping your weekly routes, like where you spend time along Aliʻi Drive, where you shop, and how often you want to be near KOA.
Do private clubs near Kona typically connect closely to real estate communities?
Many of the most exclusive options are structured around residential living, where amenities, dining, and recreation are designed to support time on the property.
What should I pay attention to when touring homes near these clubs?
I recommend focusing on lanai usability, breeze patterns, and how the home’s layout supports entertaining after golf or beach time.
Contact Lailan Bento Today
If you’re exploring country clubs near Kailua-Kona HI, I’ll help you connect the club experience to the right neighborhood, whether that means Keauhou convenience, north Kona resort access, or a more removed South Kona setting.
Reach out to me,
Lailan Bento, and I’ll put together a short list of homes that align with your preferred club atmosphere, your ideal proximity to Aliʻi Drive or KOA, and the lifestyle amenities you plan to use every week.
